Quarterly Newsletter - February 2025 | Tourism NT - Trade and Sector opportunities

Welcome to the first Trade Training Program Newsletter of 2025!

We hope you had a wonderful festive season and that your New Year is off to a great start.

We're starting 2025 strong with our upcoming Trade Training Program webinar on the 11th and 12th of February.

In this session, we'll be focusing on the Red Centre as the ultimate drive holiday destination. This is an opportunity for travellers to explore stunning landscapes at their own pace and experience some unforgettable adventures. We’re excited to be joined by two operators who will showcase their incredible drive products. First, you'll hear from Adventure Rentals, a local NT company specializing in 4x4 camper vehicle hire. Our second operator, Curtin Springs Station, is a true Red Centre gem offering accommodation, a restaurant, shop, and petrol station about an hour’s drive from Uluru.

For ATPAP members, our third and second-last webinar session will take place on the 26th of February! During this session, we’ll also reveal the dates and itinerary for the ATPAP famil, scheduled for June 2025. Any member who has signed up, attended all webinars, and completed the questionnaires will go into the draw to win a spot on this unique, once-in-a-lifetime trip to the NT. Haven't signed up yet? You’ll find all the necessary links in this newsletter.

We’re looking forward to a successful and exciting year ahead and hope you'll join us for our upcoming NT adventures, both online and in person.

All the best from your

Tourism NT team

WHAT'S INCLUDED

UPCOMING TRADE TRAINING PROGRAM EVENTS
NT PRODUCT UPDATE
NT EVENTS
NT TRADE SPECIALS
GET TO KNOW OUR NT OPERATORS
HEAR IT FROM THE LOCALS
GET IN TOUCH

UPCOMING TRADE TRAINING PROGRAM EVENTS

Join our next TTP webinar - 11 and 12 February 2025

Join us for the next series of the Northern Territory Trade Training Program.

In the upcoming webinar sessions, we'll explore the NT as the ultimate drive holiday destination. Join us to discover the remote wonders of the Outback in the Red Centre. For our first webinar session of 2025, we've invited two local NT operators to share insights into their products and offer inspiration for crafting the perfect Red Centre drive holiday itinerary.

We will be covering the following:

Latest update from the NT
New product and upcoming events
Meet our operators:
- Adventure Rentals
- Curtin Springs

Register for your preferred webinar session below:

Tuesday 11 February 11.00am (AEST) | 9.30am (ACST) | 1.00pm (NZST)
Register here
Wednesday 12 February 1.00pm (AEST) | 11.30pm (ACST) | 3.00pm (NZST
Register here

Please note that both webinars have the same content, so you only need to register for one.

To help you experience some of these amazing products in the Northern Territory, we are excited to announce that we are giving away a fantastic prize package this quarter. This time our prize package is worth over $4,000!

Additionally, we are giving away two placements on our ‘NT Round Up’ famil scheduled for 28 March - 2 April 2025, this year taking place in the Red Centre.

The $4,000 prize package includes:

$1,000 Webjet voucher
$2,000 Tourism Central Australia voucher to experience amazing Red Centre products
$1000 Adventure Rental voucher for a vehicle hire in the Red Centre
One overnight including a Paper Tour for two at Curtin Springs

Make sure you register for one of the webinars, watch it (live or online) and complete the training module for your chance to win! The training module will be available from Monday, 10 February onwards. Note, you need to be a registered program member to be eligible.

For more information on our Trade Training Program visit: www.trade.northernterritory.com

Aboriginal Tourism Product Awareness Program (ATPAP)!

Sign up for the new Aboriginal Tourism Product Awareness Program (ATPAP), designed to highlight Aboriginal tourism experiences in the Northern Territory (NT) and connect you with local operators.

The program features four quarterly webinars, each followed by a short questionnaire. If you’re unable to attend a live session, you’ll receive a link to watch the recorded webinar at your convenience.

By watching all four webinars and completing the questionnaires correctly, you’ll be entered into a draw for a chance to win a spot on the exclusive ATPAP famil trip to the NT in June 2025.

There is still time to join the program. You can find links to all past webinars and questionnaires on the dedicated ATPAP page - click here.

Only eligible participants who complete the webinars and questionnaires will be entered into the draw. You can sign up for the program anytime throughout the year, so there’s still time to get involved! Not signed up yet? Sign up for ATPAP here!

Join our next webinar session on 26 February 2025!

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

NT PRODUCT UPDATES

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

Uluru's Field of Light to stay until 2027!

Voyages Indigenous Tourism announced that the iconic Field of Light installation at Uluṟu, created by artist Bruce Munro, has been refurbished and extended until at least April 2027. The installation, known as Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakunytjaku or "looking at lots of beautiful lights" in Pitjantjatjara, features 50,000 solar-powered spindles of light that span seven football fields, symbolizing the desert blooming after rain.

Additionally, the exclusive "A Night at Field of Light" dining experience has been upgraded with enhanced stargazing through telescopes, a refreshed menu with dishes like pineapple and lemon myrtle gazpacho and smoked kangaroo, and new table decor. Read more

Air Asia to return to the Top End!

Indonesia AirAsia is resuming direct flights between Darwin and Bali from 22 March 2025, with three weekly services. Fares start from just AUD189.

This new route will bring over 1,000 visitor seats through Darwin International and Bali’s Ngurah Rai airports each week, providing a major boost to tourism and the local economy. The flights also offer easy, affordable connections to other popular Asian destinations via Bali, making it the perfect opportunity to explore both the Northern Territory and Bali. Read More

Ethical Adventures to launch two new day tours in Darwin!

Ethical Adventure Tours is offering two new immersive experiences that showcase the natural and cultural wonders of the Northern Territory.

The Birds, Buggies and Breakfast tour takes guests to Finniss River Station, a historic 50,000-acre cattle station 90 minutes southwest of Darwin. This eco-friendly adventure explores diverse Top End landscapes -mangroves, woodlands, and wetlands teeming with wildlife. After a buggy ride and birdwatching, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the station’s luxury lodge.

The Darwin Sunset tour offers a city-focused exploration, beginning at Cullen Bay’s tall ships and Stokes Hill Wharf, before heading to the serene Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Spot wildlife, including osprey and sea eagles, then visit Nightcliff Jetty and East Point Reserve for stunning views and photo ops, finishing with a taste of local flavours at the iconic Mindil Beach Markets. Available May - October only. Read More

Journey Beyond adds a new level of luxury on the Ghan!

Journey Beyond has unveiled two new luxury suites, the 'Australis' and 'Aurora' suites, set to debut on The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Great Southern trains in April 2026. These suites feature a rich design with bespoke details, including decorative timber, marble masonry, and references to Australia’s pastoral history, such as sheepskin accents and saddle leather.

The Australis Suite, at three times the size of a Platinum cabin, offers unparalleled luxury with a queen-sized bed, lounge, personal bar, ensuite with double vanity, and premium Jurlique amenities. The Aurora Suite, double the size of a Platinum cabin, also boasts a queen-sized bed, lounge, and ensuite, along with ample space for comfort.

Prices start from $11,890 per person for the Australis Suite and $7,990 for the Aurora Suite on a 3-day journey aboard The Ghan. Read More

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

NT EVENTS NOT TO MISS

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

fabALICE Festival!

Alice Springs, 27 to 30 March 2025

Alice Springs is the place to be, with unique events kicking off in March at fabALICE, a family-friendly festival that celebrates inclusivity and diversity while making the town shine.

Inspired by the iconic 1994 movie Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, the festival features drag, cabaret, and comedy events for all ages. With a mix of free and ticketed activities, it’s an experience not to be missed for anyone visiting Alice Springs during the festival. Read more

Parrtjima 2025 - A Festival in Light

Alice Springs, 4 -13 April 2025

Parrtjima is the annual Aboriginal Light Festival in Alice Springs (Mparntwe). It is a unique event that combines old and new - showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth using the newest technology. The festival takes place against the backdrop of the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges, making it a mesmerizing experience. Travellers visiting the Red Centre during this time should consider adding this event to their itinerary as it offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse oneself in Aboriginal culture and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with modern technology. Read more

BASSINTHEGRASS 2025

Darwin, 17 May 2025

Founded in 2003, BASSINTHEGRASS is held at Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach. As the Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival, it has become a rite of passage for locals and a key event on the national festival calendar, drawing music fans from across Australia.

Known for its stunning beachside setting, top-tier line-ups, and endless blue skies, BASSINTHEGRASS is an award-winning festival, having won the Best Cultural, Arts, or Music Event at the 2022 Australian Event Awards and the Best Music Award (Gold) at the 2022 Eventex Awards. Read more

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

NT TRADE SPECIAL

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

Enjoy Kakadu Tourism's trade rates!

Exclusive trade rates are now available on a range of products, including the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Cooinda Lodge, and the Yellow Water Cruise. Take advantage of a generous 30% discount during the low and shoulder seasons, or enjoy a 10% discount during the peak season. Whether you're looking to explore the beauty of Kakadu or experience its iconic waterways, these special rates provide unbeatable value for your clients. Don’t miss out – book now to secure these fantastic offers! Use promo code KTTRADE for bookings. Read more

Book your stay at Discovery Parks Kings Canyon now!

The G'Day Group offers an excellent industry rate to stay at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, for only $180 per room per night for a standard room. The resort is located at the heart of Australia's Red Centre, halfway between Alice Springs and Uluru. Explore the breathtaking Kings Canyon and discover the immersive Light-Towers art installation at the resort. Visit the beautiful Red Centre with this great industry offer! The offer is subject to availability and T&Cs apply. Valid for stays until 31 October 2025 Booking contact: [email protected]. Read more

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

GET TO KNOW OUR NT OPERATORS

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

Airnorth

Airnorth is Australia’s second longest running airline and a true Northern Territory company! As the country’s leading regional airline, it provides reliable and affordable air services to the Northern Territory and beyond. Established in 1978, the airline has built a strong reputation for its exceptional service and extensive network, connecting key destinations across Northern Australia, including Darwin, Alice Springs, and Broome, as well as international flights to East Timor. Airnorth also services rural areas in Arnhem Land and other parts of the NT, making it integral to reaching these remote destinations.

With a fleet of modern aircraft, Airnorth offers both scheduled and chartered services, catering to business and leisure travelers alike. The airline is known for its commitment to safety, customer service, and operational efficiency, ensuring every journey is comfortable and hassle-free. Whether you're traveling for work or exploring the vibrant regions of Northern Australia, Airnorth makes getting there easy and enjoyable.

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

MEET THE LOCALS

NT PRODUCT UPDATE

Book Locals' Guide: The best spots to eat and drink in Alice Springs for the perfect Red Centre road trip!

When travelling it's always best to get the locals to share their favourite spots and experiences. If you're road tripping through the Red Centre, be sure to explore Alice Springs' vibrant foodie scene and local watering holes. Check out the top recommendations from locals to enhance your self-drive itinerary and elevate your culinary experience. Get the inside scoop here!