Heli-foraging: a bespoke gin making experience
Embark on an exclusive foraging journey across a diversity of iconic landscapes in the Northern Territory to harvest native botanicals for your premium gin making experience.
The Heli-foraging Experience
Distilling gin in the Northern Territory starts in its very own backyard.
Departing from Darwin, you will board a 30-minute helicopter flight with panoramic views of the Northern Territory’s capital and its colourful coastline, before embarking West across rivers, floodplains and tall rock escarpments.
Arrive at an outback oasis, Finniss River Lodge – a 50,000 acre family owned and operated outback cattle station and luxury accommodation lodge.
Your expert guide will take you on an exclusive foraging journey through the property, with ample time to take in the sweeping views of incredible flora and fauna that call the Northern Territory their home. Learn about the wildlife, rich history and pastoral practices across the diverse landscapes of Finniss RIver Lodge’s paperbark forests, floodplains, savannah woodlands and rainforests.
Travel in comfort of either an ATV Buggy or Airboat (seasonality dependent) as you forage for native botanicals - searching for Quinine, Ti Tree, Turkey Bush, Paperbark, Waterlilly, and more!
Once you have harvested your botanicals, and enjoyed a delicious morning tea, you will embark on another scenic flight following the coastline back to Darwin, where you will make your way to Darwin Distilling Co.
The premium gin making experience begins! Experiment with flavour profiles of the native botanicals harvested at Finniss River Lodge and craft your unique gin. While you wait for the distilling magic to happen, indulge in a gourmet lunch at Charlies of Darwin restaurant and terrace bar - home to Darwin Distilling Co.
Finish off the day with a well-deserved glass of your own bespoke blended gin while the distiller prepares a 500ml take-home bottle for you.
Inclusions (standard experience)
60 minutes flying time in a modern helicopter
Inflight commentary via headsets with voice activated microphones
2-hours botanical foraging at Finniss River Lodge via Buggy or Airboat*
Morning Tea at Finniss River Lodge
Lunch at Charlies of Darwin - home to Darwin Distilling Co
500ml of custom blended gin to take home
Premium gin making experience at Darwin Distilling Co
From $2,499* per person
*All tours are minimum 2 passengers. Transfers not included but available on request. Tours and activities are based on partner availability and seasonality. Please read full Terms and Conditions before booking.
Optional Add Ons
Meet the Distiller
Darwin Distilling Co’s head distiller Bec will lead you on the foraging journey and gin making experience.
Bec regularly goes out foraging to harvest uniquely territorian botanicals, as well as working with various communities to bring local, but exotic flavours to Darwin Distilling Co’s spirits.
Bec will guide you on a foraging journey at Finniss River Lodge to harvest your own botanicals in preparation for your premium gin making experience at Bec’s own venue, Darwin Distilling Co.
Bec will share her passion for botanics and distilled beverages! As well as expert advice for finding and harvesting the best native botanicals in the Top End.
Add $350 per person
Sandy Creek Falls
Forage for botanicals, refresh in a secluded waterfall and blend your own gin.
Make an exhilarating VIP landing on top of your own private waterfall! Sandy Creek Falls (Tjaynera) is located within Litchfield National Park.
Take in the ambience and relaxing sounds of the falls, as you swim, explore and indulge in a delicious picnic lunch.
En route back to Darwin, fly over the spectacular sights including bountiful waterfalls, rocky escarpments, cascade creeks and lush rainforest and woodlands.
Once arriving in Darwin, you will make your way to Darwin Distilling Co for your premium gin making experience.
Add $795 per person
Note: Minimum 3 business days notice required for this option due to permit requirements
Finniss River Gourmet Lunch
Stay for a gourmet lunch with breathtaking views over the wetlands at Finniss River Lodge.
Following your foraging experience amongst the several eco systems at Finniss River Lodge, stay and enjoy a premium lunch experience.
The stylish restaurant and deck boasts panoramic views of green floodplains and the working cattle station.
Indulge in some of Australia’s best tropical produce in delectable dishes crafted by the Executive Chef.
Enjoy a taste of the flavours of the Territory in a relaxed environment before your return to Darwin to undertake your premium gin making experience.
Add $150 per person
Note: This is instead of the included lunch at Charlie's of Darwin
Terms and Conditions
Please download the full terms and conditions document below