She was the beaming bride at the centre of the society wedding of the year. A wedding that was keenly watched by countless brides around the world, eager to emulate even the tiniest detail.
And now Pippa Middleton has appeared in Australia for her honeymoon – and her tour has proved no less instructive. (And not just for her take on ultra-Sloaney honeymoon wear.)
That’s because the world’s most famous bridesmaid has spent 24 hours on an airplane to holiday … in the Northern Territory, a destination many Australians have relegated to the bottom of their bucket list, somewhere below Queenstown and above Antarctica.
Maybe it’s because the Top End is seen as “Grey Nomad territory”. (Partly true.) Maybe it’s because it’s expensive. (Also partly true.) Perhaps it’s because it’s just not as glamorous as trip to Capri or Paris. (Absolutely true.)
Whatever the reason, the stats paint a bleak picture. Last year, Australians took 10 million trips overseas; in comparison just 590,000 of us holidayed in the NT.
I visited the Northern Territory as part of a travel story for marie claire about 10 years ago – and it was easily one of the best trips I’ve been on. I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot, and can say – hand on heart – that the Northern Territory was just as impressive and beautiful as an African desert, and the scenery was as gorgeous as anything you’d find in New Zealand or Canada.
Pippa reportedly stayed at the Bamurru Plains Lodge, a luxury glamping lodge that will set you back $2700 a night. When I visited, we stayed at Arnhem Land Safaris, Cobourg Coastal Camp and Seven Spirit Bay. All three were brilliant (and, importantly, not $2700 a night).
So if you’re going to take one thing from Pippa’s honeymoon (and don’t pretend you haven’t been reading all about it) don’t let it be an enthusiasm for ‘90s-style espadrilles or $15,000-a-night hotel rooms overlooking Sydney Harbour. Take your cues from her itinerary – which covers some of the most beautiful spots in Australia, and indeed the world.
