Welcome to the Tourism NT Industry Update providing you with the latest news, information about grants and programs, events and training opportunities.

We are developing a bold strategy to grow a thriving, year-round visitor economy, one that reflects the Territory’s unique character, leverages our world-class natural and cultural assets, and delivers lasting benefits for communities across all NT regions.

Our discussion paper provides an overview, but to make it easier to have your say, we’re hosting consultation sessions across the Territory, and we would love to see you!
Consultation sessions will take place in:

Yulara – 6 October
Alice Springs – 7 October
Tennant Creek – 8 October
Darwin –13 October
Katherine – 14 October
and online – 13 October

Click here to select the session you’d like to attend and enter your details.

The strategy will be shaped by the people who know the Territory best and who are investing in its future.

This includes:

Operators creating unforgettable visitor experiences
Communities who host and welcome visitors
Organisations working to grow the Territory’s reach
National partners, investors, and advocates who see the value of a strong Territory visitor economy.

We look forward to seeing you at a consultation session. Your ideas, experience, and input are essential to shaping the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032.

If you cannot make it to one of the sessions in person, please register for the online session held on 13 October 11:30am to 12:30pm - Register here

NEWS

REGISTRATIONS AND TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL DESTINATION NT EVENTS

Be a part of the inaugural Destination NT, bringing together key events to celebrate, grow and strengthen the NT’s visitor economy from 4 – 8 November 2025 in Darwin.

It’s a chance to hear from industry leaders, learn about the latest trends shaping the visitor economy and network with colleagues.

The program of events includes:

Aboriginal Tourism Forum
Annual Conference
A series of informative sessions and industry-led activities
A community conversation around tourism’s contribution to liveability, job creation and economic growth across the Territory
An unforgettable evening at the 2025 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.

Tourism NT is excited to announce Jules Lund as Keynote speaker and MC for the Conference!

Jules Lund, media powerhouse, creator of TRIBE, and former Getaway travel reporter is
set to inspire with his global adventure stories and transformative leadership insights. Don’t miss this unforgettable session!

Registrations are open for the Aboriginal Tourism Forum!

The Forum will celebrate the NT Aboriginal tourism sector and focus on opportunities to share knowledge and experiences, and establish and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal entrepreneurs, private sector, industry, government and non-government organisations.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity for Aboriginal Territorians residing in the NT is open!

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality is providing some support for Aboriginal Territorians residing in the in Northern Territory to attend the Forum and Destination NT events. Eligible applicants can apply for registration, travel and accommodation to attend identified Destination NT events including the Forum.

Apply now via the EOI form.

Closing date for EOIs: 10 October 2025

Successful EOIs will be advised by 24 October 2025

2025 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards tickets on now sale!

Join us to celebrate the achievements of colleagues at the 2025 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards! The gala event brings together tourism operators, partners and dignitaries to celebrate the people and businesses delivering outstanding visitor experiences.

Get your tickets now and get ready for an amazing night on Saturday 8 November 2025 at the Darwin Convention Centre as we celebrate our people and our place!

Register now to get your tickets to the Destination NT events.

THE TERRITORY'S MOST FLAVOUR-PACKED CELEBRATION IS BACK!

The Darwin International Laksa Festival is officially underway and runs through to 31 October. Now in its seventh year, the festival highlights the NT’s multicultural food scene and showcases local talent putting their own creative spin on our much-loved dish.

One of the best ways to get involved is by joining the Laksa League – the online game that rewards laksa lovers for eating, rating and sharing dishes. By signing up, players can unlock exclusive access to all participating dishes, climb leaderboards, and be in the running to win over $12,000 worth of prizes including travel experiences, dining vouchers and staycations. The League also adds a fun, competitive edge for locals and visitors keen to make the most of the month.

The festival culminates on Saturday 1 November with the Grand Finale at the Darwin Waterfront. This vibrant day out features live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, markets and the hotly contested Golden Bowl Awards, judged live on stage. With community spirit, creativity and plenty of spice, the Grand Finale is set to be the perfect wrap-up to a month of laksa indulgence.

Find out more, view this year’s dishes or to register for the Laksa League, visit: darwinlaksafestival.com.au

THE CHINA INBOUND MARKET IS COMING TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY!

From December, new direct flights from Guangzhou to Darwin will bring Chinese travellers straight to the NT - creating exciting opportunities for local businesses.

We’d love your input to help us showcase your product: via our Survey

Access our China inbound market toolkit with tips on working with the inbound China market: link to Toolkit

Upcoming learning opportunities:

7 October – Tourism NT webinar highlighting market insights and practical tips.
Register here
20 November - ATEC China Host Workshop to build China-readiness.
Register here

Find out more, contact [email protected] or call 08 8999 3921.

AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE 2026

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) registrations open 14 October. Hosted by Tourism Australia, ATE is the largest tourism trade event in the Southern Hemisphere and presents a fantastic opportunity to meet distribution partners from around the world in one-on-one appointments.

ATE 2026 will be held in Adelaide from Sunday 10 May to Thursday 14 May 2026. Applications close 7 November 2025.

MEET WITH TOURISM NT IN YOUR REGION

In September, our Industry Development team visited Katherine and Mataranka to meet with local operators and explore new opportunities for tourism in the region.

This month, the team will support October Business Month by attending Business Connect events in Kakadu, Alice Springs and Humpty Doo.

They will also travel through the Tanami and West MacDonnell Ranges to engage with stakeholders and continue strengthening tourism products and experiences across the Territory.

If you are a tourism business in these areas and would like to arrange a meeting, please contact us via [email protected]

THE TROPICAL TOP END WOWS CHINA TRAVEL TRADE

We were thrilled to host three key buyer travel trade groups from China throughout the Top End in September, strengthening connections, and continuing to build networks and relationships between buyers and NT tourism operators and suppliers.

32 international delegates including frontline travel advisors and product managers, wholesalers and key distribution partners experienced the wonders of Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks.

Approximately 24 bookable experiences showcased nature and wildlife through cruises and interactive activities. Several hospitality offerings unique to our local regions were thoroughly enjoyed, including the harbour, local markets and restaurants, and 14 nights were shared across 10 hotel brands with multiple other properties viewed.

These trips give delegates the opportunity to have first-hand experiences and important conversations with tourism operators regarding collaboration and readiness to welcome visitors to the Top End with China Southern’s direct flights into Darwin commencing at the end of 2025.

SCANDINAVIA HITS THE RED CENTRE

A group of experienced Scandinavian travel trade delegates, from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, spent a week touring our amazing Red Centre and were amazed at the new offerings available for visitors to the area.

Most of the group had travelled to Australia across their careers but only some had visited the NT so this trip offered the perfect opportunity to showcase how an itinerary in the iconic Red Centre can be enjoyed with a range of unique activities suitable for all walks of life.

Four hotel properties were enjoyed and another four viewed, nine bookable activities wowed the guests and complimentary experiences rounded out the itinerary to show the value in booking their clients’ travel in the Red Centre including regions of Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Walking in hot weather can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal.
Pay heed to Bureau of Meterology Heat Wave messaging - Heatwave Service for Australia

Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April. It can exceed 40 degrees in some locations with high humidity.

If maximum temperatures are forecast to be above 32 degrees, consider postponing your walk, or walk as early in the day as possible, as heat stress can be fatal.

Even if you are an experienced walker, you must take precautions when visiting NT parks.
If you’re going for a walk remember, If it’s bloody hot, It’s best to not!

Plan your trip to your experience level!

Check forecast temperatures before you visit
Avoid walking in the heat of the day and complete your walk before 11am
If you are visiting the Territory make sure you are acclimatised to local conditions
Download Avenza Maps and plan your route
Always tell someone your plans.

Be prepared to alter your plans when conditions are unsafe or you are feeling unwell.

PLAN AHEAD FOR A GREAT NT PARKS EXPERIENCE

Before heading out to explore one of our unique Northern Territory parks and reserves, it’s important to check the latest access information. Weather events, maintenance works or seasonal closures can affect conditions.

Visit nt.gov.au/parks to see which parks are open and whether a parks pass is required. Staying up to date helps you provide safe, seamless and enjoyable experiences for your clients.

SET-JETTING WITH MAJOR FILMS 'KANGAROO' AND AMAZON PRIMES 'TOP END BUB'

The Northern Territory is fast becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after screen destinations, with two major Screen Territory supported productions — Kangaroo and Top End Bub – launched last month!

Kangaroo – driving visitation to Central Australia

Filmed in and around Alice Springs, Kangaroo is a cinematic tribute to Central Australia, capturing its cultural richness from the West MacDonnell Ranges to the iconic Kangaroo Sanctuary.

Major theatrical distributor Studiocanal launched the film in Australia on 18 September with a significant nationwide campaign inviting Australians to experience the movie and the magic of the Red Centre showcasing Kangaroo as a gateway to NT adventure.

From premium TV and streaming spots to cinema screens, city streets wrapped in bus megasides, murals and rail activations, radio promotions reaching commuters on 105 stations, and premium print across five states, the campaign turned the Northern Territory into the ultimate star, inspiring travellers to follow the film’s journey straight into the heart of the Outback.

Kangaroo is currently the third highest-grossing Australian film of the year!

Top End Bub – driving visitation to the Top End!

Created, written, and executive produced by Miranda Tapsell and Joshua Tyler, the eight-part sequel to the hit film Top End Wedding follows Lauren (Tapsell) and Ned (Gwilym Lee) as a family tragedy draws them back to Darwin — and into the heart of Territory life.

Amazon Prime launched the series on 12 September debuting at No. 5 and supported this launch in Australia with an extensive 360 marketing campaign across paid, owned and earned media.

The off-channel campaign ran for five weeks until September 28, featuring mass
out-of-home advertising across buses and retail billboards on the Eastern seaboard, TV ads on Channels 7 and 9, and a Mamamia partnership with podcast sponsorships and social editorial, supported by extensive digital activity across YouTube, Connected TVs, Broadcast Video On Demand, Facebook, and Instagram.

If you haven’t already, be sure to watch these productions and share them with others, they’re not only great stories but also incredible showcases of the Territory’s landscapes, culture, and spirit.

CSIRO VISITORS AND DRAGON COURTYARD GARDEN

Members from the Singapore Botanic Gardens visited George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens last week as part of the CSIRO Living Science Laboratory Symposium that explored how cities can create greener, cooler urban areas in a warming climate.

After a number of years of development the Dragon Courtyard at George Brown Darwin Botanic Garden is now open.

Centred around a spectacular dragon sculpture donated by local artist Techy Masero, the garden was made possible with support from Friends of the Botanic Gardens and the dedication of the Botanic Gardens horticulture team.

The courtyard will keep evolving with more plantings and features in the months ahead, but for now visitors can wander through and enjoy this fresh addition to the gardens.

WATERFRONT DINING NOW DIGITAL

The Darwin Waterfront has an online platform that makes dining more flexible and convenient, allowing visitors to order from multiple venues in a single transaction.

Whether you’re craving seafood while your partner wants a burger, or the kids just want pizza, the system lets you order from a range of outlets, including favourites like the Oyster Bar, The Precinct Tavern, and Bella Bar, all at once.

Simply place your order online and receive a text when each dish is ready to collect.
The platform can be accessed from anywhere, making it ideal for office workers on a lunch break or families enjoying the lawns and playground who don’t want to miss out on great food.

The multi-venue ordering system is live with additional venues to be added. Be sure to let visitors know!

Check out the app

GRANTS

DISTRIBUTION GRANT NOW OPEN

Funding is now available through the Distribution Grant Program!

Eligible businesses can apply for up to $5,000 funding to support initiatives including an online booking system, translation services and audio guides and adapting product for new international markets.

Find out more and apply now through GrantsNT.

TOUR GUIDE TRAINING SUPPORT 2025-26 FUNDING NOW AVAILABLE

Tourism NT is providing funding to assist with building a capable tour guide workforce across the Northern Territory.

Tour operators can now receive up to $5,000 to train new guides or upskill existing ones through a range of approved courses including, first aid, heavy vehicle licences, EcoGuide certification and maritime operations.

Businesses can also apply for funding for accreditation of Chinese and Japanese language speaking guides to deliver guiding services within Kakadu National Park and/or Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park.

EVENTS

SEASON 11 OF MILLION DOLLAR FISH OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES

Season 11 of Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish (MDF), has officially launched, inviting anglers to drop a line in the pristine waters of the Top End.

This Season, there are 11 red-tagged barramundi, each carrying the ultimate
million-dollar prize.

The prize tally includes one brand-new fish tagged for Season 11, one carried over from Season 10, and nine still lurking from Season 9—meaning there's never been a better time to be casting a line.

An additional 100 red-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 each are also swimming across Top End waterways. With life-changing prizes on the line and unforgettable experiences off the water, the NT is truly the only place where a single cast could change everything for
a lucky angler.

The official competition period for Season 11 runs from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Registrations is free are now open. To be eligible you must be 18 or over and registered to win.

For more information, visit: milliondollarfish.com.au

CRUISE SEASON COMMENCES

The cruise season returns with 7 vessels expected to arrive in October, including Crown Princess, which has a capacity of 3080 passengers.

The cruise season will run until April, bringing thousands of visitors to the NT who are seeking to explore our natural landscapes, enjoy our food scene and a spot of shopping.

Stay up to date with the latest cruise arrival and departures!

WORKING WITH EVENTS?

There are a range of amazing festvals and events taking place in all our regions. October highlights include: Beach Bash, MASIFF Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festival, Palmerston Family Proms, Acts of Endurance, Full Spectrum: Roconuts, Mario the Magic Maker and Girls Comedy Nights. Find out more

Plus, learn more about all the upcoming Industry events taking place. Read more

Are you planning an event?
Have you thought of partnering?
Get in touch with us about our Event Funding Program.

Check out our toolkits – here to help you with your event planning!

Industry Toolkits
Event Toolkits

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Department of Tourism and Hospitality

GPO Box 1155, Darwin NT 0801