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

Dear industry colleagues 

There is no doubt many tourism businesses across the Northern Territory are operating in a challenging and uncertain environment. Global pressures, cost-of-living impacts, fuel prices, weather events and softer consumer confidence are influencing travel decisions across Australia, and we recognise that financial resilience is front of mind for many operators.

Importantly, these pressures are being felt nationally, with domestic travel moderating across the country. By contrast, the latest tourism data shows the Northern Territory is continuing to outperform the broader Australian market, recording the strongest growth in interstate visitation of any state or territory over the past year. While this growth is not being felt evenly across every region or business, it shows that people are still choosing the Territory and that demand remains in the market.

Please be assured that Tourism and Events NT is working closely with industry, Regional Tourism Organisations and government partners to keep the Territory open for visitors, minimise impacts wherever possible and convert visitor interest into bookings. This includes increased tactical marketing activity, expanded aviation partnerships and flight discount campaigns to support visitation while helping maintain the passenger volumes needed to sustain critical air services into the Territory.

We are also partnering with our Regional Tourism Organisations to amplify demand where it is needed most. Through partnerships with Get Around with Tourism Top End and Head for the Heart with Tourism Central Australia, we are encouraging visitors to extend their stay, disperse across regions and experience more of what the Northern Territory has to offer.

We recognise that uncertainty around fuel availability and pricing can influence travel decisions, particularly for self-drive visitors. The Territory continues to receive consistent fuel deliveries, supporting ongoing operations across the sector. The NT Government is also advocating to the Commonwealth on extending fuel tax credit and road user charge relief measures.

To provide visitors with clear and current information, we have launched a dedication Plan with Confidence, directing travellers to up-to-date advice on fuel availability, road conditions and trip planning. Through digital advertising, search activity, industry partnerships and visitor communications, we are reinforcing that the Northern Territory remains open, accessible and ready to welcome visitors.

We are also working closely with the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations to connect tourism businesses with available support and ensure operators are aware of assistance that can strengthen resilience during this period, including recent Federal Government measures to improve business cash flow and encourage investment, alongside Territory business support services. To help you stay informed, Tourism and Events NT has established a dedicated industry hub at Tourism and Events NT, providing the latest industry updates, practical resources and guidance. If your business is experiencing financial or workforce pressures, we encourage you to connect with a Territory Business Advisor through the NT Government, who can provide tailored advice and help identify the most appropriate support available.

Thank you for your resilience, your partnership and the exceptional experiences you continue to deliver for visitors every day, and Tourism and Events NT remains focused on working alongside industry to navigate current challenges while positioning the Northern Territory for long-term growth.

Warm regards 

Suzana Bishop

CEO, Tourism and Events NT  

Darwin Triple Crown set to enter a new era in 2027 

The 2026 betr Darwin Triple Crown wrapped up in spectacular style, with more than 40,000 attendances across the weekend, the event’s biggest crowd since 2023. Strong interstate visitation, a record number of families and the introduction of three days of championship racing helped deliver one of the most successful Darwin Triple Crown events to date.

Fans embraced the expanded racing schedule, with the first ever Friday championship race and the debut of the Super2 Series proving major drawcards.

Building on this success, the Darwin Triple Crown will enter a new era in 2027 with the introduction of twilight and night racing. The move will create a uniquely Territory race experience, showcasing Darwin’s iconic sunsets, warm evenings and vibrant atmosphere while creating new opportunities for entertainment, hospitality and tourism.

The evolution of the event reinforces the Darwin Triple Crown’s role as a key visitor economy driver, supporting local businesses and ensuring it remains a must-see fixture on the national motorsport calendar. For more information, click here.

Protecting Peak Season campaign 

Tourism and Events NT's domestic and New Zealand None of a Kind campaign continues until 13 July, helping to keep the Northern Territory front of mind and supporting visitation during a challenging global travel environment.

Building on the long-standing Different in Every Sense brand, the campaign positions the NT in a category of its own, offering the kind of adventure, culture and discovery travellers would normally seek overseas, right here in Australia.

The campaign is expected to deliver more than 6,200 visitors to the Northern Territory while promoting direct air access and encouraging visitors to explore destinations across the Territory.

For more information, click here.

Plan your NT road trip with confidence 

As part of our efforts to protect our peak tourism season, we have created some important resources for travellers to help them plan their trip with confidence.  Visitors can estimate their fuel costs and check fuel availability before they hit the road. Our drive market is so important, so this resource will give travellers the visibility they need to get back on the road with confidence on fuel availability and pricing. From 1 July we are launching a dedicated campaign through social media and online advertisements, email targeting, Tripadvisor digital advertising and a partnership with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia to drive eyeballs to our website page Plan with confidence. We encourage industry to spread the word. 

Territory Wildlife Park opens new Bugtopia attraction 

The Territory Wildlife Park has unveiled Bugtopia, a new interactive exhibit showcasing the fascinating world of insects and arachnids. The new attraction features species including giant stick insects, golden orb spiders and giant grasshoppers, providing visitors with an engaging and educational nature-based experience.

The project enhances the park's visitor offering and supports its role as a key tourism and education destination in the Top End. Bugtopia also provides another reason for visitors to extend their stay and explore the region's unique natural environment.

The attraction is the first stage of a broader site development, with Butterfly Gorge planned as the next phase. For more information, click here

Territory Wildlife Park achieves EcoStar accreditation 

The Territory Wildlife Park has achieved EcoStar Accredited Business status, recognising its commitment to delivering high-quality visitor experiences while embracing sustainable tourism practices.

The accreditation demonstrates the Park's commitment to quality, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement, providing visitors with confidence they are choosing an accredited tourism experience.

Australia Marketplace Japan and Korea returns for 2026 

This event provides an opportunity for Australian tourism industry representatives to establish and strengthen business relationships with qualified travel agencies and tour operators from Japan and Korea. This flagship trade event led by Tourism Australia includes two and a half days of pre-scheduled appointments and networking opportunities designed to drive visitation from these important and growing Asian markets. The event will take place in Tokyo from 2 to 4 September. Applications are now open and industry partners are encouraged to secure their place early. For more information and to apply, click here.

Military tourism initiatives 

A range of military tourism opportunities are progressing, aligned with Pitch Black and the recent Darwin Street Art Festival. Last month the latest addition to the Military Mural Trail was unveiled, with the larger-than-life depiction of Gunner, the six-month-old kelpie who could detect Japanese aircraft better than radar during Darwin’s WWII bombing raids and his handler Percy Westcott in Austin Lane.

Further initiatives in this space include tailored military-themed touring options, short-duration experiences suited to limited personnel downtime, and strategic promotion of Pitch Black RAAF Darwin Open Day on Saturday, 1 August 2026. Together, these initiatives present a strong opportunity for the tourism industry to package, promote and leverage Darwin’s unique military heritage, cultural assets and major events to increase visitor engagement, length of stay and economic impact. For more information or ways for your business to get involved, click here

Total Solar Eclipse 2028 registration of interest 

Get ready for the total solar eclipse on 22 July 2028.

The Barkly region, including Tennant Creek and Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, sits directly in the path of totality, making it one of the best places in the world to experience the eclipse. The event is expected to attract significant national and international visitation, creating opportunities for tourism operators, event organisers and local businesses.

In a major milestone, Traditional Owners of Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve have approved the Department to deliver a formal eclipse event within the reserve and facilitate controlled access to adjacent land for eclipse viewing. Planning is underway to develop commercial opportunities for camping, viewing experiences and event activation in consultation with Traditional Owners, with opportunities to be released through an Expression of Interest process. For more information and to register your interest, click here.

Aboriginal tourism business showcase new experiences ​​​​​​

Thirteen Aboriginal tourism businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the Northern Territory have showcased new tourism products and experiences after completing the 2026 NT Aboriginal Tourism Business Accelerator Program.

The showcase featured a diverse range of experiences, including bush medicine and wellness tours, cultural heritage experiences in NT parks and Aboriginal-led tours at Watarrka National Park. Delivered in partnership with Indigenous Business Australia, the program helps Aboriginal entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, develop new visitor experiences and build industry connections. For more information, click here.

Territory Day fires up with big name acts in 2026

Brolga Awards nominations now open 

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.

The Brolga Awards are an opportunity to showcase your business, gain industry recognition, benchmark your achievements and strengthen your profile with visitors, industry and partners.

Winners of the national business categories (Categories 1–26) will go on to represent the Northern Territory at the Australian Tourism Awards.

NT categories

Best Territory Tourism Marketing Activity
Recognises an outstanding marketing activity or campaign that has successfully promoted a tourism product, experience or destination between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

George Dunne Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Recognises an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Northern Territory tourism, events or hospitality industry.

Nominations close 12 August 2026.

For more information and to submit a nomination, click here.

Tourism and Events NT - Brand refresh industry roundtables 

Tourism and Events NT is refreshing the Territory's destination brand – and we want to build it with you. We're hosting roundtable listening sessions in Katherine, Alice Springs, Darwin and online, bringing together operators, industry partners and regional stakeholders to share what makes the NT truly distinctive and what a future-focused NT brand should stand for. Your insights will directly shape a brand, support your business, and put the Territory on the global map like never before. Come and have your say at the following days:

• Katherine - Monday 20 July
• Alice Springs - Tuesday 21 July 
• Darwin - Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 July 
• Online - Monday 27 July

Save the date and have your say on the future of the NT destination brand.

For more information, click here. 

 NT Parks access 

With more than 80 parks and reserves to explore across the Northern Territory, planning is essential. Park access, road conditions and weather warnings can change quickly, sometimes at short notice.

NT Parks and Wildlife rangers have recently reopened a number of popular attractions, including:

• Buley Rockhole
• Bamboo Creek Tin Mine
• Cascades
• Central Valley
• Florence Falls
• Greenant Creek
• Tabletop Walk
• Tolmer Falls
• Edith Falls
• Southern Walks (excluding Butterfly Gorge and Lily Ponds Walks) in Nitmiluk National Park
• Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park

Our Parks Access page has the latest information on park and attraction openings.

For current road conditions across the Territory, visit Road Report NT.

Kakadu Parks updated

Parks Australia acknowledged the site access issues being experienced by the industry and has announced a range of measures to support tourism operators and encourage visitation to Kakadu National Park during the 2026 dry season. This includes the extension of Commercial Tourism Operator (CTO) permit agreements and waiving of fees for the 2026 tour season (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027). Parks Australia has also reduced park pass prices from 1 July to 31 October 2026 to encourage visitation.

Rob Hanlon will be providing a Kakadu National Park Update at Tourism Top End’s general meeting on 30 June. To register, attend in person or via Zoom, visit Tourism Top End.

These measures are designed to support tourism businesses, encourage visitation and help maintain a strong visitor economy while recovery efforts continue.

For more information, click here.

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