The biggest upside of road tripping the NT in a Tesla: 'Added benefit'

If you're jealous of many friends chasing the Euro summer dream and you couldn't quite get there this year, thankfully we live in a country where a warm winter escape is only a short plane ride away.

If you're anything like me, each winter you are desperate to escape the cold — let's be real, it's not right to see our breath come out in little puffs in our badly insulated Sydney apartments, while we tap away at our laptops and sit on our hands sporadically to warm them up.

I was fortunate to live my best Italian hot girl summer last year, but somewhat unfortunate enough to still be financially recovering from it 12 months on. It turns out my phrase "money goes out, but money comes back in" didn't really magically materialise a random $15k into my bank account over the last financial year.

RELATED:

• This surprising and tiny town is seriously underrated, but should be on every traveller's U.S. itinerary

• How to spend 48 hours in Orange, NSW for the ultimate winter getaway

• How to have a Euro Summer-style weekend without leaving Australia

So what's a gal to do when she's desperate for some sun, heat, and a holiday feeling without completely breaking the bank?

Escape to the NT of course. Or more specifically, Darwin.

Here's how to have the ultimate long weekend in Darwin

A relatively chill four-hour flight away from Sydney, time flies much quicker when you consume two glasses of red at the airport and annoy your seat neighbour the whole way there with a Magna Doodle (you know, the children's erasable drawing board) your ADHD friend was given by the flight attendant. Sorry to our seat neighbour! You seemed like a very nice and patient man.

Stepping into the Darwin heat in winter is a beautiful reprieve... guaranteed as soon as you're off that plane, your winter depression is gone! Vanished! Don't even know her. While Darwin may be notorious for its muggy wet season, winter in Darwin is dry, warm, and full of life, with many people escaping to the top end to experience a little holiday jaunt without having to stray too far from home.

Disclaimer: If you're wanting to make the most of a long weekend we recommend getting the Thursday night flight. Sure, it may get you into Darwin at 1am, but that's enough time for a solid nap before you arise the next day and get on the road!

Day 1:

Day one in Darwin is the perfect day to hire a car and get exploring. With Litchfield National Park and Kakadu just a relatively short drive away, there's many a swimming hole to be explored, wildlife to be spotted, and you can hit the great open road at a nice 130km/hr pacing that will make you forget all about Sydney or Melbourne traffic.

For easy car hire, we opted with Turo, where you can rent out someone else's car at an extremely cost-effective price, with the added benefit of the person owning the car giving you some local hints, tips, and tricks along the way (such as "if you see a swimming hole and no one is in it, do not swim in it!").

My trip to Darwin was roughly titled Bad Gals Behaving Badly, so being the fancy b**ches we are, we went all out and decided to hire a Tesla from Turo and drive out to Litchfield to go swimming. Yes, swimming in July. Yes, it was paradise.

We hit up Bluey Rockhole, home to magical cascading rock pools, as well as Florence Falls, a picturesque waterfall that has a deep plunge pool and clear waters where you can see the fish swimming along beside you.

Recommendation: Bring some snacks or lunch with you as you go exploring around the park, as all the swimming, hiking, and adventures will leave you hungry. And pack a lot of water!

After a day of sun and fun, you'll be pretty pooped upon your return back to Darwin. Our friendly Turo host recommended a seafood lover's dream for dinner: The Jetty Restaurant which is an all-you-can eat seafood and steak joint that overlooks the Darwin harbour. Delicious seafood, a buffet with all the trimmings, and a nice country pour of white wine while you look out at the water... what more could you want?

Day 2:

If the first day was about exploring the outskirts of Darwin, day two is about checking out what Darwin is well-known for. Crocs, of course!

We started the day with an acai bowl down the road from our hotel, and then headed to Crocosaurus Cove, a wildlife centre that gives you an up-close look at some huge saltwater crocs.

If you're even more adventurous there are many cruises you can go on which gives you a better look into crocs in their natural habitat — and I won't lie, it is one of my regrets we didn't opt to go on a Jumping Croc Cruise instead.

But not all is lost in the cruising world — that night we embarked on a magical sunset dinner cruise that takes you out on the water and you'll likely see one of the most stunningl sunsets of your life (until Sunday that is... but more on that later).

Now here's where the fun begins: with a bunch of international travellers on working holiday visas and friendly locals, Darwin isn't short of fun places to go to when you want to experience a little nightlife. From small bars to the infamous Shenannigans, if you brought your dancing shoes and a good attitude, you'll forget you're not in Europe gallivanting around Spain with that w**nker friend who can't stop posting Stories.

Because, actually, everyone should be jealous that you're actually having the time of your life in Darwin. And you're probably just wearing Kmart-style birks and an old Cotton On singlet top and still looking bangin'.

Day 3:

Feeling dusty? Just hydrate and get up and grow up, because there's plenty more to do and see.

For a taste of Darwin's history, take a drive out to the Darwin War Memorial, which tells the story not only of the NT's role in the second World War, but of Australia's involvement in conflict over the years.

From there, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory showcases permanent exhibitions that will teach you more about Darwin's history, including exhibitions on Cyclone Tracy, the transformation of the Territory including a look into Territory life from 1911-1921, and other temporary experiences such as a photographic exhibition from the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) celebrating 50 years of Yolŋu economic independence.

SHOP:

• Score 30% off Abbie Chatfield's favourite vibes thanks to this female-owned sexual wellness company

• The nutritious and dairy-free snack option perfect for fussy eaters

• The personalised accessories for anyone who loves to make a statement

Assuming Day Three for you is a Sunday, the Mindil Markets is a must-visit (they're also on a Thursday night too btw).

It's the local's favourite spot for watching the glorious tropical sunsets over the Timor Sea. Make sure to try the laksa at one of the food stalls, enjoy the live music from 5pm onwards, and check out Mick's Whips at 7:30pm at the Casino Entrance. And if you want to try your luck at the Casino, we can only imagine where your night takes you from there (probably back to Shenannigans to be honest).

And if you're anything like me, there's a high chance you'll be desperately on the phone to Virgin Australia trying to change your flights to stay for an extra few days to keep exploring the Top End — so learn from my mistakes, and turn that three-day weekend into a longer trip. You won't regret it.

Yahoo Lifestyle was the guest of Turo.

Want the latest celebrity news? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.