Field Notes: The Northern Territory

FIELD NOTES: NORTHERN TERRITORY

“The Northern Territory’s scale, presence, colour, history and connection is beyond imaginable. The land is beyond inspiring, and keeps giving every single day. A trip of a lifetime, etched into our memories forever.”

- Pip Edwards, P.E Nation Co-Founder

P.E Nation was born out of lifestyle, inspired by the coast and the land, and how we live in it, move in it, and show up for it. Inspired by the rich colours of Australia’s Northern Territory, our Own The Arena collection is designed to invoke your inner force of nature, with earth tones, digital prints and sustainable styles evocative of our country's iconic Red Centre.

A sacred space that reminds us how precious our earth is and how protected it deserves to be, the Red Centre is the heart shakra of our land. From Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and beyond, the Red Centre offers complete immersion into the vastness and beauty of the Australian outback. Located a three-hour flight from most major Australian cities, the Red Centre is the ideal place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone subscribing to a reset and recentre away from city lights. Returned from a recent trip to the Northern Territory, accompanied by her teenage son Justice, P.E Nation Co-Founder Pip Edwards shares her field notes to inspire your next off-track adventure.

Experience… sunrise by camel
The most spectacular sunrise, seen in the most spectacular way, viewing one of the most spectacular places on earth. The first morning of our trip began with a one-hour camel ride in the heart of Australia. Crisp morning air, bluer than blue skies, and a first glimpse at the Red Centre in its full rich-red glory. An unforgettable way to experience the heart of our country for the first time, you won't regret witnessing the desert come to life and hearing stories of the ecosystems all around you from the trek leaders. Justice and I will never forget it.

Do… see the Red Centre from the sky
The best way to really see the lay of the land is to experience that birds eye view! What a ride! A helicopter ride over the Red Centre provides unmatched views of natural rock formations and the hues of the red earth. An opportunity to see and feel a deep connection to the land.

Stay…
Sails in the Desert
A luxury desert oasis, Sails In The Desert offers 228 decadent rooms and suites, set under soaring white sails. Relax at the resort swimming pool lined with lush gumtrees, and dine at the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant - a local Pitjantjatjara word for sky, Ilkari offers a broad range of international cuisine and Indigenous flavours.

Kings Canyon Resort
Watarrka National Park covers 710 square kilometres of land, home to the Luritja and Arrente peoples for more than 20,000 years. The park is just over three hours’ drive from Alice Springs, and is home to the mighty Kings Canyon – a majestic landmark featuring 300m high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert. Kings Canyon Resort offers a range of glamping and lodge experiences as the perfect base for every activity - from hiking the Kings Canyon Rim Walk to experiencing the immersive sound and light installation, Light Towers.

Explore… Kings Canyon

Walking is the best way to experience Kings Canyon, with a number of established walks available to help you follow the ancestors' footsteps. The 6km Rim Walk will take you down into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rockhole surrounded by rare plants, before ascending to 360 degree panoramic views over the red sand dunes. The view from the top will really take your breath away. This land is beyond inspiring and keeps giving every single day. With the sunlight changing the colours of the rock formations throughout the day, hiking the landscape at different times provides fresh visuals of the desert landscape around you.

See… Light Towers
Created by British artist Bruce Munro and launched at Kings Canyon in April 2023, Light Towers is part of a worldwide set of site-specific light installations, located in iconic spaces across the globe. As night falls over the desert, 69 two-metre tall light towers wake into life, changing colour in response to music coming from within them. Mirroring the sky of stars above it, Light Towers invites you to explore the landscape long after the sun has disappeared.

Feel… the immensity of the Red Centre

“The impressive red earth and towering sandstone rock formations in the heart of our country definitely hold true to the reputation of being one of the most magical places on earth. The Northern Territory’s scale, presence, colour, history, and connection is beyond imaginable. Northern Territory, you are insanely special and oh so sacred.”

Pip visited the Northern Territory as a guest of Northern Territory Tourism.