TOURISM AND EVENTS NT INDUSTRY UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED || VIEW ONLINE

Dear industry colleagues

This month, I am pleased to highlight a significant step forward in unlocking the tourism potential of our iconic park destinations. At the 2026 NT Investment Summit held in Darwin this month we announced a series of new commercial tourism opportunities across the Territory’s parks estate, inviting industry partners and investors to help create the next generation of nature-based visitor experiences.

These opportunities include safari-style camping and guided experiences in Litchfield National Park, glamping and campground redevelopment in Elsey National Park, premium accommodation and wildlife experiences at Alice Springs Desert Park, and boutique heritage tourism opportunities centred around the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station.

Importantly, these opportunities are being supported by substantial government investment, including $10 million for parks infrastructure upgrades and an additional $5 million for ongoing maintenance. Together with recent investments at Wangi Falls, the Territory Wildlife Park and acquisition of Silkwood, we are laying the foundations for sustainable tourism growth across the Territory.

Our parks already welcome more than three million visits each year, but we know there is significant opportunity to encourage visitors to stay longer, travel deeper into our regions and contribute more to local economies. Having NT Parks and Wildlife as part of our broader Department of Tourism and Hospitality as well as commercial parks is really reaping rewards.

By working in partnership with industry, we can transform day trips into memorable overnight experiences, create new jobs and strengthen the Territory’s reputation as a world-class destination.

Warm regards

Suzana Bishop

CEO Tourism and Events NT

2026 NT Investment Summit

The NT Investment Summit highlighted tourism as a key driver of the Territory’s economic future, bringing together industry leaders, operators, investors and government to explore opportunities for sustainable growth. A tourism leaders' dialogue reinforced the NT’s unique ability to deliver genuine, experience-led tourism and the importance of strong partnerships to unlock greater collective impact. Discussions focused on aligning demand, access, experiences and investment to ensure the Territory remains well-positioned to respond to global market opportunities and emerging trends.

Investors were introduced to 12 tourism investment opportunities located across the NT, supporting tourism growth, strengthening regional economies and creating long-term benefits for Territorians. Find out more about the 12 tourism investment opportunities, click here.

New grants to support Aboriginal tourism in NT Parks and reserves

Majority Aboriginal-owned businesses and organisations can now access the funding pool through the Aboriginal Tourism Development in Northern Territory Parks and Reserves Grant Program Round 2, supporting the development and enhancement of Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism products within Northern Territory parks and reserves.

The program aims to strengthen the Northern Territory's Aboriginal tourism sector by increasing the number of Aboriginal-led tourism experiences that align with visitor demand, while creating economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities. It forms part of a $6 million partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory governments to increase Aboriginal tourism opportunities across the Territory.

For more information, including the grant guidelines and eligibility requirements, click here.

Funding helps Territory tourism operators rebuild and reopen

54 tourism businesses across the Northern Territory have received support through the NT Tourism Business Restart Fund, helping operators undertake recovery and maintenance works following the wet season while supporting visitors during the peak dry season.

The one-off fund provided grants of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) to assist eligible tourism businesses with the repair or replacement of damaged physical and operational equipment following significant weather impacts across the Territory.

The funding supported businesses affected by the Big Rivers Flood Events in February, the Central Australia and Barkly region floods in February and Tropical Cyclone Narelle in March 2026.

More than $261,500 in grants was distributed to tourism operators across the Territory, supporting recovery efforts in regions including Katherine, Victoria Daly, Darwin, Alice Springs, East Arnhem, Litchfield and West Arnhem.

Recipients included a diverse range of tourism operators, such as accommodation providers, tour operators and visitor attractions. Funded works included replacing damaged furniture and whitegoods, repairing buildings and guest accommodation, and restoring access roads affected by severe weather.

Get involved in G'day Australia 2026

Darwin will host G’day Australia 2026 from 13–15 October, bringing Aussie Specialist travel agents from around the world together with Australian tourism operators.

As part of the event, delegates will receive a passport-style visitor booklet featuring local information and exclusive offers from retail, tourism, hospitality and experience businesses.

This is a valuable opportunity for businesses to promote their products and services to hundreds of international delegates and encourage them to explore, dine, shop and experience more of Darwin during their stay. Submissions close 7 August.

To participate, apply and click here.

2026 Best Kept Season

Tourism operators are invited to get involved in the 2026 Best Kept Season campaign by submitting a campaign deal via ATDW and sharing your best reason to visit the Northern Territory from September to April. Submit by 7 August for the opportunity to feature in the campaign launch.

To find out more, click here.

Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre upgrade

The $1.2 million upgrade of the Battery Hill Visitor Information Centre in Tennant Creek has been completed, delivering significant improvements to one of the Barkly region's key tourism facilities.

The refurbishment included upgrades to visitor information areas, amenities, offices and staff facilities, as well as the Theatre/Meeting and Mine Tour rooms. New audio-visual technology, air conditioning, electrical infrastructure and automatic entry doors have modernised the facility, while enhancements to the outdoor function space featuring a Barkly region mural create a strong sense of arrival for visitors.

The improvements strengthen Battery Hill's role as a key tourism gateway to the Barkly, providing a more comfortable, accessible and engaging visitor experience.

Find out more and plan your visit here.

Solar Eclipse

The 2028 Total Solar Eclipse is just two years away! The Barkly region is set to experience a peak window of 4 minutes and 57 seconds of complete solar obscuration, making it one of the best places to view the celestial phenomenon.

The eclipse is expected to attract significant national and international visitation, with work continuing to prepare the Barkly for the 22 July 2028 eclipse. The Department is actively creating opportunities for tourism operators, event organisers and local businesses to be involved in the total solar eclipse.

A registration of interest remains open for interested agencies, travellers and businesses looking to learn more about opportunities available to be involved or be kept in the loop with developments. Submitting an ROI does not constitute approval, endorsement, or selection.

For more information, click here.

This September the Red Centre hosts the Ultimate Festival of Wheels

Red CentreNATS 12 returns to Alice Springs from 3–6 September 2026, raising the stakes with a record‑breaking prize pool worth more than $130,000 in cash and awards. The announcement more than doubles previous prize offerings and cements Red CentreNATS as one of Australia’s premier motorsport festivals, rewarding competitors across burnouts, drag racing, dirt drags, show and shine and the coveted Grand Champion title.

The increased prize pool, combined with new competition formats and national pathways, will make Red CentreNATS 12 one of the most competitive editions in the event’s history. The 2026 event expands to four days of adrenaline‑fuelled action, capped off with one of Australia’s largest street parade, showcasing everything from hot rods and motorbikes to elite and vintage rides cruising through the heart of town.

For more information click here.

Darwin International Laksa Festival - get ready!

The Darwin International Laksa Festival returns this October, serving up a month-long celebration of the Northern Territory's vibrant hospitality industry, rich multicultural community, and love of laksa. We're calling on cafés, restaurants, clubs, pubs, and food businesses across the Territory to start planning their signature laksa creations and get ready to showcase the very best of what they have to offer.

Whether it's a much-loved classic or a bold new twist, this is your opportunity to impress locals and visitors, drive customers through your doors and be part of one of the Territory's most popular food festivals. We encourage everyone to bring their best—quality, creativity and flavour are what make this festival so special.

For more information, click here.

MXGP of Australia returns to Darwin in 2026

The global sporting event, MXGP of Australia presented by Sitzler, returns to Darwin from 18–20 September with a supercharged three‑day program that brings together the world’s best motocross athletes, Australia’s rising stars and, once again, a round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship.

Returning in 2026 after a huge Northern Territory debut last September, which saw more than 36,000 attendances across three days of racing, this year’s program will again deliver a uniquely Australian flavour. The 2026 MXGP of Australia promises a festival‑like atmosphere with non‑stop racing, family‑friendly entertainment and the unmistakable energy of a global motorsport event delivered in the heart of the Top End.

Beyond the track, visitors can turn the MXGP weekend into a Top End escape, pairing world‑class motocross with dry season sunsets, national parks, wildlife encounters and Darwin’s laid‑back tropical atmosphere.

For more information click here.

Alice Springs Masters Games

The Alice Springs Masters Games (ASMG) will bring hundreds of competitors, supporters and officials to Central Australia from 10–17 October, generating strong visitation, extended stays and significant spend across accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism experiences. The biennial event creates opportunities for sporting organisations, event suppliers and local businesses.

In a new initiative, a mid‑week party featuring Aussie rock legend Shannon Noll will be held on Wednesday 14 October as a competition‑free day, encouraging participants to explore the cultural richness and natural beauty of Central Australia while creating opportunities for local operators, cafés and bars.

Celebrating 40 years since its inception in 1986, ASMG 2026 will showcase more than 25 sports, including Athletics, Netball, Aussie 9s, Cycling, Mountain Biking and the fast‑growing Pickleball. This year, most sports will allow participants aged 25 and over, opening the door to a wider competitor base, with the Games continuing to embody the spirit of the Friendly Games.

For more information and to register your interest, click here.

Brolga Awards nominations now open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards, recognising the outstanding businesses, events, festivals and individuals that help make the Northern Territory a world-class visitor destination.

The awards provide an opportunity to showcase achievements, celebrate success and gain recognition among industry peers while highlighting the important contribution tourism and hospitality businesses make to the Territory economy.

Nominations close 12 August 2026, with award submissions due by 9 September

For award categories, nomination information and entry details, click here.

Darwin Festival 5 - 23 August 2026

Held from 5–23 August 2026, Darwin Festival is Australia's hottest winter arts festival and one of the Northern Territory's premier cultural events.

Over 18 days, the festival transforms Darwin into a vibrant celebration of arts, culture and creativity, featuring a diverse program of theatre, music, comedy, dance, cabaret, circus, visual arts and unique food and beverage experiences.

Bringing together artists from the Northern Territory, across Australia and around the world, Darwin Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and plays a significant role in showcasing the Territory's cultural identity while supporting the local visitor economy.

A highlight of the dry season calendar, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience the energy of Darwin while exploring the Territory's iconic natural and cultural attractions.

For the full program and ticket information, click here.

NT Parks access

The NT Parks Access page provides the latest information on park and attraction openings across the Northern Territory.

For current road conditions and travel advice, visit Road Report NT.

Find out more:

For updates on Kakadu National Park access, Click here.

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