It has been over a decade since Lisa Wilkinson first shared her highlights as a Mate of the Territory during her time with the TODAY Show. While much has changed since that 2014 royal visit to Uluru, the magic of the Northern Territory remains as timeless as ever.
Looking back at her journey through Australia’s heartland, Lisa’s experiences from the spiritual wetlands to the sunburnt hues of the Red Centre continue to serve as the ultimate inspiration for anyone yet to tick the NT off their bucket list.
Her love affair with the region famously took hold while covering the Royal Visit to Uluru. Reflecting on that trip, Lisa recalls:
“I was thrilled when I heard I would be travelling to Uluru, as I knew it would be the perfect backdrop to tick off my lifelong dream to ride a Harley. It was TRULY one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done. This is what the Territory is all about embracing those activities we’ve long had on our bucket list in one of the most exciting regions of Australia.”
During a subsequent visit to the Top End, Lisa dived into Darwin’s rich history at the Darwin Military Museum and even braved a swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove.
Even years later, her original NT bucket list serves as a perfect itinerary for the modern traveler:
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The Great Outdoors: Hiking and breathing in the crisp, fresh air of the NT’s ancient landscapes.
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Culture & History: Visiting monuments, museums, and galleries to soak up the region’s deep heritage.
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The Ultimate Sundowner: Taking in an extraordinary Red Centre sunset with wine and nibbles, followed by some of the clearest stargazing in the world.
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Iconic Wildlife: Discovering the unique flora and fauna that make this backyard so iconic.
The landscapes may be ancient, but the adventure is always new. For more information on how you can experience the NT for yourself, visit www.travelnt.com.
What’s Lisa Wilkinson Up To Now?
Since leaving her TV hosting duties, Lisa has pivoted from the news desk to historical storytelling. In early 2026, she released her debut work of historical non-fiction, The Titanic Story of Evelyn. The book uncovers the forgotten life of Evelyn Marsden, a South Australian nurse who was the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic disaster.
When she isn’t on the writers’ festival circuit or advocating for gender equality, Lisa is enjoying a new chapter of life in Sydney, having recently moved into a landmark penthouse in Mosman with her husband, Peter FitzSimons.