The stunning turquoise of Bitter Springs, spring-fed thermal pools found in Elsey National Park was the most liked image on Tourism NT’s Instagram channel @NTaustralia for 2020.

The image along with video of their trip was captured by Bec & Sean from @looktheworldintheeye

Followers of @NTaustralia loved this slice of paradise so much it received over 10,000 likes to take out Tourism NT’s top spot on the Top 10 most liked photos of the year.

Tourism NT’s official social media accounts have a combined following of more than 901,000 and are an important tool when marketing the Territory to both Australian and global audiences.

Quotes from Executive General Manager Marketing Tourism NT, Tony Quarmby:

“Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions there has been a shift in consumer travel patterns in 2020 so the imagery on @NTaustralia has looked to highlight the freedom and flexibility we are enjoying in the Territory.

“Our stunning landscapes, waterfalls and outback adventures, in addition to our Aboriginal art and cultural experiences showcase what the Territory has to offer.

"From the Top End to the Red Centre, the Territory’s unique natural attractions are clearly a hit with today’s traveller and it’s great to see these regions showcased to so many potential visitors in this year’s Top Ten.

“We want Aussies to see just how amazing the Territory is, and social media is helping us do that, building the NT’s reputation as an 'instagrammable' holiday destination that is different in every sense.

“Social media platforms offer extensive scope for images of the Territory to reach our domestic audience, particularly to people who would otherwise perhaps not be exposed to content from the NT.

“You don’t have to be a professional Instagrammer or photographer to capture our beautiful regions, I encourage all Territorians to get out and show off your own backyard by posting a great Territory snap, tag @NTaustralia and use the #NTaustralia to give Tourism NT permission to regram.”

Quotes from Bec and Sean from @looktheworldintheeye - Photographers of 2020 Most Liked Image

“Arriving at Bitter Springs, after travelling for three days straight, we honestly felt like we’d hit the jackpot. Bitter Springs is as real an oasis as anywhere in our sunburnt country. 

“Think crystal clear, bright blue water and turtles surrounded by palms in the middle of the desert scrubland, top that off with the ability to hop in at one end and lazily float downstream to the other before getting out and doing it all over again.

“We spent five weeks in the NT jumping between waterholes, outback hikes, national parks and waterfalls; and of all the places we visited Bitter Springs was one of the most beautiful and unique locations we visited.”

Top 10 Most Liked Instagram posts on @NTaustralia in 2020:

1.   Bitter Springs, by @looktheworldintheeye received 10,133 likes
2.   Longitude 131 by @beyondthebluetravel 9,563 likes
3.   Jumping Crocodile Cruises by @jax.que.lyn. received 9,535 likes
4.   Katherine Hot Springs by @wearelocals_darwin received 8,254 likes
5.   Maguk Gorge by @kyle_hunter and @haylsa received 8,062 likes
6.   Uluru by @sarawltr received 7,125 likes
7.   Nawurlandja Lookout by @kyle_hunter received 7,125 likes
8.   Kings Canyon glamping by @carlenejayne received 6,891 likes
9.   Simpsons Gap by @jarradseng and @thehatchling received 6,743 likes
10. Moline Rockhole by @katrina_ashleighh received 6,678 likes

Media Contact: Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade 0428 052 647