TOURISM & EVENTS NT ABORIGINAL TOURISM UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED || VIEW ONLINE

Aboriginal Tourism Development in Northern Territory Parks and Reserves Grant Program

Tourism and Events NT is providing grant funding to support the development of Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism products within Northern Territory (NT) parks and reserves.

The program prioritises projects that enhance visitor experiences and align with key growth areas, including adventure tourism, cultural tourism, cruise tourism, business events, food and drink, fishing, dark skies experiences, domestic education tourism, military tourism, major event attendee experiences, and night-time offerings.

The program aims to support Aboriginal tourism businesses and organisations to develop market-ready experiences that showcase culture, strengthen visitor engagement, and create sustainable tourism opportunities across the NT.

NEWS

Native Nations 2026 Indigenous Youth Exchange

Supported by Tourism and Events NT the Native Nations United and Australian Walking Holidays is presenting the Native Nations 2026 Indigenous Youth Exchange. The Indigenous led youth leadership program brings together Aboriginal young people from Central Australia and Māori rangatahi (young people) from Aotearoa New Zealand to learn from eachother, build leadership skills and strengthen cultural connections.

Beckons to bring new ultra-luxury lodge to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa

Beckons a curated portfolio of luxury lodges in the world's most remote and remarkable places, has announced a plan for a new, ultra-luxury lodge set among the iconic red sand dunes of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa. Aboriginal art and culture will be central to the guest experience.

Journey Beyond snaps up Kakadu's legendary Crocodile Hotel

Journey Beyond has acquired the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. The hotel is situated within Jabiru, upon land leased from the Mirarr Traditional Owners through Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Jabiru Town.

Arts Grants Program

This program offers various grants for projects that explore, develop and profile arts and culture. These grants provide opportunities to:

employ and develop artists and arts workers
increase access to and participation in arts and culture across the NT
strengthen professional practice, leadership and career development
develop new work and enable experimentation, innovation and creative risk-taking
profile, showcase and celebrate NT artists and arts and culture

Brolga Awards 2026: Entrant assistance

Tourism and Events NT is pleased to offer free entrant assistance to support NT tourism, event and hospitality businesses preparing submissions for the 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.The program provides expert guidance and support throughout the submission process, helping businesses effectively showcase their achievements, strengthen their applications, and gain recognition for excellence within the tourism industry.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Barrak Barrak - 2 day adventure

Escape the crowds and venture deeper into Nitmiluk Gorge than any other boat tour. Begin with a scenic boat crusie through the first gorge before you take to the waters to explore the second gorge and beyond by canoe. Suitable for ages 6+, there are double canoes available so children can share with an adult. A high level of fitness is required.

Akeyulerre Healing Centre - Artefacts, painting and crafts

Akeyulerre Healing Centre in Alice Springs offers a range of workshops focused on artefacts, painting and crafts. These workshops are designed to immerse participants in Arrernte culture providing hands-on experiences.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Northern Territory Cruise Forum

Tourism and Events NT, in partnership with Tourism Top End and the Top End Visitor Information Centre, is pleased to present the 2026 Northern Territory Cruise Forum: Beyond the Horizon, to be held in Darwin on 15 September 2026.

Aboriginal Tourism Conceptual Exploration and Planning for NT Parks and Reserves

Tourism and Events NT will provide funding for professional services to Aboriginal individuals and majority owned Aboriginal businesses and organisations to explore and develop Aboriginal tourism experiences across the 85 parks and reserves managed by the NT Parks and Wildlife Commision. The program aims to inspire, educate, identify and support Aboriginal tourism businesses, communities and individuals to develop their own tourism product and experiences.

Aboriginal Tourism Conceptual Exploration and Planning for Wellness, Food and Drink Program

Tourism and Events NT are providing funding for professional services to support Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Territorians and majority Aboriginal-owned business and organisations to explore and develop new Aboriginal tourism experiences focused on wellness, food and drink. The program supports participants to assess product concepts, identify opportunites, and develop a clear pathway for creating market-ready visitor experiences that showcase Aboriginal cultures, knowledge and connection to Country

Total Solar Eclipse 2028

On 22 July 2028, Australia will witness a rare and spectacular total solar eclipse. The NT is one of the best places to experience this extraordinary celestial event, with the path of totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun, passing across the Barkly region and parts of the top end experiencing a partial eclipse.

Aboriginal Tourism Product Distribution Grant Program Round 2

Tourism and Events NT is offering a non-competitive funding pool of up to $30,000 (excl. GST) to support Aboriginal tourism businesses to strengthen their distrution capabilities. Funding can be used for online booking systems, as well as expert distibution advice, including distribution structures, rate sheets and strategies to help businesses increase their distribution channels, reach new markets and grow bookings.

First Nations Women in Business Coaching Program

The program is being developed to support Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander women in regional and remote communities to start, grow, and sustain their businesses through tailored coaching, mentoring, and capability development.

Expression of interest for Aṉangu cultural activities

Parks Australia is looking for Aṉangu cultural activities to be carried out regularly at the cultural centre to attract and educate visitors. These activities should display part of Aṉangu culture and aim to include participation of visitors. As these will be regular activites it is important that they can be repeatable and consistant.

For more information, contact Visitor and Tourism Services Manager [email protected] or Team Leader [email protected]

G'day Australia 2026

Tourism and Events NT in partnership with Tourism Asutralia will host Australia in Darwin in 2026. G'day Australia is held every 2 years and brings Aussie specialist travel agents from around the world to meet with Australian tourism operators.

Destination NT - Save the dates

Destination NT is an exceptional opportunity for tourism, events and hospitality businesses, government and industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate and gain valuable insights while celebrating industry excellence.

11 November - Sector specific sessions

12 November - Aboriginal Tourism Forum

13 November - Destination NT Conference

14 November -Brolga Northern Territory Tourism awards

Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2026 Perth (Boorloo)

The conference will explore current and emerging trends in travel and tourism, with a strong focus on the innovation, leadership and cultural strength driving Aboriginal tourism forward. This leading Aboriginal recognised forum is more than a conference, its a meeting place for Aboriginal tourism operators, retailers, academics and agencies to connect, collaborate and grow.
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EVENTS

Desert Mob 2026

Desert Mob opens on 10 September 2026 with an exciting evening of live music, food and refreshments, alongside the opening of the highly anticipated annual exhibition. The exhibition showcases hundreds of artworks from artists representing more than 30 Aboriginal-owned and governed community art centres across Central Australia.