TOURISM NT ABORIGINAL TOURISM UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED    ||   March 2025

New change for Territory tourism and major events

Paul Ah Chee has been announced as chair of the Tourism NT board and may be known to many of you. As an existing serving board member, Paul has decades of experience across tourism, cultural institutions and business leadership and is the current chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee and founding member of the NT Aboriginal Tourism Advisory Council.

We also welcome Penny Priest, stepping up as chair of the NT Major Events Company board. Penny is the CEO of Crocosaurus Cove and Fitzroy Island Resort and the vice-chair of the Tourism Top End board with extensive experience in the tourism and events landscape in the Territory private sector.

Thank you to outgoing chair Michael Bridge for his leadership and membership of both boards over a number of years.

NEWS

Discover Aboriginal Experiences

A number of Discover Aboriginal Experience members are featured in the Elle Guide to Australia's Northern Territory including Kakadu Cultural Tours, Kakadu Tourism, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Nitmiluk Tours and Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. This article has an estimated reach of 23 million.

READ MORE

Qantas Regional Grants - applications now open

Qantas Regional Grants is back in 2025, offering $2 million in benefits and support for Australian organisations and projects that make a meaningful impact in regional communities.

READ MORE

Arts Grants Program - applications now open

Applications are now open for various grants for projects that provide opportunities to grow the creative and cultural sector; encourage artistic excellence and achievement and promote community participation in arts and culture.

READ MORE

NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week Grants - application now open

City of Darwin is providing grants that support activities taking place during NAIDOC Week 2025 and Reconciliation Week 2026.

Applications can be lodged for funding from $5,000 to $10,000.

READ MORE

Aboriginal Investment NT new leadership

Mr Nigel Browne has been appointed CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT for a term of five years. A descendant of the Larrakia and Wulna people, Mr Browne brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role.

READ MORE

Ethnic Business Awards - nominations now open

Australia’s longest running business awards, the Ethnic Business Awards recognise the outstanding accomplishments of migrant and Indigenous entrepreneurs. They highlight the contribution made to Australia by these people.

READ MORE

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES 

Get involved in the 2025 Drive Marketing Campaign 

In partnership with Tourism Central Australia, Tourism Top End and the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, the campaign includes paid media, public relations, caravan and camping show promotions and trade partnerships.

READ MORE

Enhancing Visitor Experiences

NT tourism businesses have enhanced their visitor experiences through the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program Round 8. Majority Aboriginal owned Arltunga Bush Pub has invested in a new pool, perfect for visitors to cool off after exploring the region’s rich history.
View the website for information on how you can improve visitor experience with round 9 opening from 1 April.

READ MORE

How to get your business seen by more travellers 

Join Tourism NT and Brioney McGill from the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) for a collaborative webinar to help you discover how to maximise your ATDW listing and expand your business reach.
 

READ MORE

Unlocking Aboriginal Tourism Development Funding Round 3 - applications closing soon

Tourism NT is providing a total of up to $145,000 (excluding GST) in consultancy services to NT majority owned Aboriginal businesses and organisations to help access opportunities and unlock potential Aboriginal tourism development funding. There are two levels of consultancy services, with level 1 being for advice and level 2 for funding application preparation services.

READ MORE

Welcome to the Dry - B2B

Tourism Top End will host Welcome to the Dry business to business event on 4 April 2025 at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort. On 5 April the Top End Travel Expo will be held and open to the public.

READ MORE

Skilling pathways grants to boost employment and training opportunities

NT Registered Training Organisations, peak bodies, industry and community associations can apply for funding to deliver Vocational Education and Training programs that focus on skilling pathways, particularly for high demand roles and industries including tourism.

READ MORE

EVENTS

Ultimate Uluru and Jessica Mauboy Concert | Ayers Rock Resort

Ayers Rock Resort and Imagine Holidays have announced a once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring a performance for small groups by Australian singing sensation, Jessica Mauboy, against the iconic backdrop of Uluru; on sale now.             

READ MORE

Parrtjima - A Festival in Light

For 10 nights from 4-13 April 2025 under the Red Centre’s starry desert skies, this event delivers a program filled with light, music, talks and workshops.

For the first time, Parrtjima will feature a special performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. This open-air performance will awe festivalgoers with a dazzling 90-minute music and light spectacle.

READ MORE

Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu - Taste of Kakadu

Set within World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, from 23 to 25 May 2025 the program is set to immerse park visitors in a stimulating journey of the senses.

READ MORE

Barunga Festival 2025

The festival will be held from 6 to 9 June in the small community of Barunga, which is 80 kilometres southeast of Katherine. Barunga Festival is a must for anyone seeking a rich Aboriginal cultural experience. Barunga boasts a long and proud tradition of celebrating Aboriginal culture, music and sport.

READ MORE

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Discover Aboriginal Experiences - Voyages Tali Wiru

Tali Wiru, meaning 'beautiful dune' in local Anangu language, encapsulates the magic of fine dining under the southern desert sky. Instead of walls, this open-air restaurant has magnificent views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta, and for unique ambiance there's the stillness of the desert at night.

READ MORE

Northern Territory Indigenous Tours - Indigenous Litchfield Spectacular

Discover world-class beauty, fascinating pioneer heritage and rich Aboriginal tradition. Be inspired and refresh yourself at iconic waterfalls and spring-fed plunge pools. Experience dramatic, rugged stone country, woodland and monsoon forest. 

READ MORE

LOGIN TO ATDW

VIEW VISITOR DATA

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

TOURISM NT WEB

This email has been sent by Tourism NT. You have received this email because you have subscribed to a Tourism NT mailing list.

Department of Tourism and Hospitality

GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801

 To change your Subscription Preferences to Tourism NT communications click here

Click here to unsubscribe from all communications from Tourism NT.