TOURISM AND EVENTS NT INDUSTRY UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED || VIEW ONLINE
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2025: A Landmark Year for Tourism and Events NT
As 2025 comes to a close, the Northern Territory reflects on a landmark year for tourism and events. A major highlight was the creation of Tourism and Events NT, following reforms passed in the Legislative Assembly in November, bringing together the Territory’s tourism and events teams under one unified vision.
Led by the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, this new entity marks a powerful step forward in delivering stronger, more coordinated promotion of the NT to the world.
Throughout the year, the Territory’s world-class events continued to shine, including Parrtjima, MXGP of Australia, and BASSINTHEGRASS, while visitors embraced unforgettable experiences, from immersive cultural tours and jet-ski adventures to iconic road trips through our breathtaking landscapes.
The launch of Tourism and Events NT aligns with the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032, with important groundwork already laid in 2025 to strengthen the NT’s position as a destination for truly unique experiences and major events.
As we look ahead with confidence and momentum, we thank our industry partners, communities, and visitors for being part of this exciting journey.
Season’s greetings, and we look forward to welcoming the world to the Northern Territory in 2026.
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Northern Territory Events Named in Australia's Most Exciting Events of 2026
Our two iconic Northern Territory events, Parrtjima Australia and BASSINTHEGRASS, have been named in Time Out Australia’s Most Exciting Events of 2026, highlighting the Territory’s strength as a leading events destination.
Parrtjima (Alice Springs), running from 10-19 April 2026, is a free 10-night festival held in the heart of Australia, that transforms the desert into a breathtaking celebration of light, culture, and storytelling. Showcasing First Nations creativity against the iconic backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, it’s one of Australia’s most unique cultural experiences, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world.
BASSINTHEGRASS (Darwin), taking place on 16 May 2026, is the Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival, and a highlight on the national music calendar. Taking place at the iconic Mindil Beach, BASS delivers a stacked line-up featuring elite talent, vibrant energy and unforgettable tropical vibes that define the Top End in dry season.
We are very proud that our key events continue to drive visitation and present strong opportunities for tourism operators in 2026.
REGISTER FOR PARRTJIMA 2026
FIND TICKETS FOR BASS IN THE GRASS 2026
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The Northern Territory Named Among the World’s Best Places to Travel in 2026
The Northern Territory has secured a standout position on the global travel stage, with Uluru and Darwin recognised by leading international travel publications as must-visit destinations for 2026.
Most recently, Uluru was featured in BBC Travel UK’s “20 Best Places to Travel in 2026”, celebrating the destination’s cultural depth, evolving visitor experiences and powerful connection to Anangu Traditional Owners.
Adding to the Territory’s success, Darwin has been named in Condé Nast Traveller’s “Best Places to Go in Oceania in 2026”, recognising the city’s vibrant culture, tropical lifestyle and growing reputation as a creative and culinary hub.
Together, these accolades position the Northern Territory firmly among the world’s best places to travel in 2026, strengthening international awareness and providing tourism operators with a powerful platform to promote the Territory’s unique experiences, stories and landscapes.
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Save the Date - Jatbula Trail 2026!
Adventure seekers, get ready, the 2026 Jatbula walking trail season is just around the corner. Bookings for this iconic great walk will open at 9am on Tuesday 3 February 2026.
The trail is a 62km one way trek beginning at Nitmiluk George and finishing at Leliyn (Edith Falls). Along the way, walkers experience an unforgettable journey though spectacular landscapes, including sandstone plateau, woodlands, open forest, monsoon forest and river landscapes.
Due to popularity, places are limited.
Don’t miss out on your chance to walk in the footsteps of the Jawoyn people and experience the remote beauty of the Northern Territory like never before.
- Mark your calendar – bookings open 9am Tuesday 3 February 2026 via the NT Parks online booking system.
- The customer service team will be available on the day to assist with any enquiries.
Save the date, plan ahead and get ready for an unforgettable trek on the Jatbula Trail.
For more information on the Jatbula Trail visit the website.
VISIT THE WEBSITE
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Top End Natural: Equipping China Inbound Tour Operators (ITO) to Sell the NT
Cyclone Fina may have made its presence felt in the Top End, but it certainly didn’t dampen Tourism & Events NT’s hosting of eight inbound tour operator (ITO) guests on an expertly curated tropical itinerary.
ITOs play a key role in packaging and selling tourism products for travellers arriving from Tourism & Events NT’s priority international markets, making this program an important opportunity to showcase the region’s experiences, infrastructure and ideal travel timeframes.
The visit commenced with Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) workshops, designed to connect the visiting buyers with Top End tourism operators. From there, the group journeyed east to Kakadu and south to Katherine. While Cyclone Fina made landfall during the program, it fortunately had no impact on the itinerary.
Throughout the week, the ITOs experienced a diverse range of guided tours and immersive activities, including rock art interpretation, cultural experiences, cooking demonstrations, wildlife encounters and scenic boat cruises. The group stayed at four hotel properties, inspected a further five, and sampled a wide range of hospitality offerings — with Top End favourites barramundi and crocodile proving particularly popular.
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Red and White Hits our Red Centre
The Red Centre’s tourism industry has welcomed 12 Canadian travel advisors on an international travel trade famil, delivered in partnership with Tourism Australia and South Australia Tourism Commission.
The famil formed part of Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist program, designed to educate key frontline buyers about Australia’s unique and iconic destinations.
The group spent five days exploring Australia’s Outback - Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru, staying across three hotel properties and inspecting a further eight.
The itinerary also featured around 11 bookable and complimentary experiences, offering a firsthand look at the region’s iconic landscapes, rich culture, and renowned Territory hospitality.
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Expressions of Interest Closing Soon - Glamping at the Territory Wildlife Park
Expressions of Interest are closing soon to develop a unique and sustainable glamping experience at Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs - just 45 minutes from Darwin.
This is a rare opportunity to help create a flagship eco-tourism experience set within one of the Top End’s most biodiverse environments, blending comfort with conservation, culture and community.
Stage One invites innovative, concept-level ideas, with shortlisted applicants progressing to co-design detailed plans alongside the Territory Wildlife Park team.
Visionary operators, businesses, Traditional Owners and community organisations passionate about sustainable tourism are encouraged to apply before EOI's close on 22 December 2025.
To learn more or submit your Expression of Interest, click here.
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Have Your Say on Public Liability Insurance
Austrade and Griffith University are conducting important research to understand how access to affordable public liability insurance can be improved for Australia’s visitor experience providers.
This project—undertaken through an Industry PhD sponsorship—aims to strengthen the evidence base for national advocacy on insurance challenges and provide practical insights to help tourism operators manage risk.
NT tourism businesses currently operating, as well as those that have closed since 2020 due to insurance pressures, are invited to complete the survey. Your insights will help shape future support for the sector.
To take the survey, click here.
Please consider participating and sharing with others in the NT visitor economy.
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EVENTS
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AFL 2026 Matches On Sale in the NT
Tickets are now on sale for the AFL 2026 Premiership Season matches in the Northern Territory, featuring the Gold Coast SUNS doubleheader in Darwin (May 2026) and Melbourne Football Club’s annual fixture in Alice Springs (June 2026).
Supported by Tourism and Events NT, these games deliver strong returns for the Territory’s visitor economy, attracting interstate fans and driving extended stays.
Interstate footy fans are encouraged to make a weekend of it, with BASSINTHEGRASS - the Territory’s largest music festival - taking place Saturday, 16 May 2026, the day after the second Darwin AFL match at Mindil Beach.
Tourism operators are encouraged to leverage this major events calendar to promote extended stays and tailored visitor experiences.
TICKETS FOR GOLD COAST SUNS HERE
TICKETS FOR MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB HERE
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Darwin Street Art Festival 2026 - Expressions of Interest open
One of Australia’s longest-running street art festivals, the Darwin Street Art Festival, will return in 2026 for its tenth year, bringing colour, creativity and culture to the city.
From 22 May to 5 June 2026, the festival will once again transform Darwin into a vibrant open-air gallery, featuring bold and innovative works that attract visitors from across Australia and beyond.
Expressions of Interest are now open for Australian-based artists to be part of this milestone event. International artists will be invited separately. Applications are welcomed from both emerging and established artists, working across a diverse range of creative disciplines.
Successful artists will be allocated a site and paid a fee, with all paint, materials and supplies provided by the festival.
Tourism operators are encouraged to share this opportunity across their artistic and creative networks, helping to shape Darwin’s creative future and support another standout year of public art.
Expressions of interests close 15 January 2026 and successful applicants will be notified in February 2026.
SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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2026 FESTIVAL AND EVENTS
2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for events in the Northern Territory. From world-class major events to a diverse calendar of community and funded festivals, there’s something happening right across the Territory.
From iconic sporting fixtures, vibrant arts and cultural celebrations, or unique local events, there is something for everyone. Discover what’s happening in your region to share with visitors so they can start mapping out their next adventure within the Territory - 2026 promises unforgettable moments, closer to home and beyond.
December and January highlights include Australia’s richest fishing competition - Season 11 of Million Dollar Fish Million Dollar Fish: Multiple ways to win and Rugby’s Hottest 7s Hottest 7s NT Rugby
FESTIVAL AND EVENTS CALENDAR 2026
Check out our toolkits – here to help you with your event planning!
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Department of Tourism and Hospitality
GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801
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This newsletter is to inform you about Tourism and Events NT efforts to lobby for and develop the Tourism Industry of the Northern Territory. If you no longer want to receive this monthly newsletter,
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