TOURISM & EVENTS NT ABORIGINAL TOURISM UPDATE - KEEPING YOU INFORMED  |  MAY 2026

NEWS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

EVENTS

NT Aboriginal-owned businesses make the list!

Three 100% Aboriginal-owned Northern Territory (NT) tourism businesses have featured in the Tourism Australia's May Hot List recognising the strength and diversity of Aboriginal tourism experiences across the Territory.  Kungkas Can Cook connects visitors to Country through bushfood, storytelling and cultural experiences in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Tjarnintja Birdwatching and Cultural Tours shares generations of Arrernte knowledge through immersive cultural and birdwatching tours across Central Australia. Soon to open in Darwin, the Larrakia Cultural Centre will celebrate and share Larrakia culture through storytelling, art, language and ceremony. A fantastic recognition of the Aboriginal-led experiences helping visitors connect more deeply with the Northern Territory. Explore Tourism Australia's May Hot List.

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NEWS

New - Industry impact resources 

Tourism & Events NT is working closely with industry to understand current impacts and identify where support is needed. A dedicated central industry hub is now available for tourism operators to access updates, find support and resources including industry webinars.

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Discover Aboriginal Experiences launches new story bank 

The Discover Aboriginal Experiences, the collective of leading Aboriginal guided tourism experiences across Australia, has launched a new story book. This editorial resource is the ultimate resources for media and trade.

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Connect to Country Issue 11

From twilight cave walks and creation stories shared on the shores of Byron Bay, to sacred river cruises and urban Aboriginal experiences, this edition explores what it means to truly immerse yourself in place, guided by Traditional Custodians who know these landscapes best.

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Nominations open - 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs)

The 22nd NIMAs nominations are now open and will close on 19 June 2026.

The awards will be held on 8 August 2026 at the Darwin Amphitheatre. Ticket will go on sale through the Darwin Festival and from the AANT Centre box office.

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Nominations open - 2026 NT Export and Business Awards 

Celebrating outstanding Territory businesses and exporters, the awards bring together the long-standing Export Awards and the well-established Business Excellence and Outstanding Customer Service Awards.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Introducing...... Sea Tiwi Kapala!

Tiwi Enterprises has announced the launch of a new service offering through one of its wholly Tiwi-owned business units, Sea Darwin- Sea Tiwi: the Sea Tiwi Kapala one-way transfer service to or from Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island to Darwin. 

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Indigenous Art Trail 

Join a guided walk at the Darwin Airport Resorts as part of the Darwin Art Festival, exploring large scale murals by leading Aboriginal artists. The guided walks will be held on 31 May 2026. Tickets are $30, which provides a guided walk, $30 report credit redeemable on food and rinks and guests can take a swim in the resort pool.

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Alatji Tours

Parks Australia have announced a new complimentary cultural experience now available for visitors to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, offering another meaningful way to connect with Country, culture, and stories. Visitors can plan their afternoon around a 3:30pm cultural presentation at the Cultural Centre, delivered by Alatji Tours.

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INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES 

New - None of a Kind brand marketing campaign 

None of a Kind is the NT's new domestic and New Zealand brand campaign, running from 11 May to 13 July. The campaign positions the NT in a category of its own - a place that feels a world away, but right at home

Get involved today.

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Applications open - Business Start-Up Grant and Business Growth Grant

Aboriginal Investment NT are supporting Aboriginal businesses in the NT by providing start-up and business growth grants. Applicants can apply for up to $100,000 through the business start-up grant and $150,000 through the business growth grant. 

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Applications open - Regional Investment Readiness and Impact Fund 

Regional Development Australia has announced support to help regional NT projects progress from advanced planning to an investment-ready stage. The program supports organisations to complete the critical "last-mile" activities required to secure major funding from government, philanthropic and private investors. 

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Now open - Airport Development Group Community Grant

Airport Development Group (ADG) is committed to supporting grassroots initiatives. Organisations are invited to apply for funding that aligns with ADG's strategic pillars of Indigenous Advancement, Tourism Enhancement and Community and Stakeholder Support. 

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EVENTS

Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu: Taste of Kakadu

A food and culture festival 65,000 years in the making with a sensational program set to immerse visitors in a stimulating journey of the senses. The Bowali visitor centre is transformed into a Festival Hub on Saturday 23 May 2026.

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Barunga Festival

An iconic family friendly event on the national festival calendar the festival will be held from 5 to 7 June 2026. One of the festival's highlights is the Barunga sports and cultural program, which includes traditional and modern sport. The program also includes cultural activities, such as story telling and bush medicine workshops.

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Garrmalang Festival

A celebration of Aboriginal cultures in the heart of Darwin city. The festival returns from 12 to 13 June 2026, with a program of free and ticketed events celebrating age-old ingenuity on a contemporary stage. Enjoy a celebration of Aboriginal cultures at the AANT Centre, Darwin's premier live entertainment venue.

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