A taste of the build up
A taste of the Build-Up in the Northern Territory
We arrived in the Northern Territory just as the build-up season began, and for three weeks, we experienced a taste of this unique and intense time of year. Probably better described as the season of sweat, the build-up bridges the gap between the dry season and the arrival of the monsoons, and it’s like nothing we’ve ever felt before.
The humidity was the first thing to hit us—a thick, heavy blanket of heat that made every step feel like an effort. But with it came an otherworldly beauty. The skies were alive with dramatic cloud formations, towering thunderheads building in the distance, promising rain that never quite arrived. Sunsets during this time were spectacular, painting the sky in vivid reds, oranges, and purples as if to distract us from the heat.
The locals call it “mango madness,” a reference to the season’s effect on people and the abundance of mangoes ripening everywhere. We found ourselves adjusting to the pace of life—slower, sweatier, but somehow still magical.
Living through the build-up gave us a deeper appreciation for the resilience of those who call the Top End home. It’s not an easy time of year, but it’s part of the Northern Territory’s character—raw, intense, and unforgettable.
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Without the usual cascade of water, the sheer basalt cliffs took centre stage, revealing the volcanic history that shaped this area.