Crack the champers or an ice-cold VB, because the Northern Territory border has reopened today to welcome back (most) interstate visitors to its endless iconic charms and laid-back vibe.
After four months or 116 days to be exact, the NT opened its borders again overnight, allowing most interstate arrivals to move freely around the adventure playground that is the Northern Territory.
Claimed as the ‘greatest and safest place on earth’ by the legendary NT News, their masthead today ran with the cheeky headline ‘Open wide, come inside.’
Not every local it seems, has a friendly welcome in mind.
There are still some restrictions in place with Victorians and residents of Sydney hotspots not allowed to enter due to COVID-19 restrictions, but for the rest (literally the other half population-wise) of Australia – it’s game on!
Already, the grey nomad brigade has been heading north for some winter heat and waiting to cross the border today to take advantage of the endless road trips and camping spots on offer.
The first interstate flight into the NT will arrive from Perth this afternoon with many more scheduled from other capital cities to arrive over the weekend.
Some resorts and attractions still remain closed with the Ayers Rock Resort set to reopen on August 1, though travellers are once again allowed to explore two of Australia’s most spectacular ancient landscapes, with the Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu national parks now back open.
The Territory Is The Answer
The NT launched a national tourism campaign on 21 June 2020 which runs until October 2020 and aims to entice Australians to stop dreaming and start booking their next holiday in the NT.
Capturing the essence of what the Territory has on display, the campaign highlights the freedom and flexibility the Territory provides through stunning landscapes, waterfalls and outback adventures, as well as traditional Aboriginal art and cultural experiences.
The campaign showcases the abundance of the Territory’s offerings, including adventure, escape and an opportunity to re-connect with travelling companions.
The NT says “A collection of humorous and quirky television and digital advertisements will use humour to capture the imagination of everyday Australians who are fed up with quarantine and are ready to bust out and explore the Northern Territory’s unique landscapes, culture and experiences.”
The nationally targeted campaign focuses on the fly-drive and self-drive holidaymakers and will appear in all states and territories via TV, print, digital, email marketing, out of home and radio advertising with a social media and media publicity campaign, and consumer activations.
Find out more: northernterritory.com
Main pic: Crocosaurus Cove