The Millennium Experience

Grit in your teeth, bruises on your knees, and a pair of sunburned noses are a small price to pay for a honeymoon in the Northern Territory’ s glorious Outback, known to early explorers as the Ghastly Blank. This vast desert of ancient landforms and reclusive wildlife, where kookaburras sit in red gum trees and sandstone monoliths shimmer, is perfect for couples who crave frontier-style adventure. Bump along on camel treks and four-wheel-drive expeditions; soar in a glider on thermals above the dusty plain; shop for Aboriginal art — or simply howl at the rising moon like a pair of love-crazed dingoes.

Getting Around
Fly Qantas or Ansett airlines to Alice Springs from Adelaide, then rent an off-road vehicle for treks through the bush. (Don’ t miss a drive along Stuart Highway, aka “The Track,” to see the MacDonnell Ranges.) Another option: The Ghan is a legendary steam train that chugs through the Outback from Adelaide to Alice Springs on a 20-hour journey. It’ s an ultra-comfortable way (sleeping cars!) to see this astonishing realm.

Memorable Meal
Want to try real bush tucker? Head for the Overlanders Steakhouse on Hartley Street in Alice Springs and order the Drover’ s Blowout: slabs of Aussie steak, crocodile, emu, camel, and kangaroo. Red meat leave you cold? Stick with the barramundi (fish).