DISCOVER: Into the Wild - A Road Trip Through Australia's Northern Territory

Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastIn today’s Discover Destination guide, we’re taking a road trip across the Northern Territory of Australia, from crocodile close-encounters and aboriginal rock art to a wonder of the world that’s been drawing people to it for more than 30,000-years.The Top End, as it’s known, is ancient, vast, deeply spiritual, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. This is a journey into its heart to discover one of the wildest and mostfascinating places in the country.Highlights include:Exploring Arnhem Land, a 200,000 acre wilderness home to the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art on Earth..Sitting by the campfire with Peter ‘Fingers’ Taylor of Finnis River Lodge hearing stories of wildlife close-calls and the greatest animal rescue story you will ever hear (spoiler: it involves giving CPR to a possum).Seeing Uluru for the first time: more than 1,000ft tall, and nearly six miles around, this giant stark red sandstone monolith is one of the great wonders of the natural world, and infused throughout with aboriginal history stretching back to the Dreamtime.Walking in Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s less-visited but equally sacred neighbour - 36 ancient domes of rock, and a Valley of the Winds hike that might just be one of the most beautiful in Australia.PLAN YOUR TRIPWe designed this itinerary with a company called Down Under Endeavors, who specialize in authentic Australian adventures: wide open spaces, real wilderness, and the kind of local characters you'll be telling stories about for years.Armchair Explorer listeners get $500 off any trip. Downunderendeavours.com/armchair and use the code ARMCHAIR at checkout.You can literally book this exact trip - with these exact guides - or design something entirely your own. You can book from anywhere in the world, and even if you're just dreaming right now, the website is worth a visit, and the dream is half the fun.GOT 30 SECONDS?If this episode made you want to book a flight to Australia, do us a favour and send it to just one person who you think might need an escape too. It helps us continue to build this community of travelers who want to protect the outdoors, learn from different cultures, and celebrate the pure joy of exploring this beautiful planet. We think that’s a message that’s worth sharing. If you do too, please leave a review or pass it on.FOLLOW USInstagram: @armchairexplorerpodcastFacebook: @armchairexplorerpodcastCREDITSArmchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions, find out other shows at armchair-productions.com. Aaron Millar writes and presents the show. Charles Tyrie does the audio editing and sound design. Theme music by the artist Sweet Chap.Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Advertising.