As many Australians brace for cooling weather conditions in the lead up to winter, the Northern Territory is gearing up for its Dry Season – a time of bustling activity, clear and sunny weather, picture-perfect sunsets, fragrant street markets, epic wilderness tours and a unique calendar of epic music, arts and culture events.
There is a massive range of exciting new experiences available and upcoming in the Territory, including the vibrant Red Centre Light Trail. Start at the nationally acclaimed and visually spectacular Parrtjima – A Festival in Light in Alice Springs, before heading to Bruce Munro’s newest Light Towers installation at Kings Canyon, and continue on to Australia’s Spiritual Heart – Uluru – for the new Wintijiri Wiru showstopper, the iconic Field of Light installation, and Tali Wiru starlit dinner.
Launching in May 2023, Wintjiru Wiru is a fully-immersive light and sound show combining ancient Anangu storytelling with state-of-the-art, drone and laser light technology. The show will see more than 1,000 luminous drones take flight each night to lift ancient stories and images into the sky – marking the first time a light, laser, projection and drone experience of this magnitude has been performed on a regular basis anywhere in the world.
LATEST NEWS
TOURISM NT LAUNCHES NEW DRIVE CAMPAIGN
Tourism NT’s new campaign, Road trip differently, encourages Australians to seek an epic road trip holiday in the Northern Territory with a difference. From the tropical Top End to the iconic Red Centre, the Territory is the ultimate destination for wide open roads, expansive blue skies, vast untouched landscapes, and off-the-beaten tracks. Immerse yourself in ancient Aboriginal cultures, incredible natural wonders, crystal clear waterways, kaleidoscopic sunsets and clear starry nights. Choose from a range of short and long road trip itineraries.
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RECORD CASH PAYOUTS IN SEASON 8 OF MILLION DOLLAR FISH
Australia’s richest fishing competition, Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish has wrapped up its biggest and most successful season-to date. Season 8, which ran from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, saw $230,000 worth of prize money paid out – the largest cash pool ever won in a single season of the competition’s history. Post-season, all nine tagged Million Dollar Fish remain active between 1 April to 30 September 2023, meaning registered anglers still have a chance to snag a whopping million dollars.
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NT NATIONAL PARKS ENTRY FEE KICKS OFF 3 APRIL
From 3 April 2023, a Parks Pass will be required for all interstate and international visitors to most National Parks and reserves including Litchfield, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) and Watarrka National Parks. Visitors can purchase their pass through the online booking system, costing families as little as $25 for a day pass, $75 for two weeks and $150 for 12 months. The revenue from entry fees will be reinvested into the protection, maintenance and safety of NT parks and reserves, as well as the creation of new visitor experiences.
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WHAT'S NEW FROM THE NT
NEW ACCOMMODATION
BAMURRU PLAINS’ NEW JABIRU RETREAT
Kakadu
Luxury eco-friendly safari lodge Bamurru Plains will soon open its new accommodation offering, Jabiru Retreat, from 1 May 2023. Jabiru Retreat is a more private stay within a camp experience, featuring two safari-style bungalows connected by a walkway, leading to a private plunge pool and shaded deck directly overlooking the Mary River floodplains. The retreat accommodates four to six guests, and the package includes incredible daily guided wilderness safaris across the diverse and stunning landscapes of Kakadu – from rivers with sunbaking crocodiles to floodplains frequented with unique birdlife, forests, and woodlands.
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REVAMPED AYERS ROCK RESORT ACCOMMODATION RE-OPENS
Uluru
Voyages Ayers Rock Resort has re-opened its budget-friendly accommodation, Outback Hotel and Lodge (formerly the Outback Pioneer Hotel), following a multi-million-dollar renovation including enhanced guest rooms, new ensuite bathrooms and a refurbished swimming pool. The Outback Hotel and Lodge’s 125 rooms all feature free WiFi, air-conditioning, walk-in rain showers, new electronics and large prints from Aboriginal artist, Delma Forbes, adorning the walls. Guests can also access Voyages’ incredible array of cultural activities, airport transfers and shuttle bus service.
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NEW EXPERIENCES
BRUCE MUNRO’S SECOND RED CENTRE INSTALLATION, LIGHT TOWERS
Kings Canyon
Acclaimed international artist Bruce Munro has debuted his second permanent light and sound installation, Light Towers, in the Red Centre – following his widely acclaimed Field of Light at Uluru. The much-anticipated Light Towers at Discovery Parks Kings Canyon Resort consists of 69 two-metre towers that change colour in response to music emanating from within – taking guests on an immersive aural and visual journey against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Kings Canyon. The Light Towers experience is available to book in three ticketed sessions: ‘Sunrise,’ a premium ‘Sunset’ and ‘By Night’.
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CUTTING EDGE LIGHT, DRONE AND SOUND SHOW AT ULURU, WINTJIRI WIRU
Uluru
From 11 May 2023, a large-scale, immersive light and sound show will open at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. Called Wintjiri Wiru – which suggests a ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’ in local Anangu language – the show will see 1000 choreographed drones, lasers, and projections light up the desert sky in a contemporary, artistic expression of the Mala ancestral story, accompanied by narration in local Aboriginal languages and a traditional Inma soundtrack. Wintjiri Wiru was created in close collaboration with the Anangu community, who consulted on the project, provided story narration and advised on the visuals. Voyages will host two shows every night, from March until December (from 11 May in 2023), with one show a night operating in January and February. The signature experience will be the three-hour ‘Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner’ which includes welcome cocktails and canapes at sunset, followed by a gourmet dinner hamper celebrating native ingredients and paired with premium Australian wines. The ‘Wintjiri Wiru After Dark’, is a shorter, one hour-long experience that includes light refreshments.
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NEW ‘INSTA-WORTHY’ RESORT POOL AT OORAAMINNA STATION HOMESTEAD
Alice Springs
Located 30km outside of Alice Springs, outback homestead Ooraminna Station recently opened a brand-new resort pool with epic desert views. The picturesque pool is available to homestead guests staying at their rustic cabins, campground or luxury glamping tents, as well as restaurant patrons on Saturdays via a ‘Swim & Tapas’ deal. This 600-acre homestead captures the tranquillity and charm of Central Australia, and is a famous film set for movies including Drover’s Boy and Sweet Country.
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LUXE ADVENTURE HELICOPTER TOUR: LITCHFIELD WATERFALLS AND FINNISS RIVER LODGE
Depart from Darwin
Nautilus Aviation have launched an epic all-inclusive helicopter tour, available year-round, that includes access to Litchfield National Park’s amazing waterfalls and a five-star lunch at Finniss River Lodge. Guests will discover Litchfield’s incredible natural beauty from the air and have exclusive VIP access to private waterfall, Sandy Creek Falls. The tour will also stop by Finniss River Lodge, an experiential luxury lodge perched on the edge of floodplains that is also a working cattle station. Guests will enjoy a five-star meal and beverage package and, if season/weather allows, explore the wetlands on a one-hour airboat experience.
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DARWIN CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF THE ARCHIBALD PRIZE
15 April – 25 June 2023
Darwin
The Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory (MAGNT) will host the ticketed national exhibition Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize, celebrating Australia’s oldest and most prestigious portrait awards. MAGNT will also be running an exciting program of events, including paintbrush portraiture and colleague workshops, a pop-up Paint ‘n’ Sip Party recreating an iconic 1969 Archibald portrait, short-dance performances and an intimate session with nine-time Archibald artist, Kate Beynon.
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TWO NATIONAL GALLERY TOURING EXHIBITIONS ARRIVE IN ALICE SPRINGS
From 11 March 2023
Alice Springs
Araluen Arts Centre is set to host two major touring exhibitions from The National Gallery of Australia (NGA). From 11 March – 14 May 2023, NGA’s Rauschenberg & Johns: Significant Others exhibition will be on display in Alice Springs, encapsulating the height of the Abstract expressionist movement from the same-sex relationship between North American artists, Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns. Art lovers can also catch Hetti Perkins’ 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony exhibition. Running from 25 March – 11 June 2023, the exhibition features the works of 35 artists from across Australia and captures the importance of ceremony to First Nations cultures.
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ADVENTURE OPERATOR EXPANDS TOURING DESTINATIONS TO NT
From April 2023
Uluru
Adventure operator Untamed Escapes has launched two new outback tours, 8-Day Adelaide to Uluru and 8-Day Uluru to Adelaide Outback Camping Adventures. The road trip tours showcase the best of the Red Centre’s ancient cultures and otherworldly landscapes, with highlights including a Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a magical sunset over Uluru and camping under the stars. The first tours will hit the road this April, with fortnightly departures from June.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PARRTJIMA – A FESTIVAL IN LIGHT
7 – 16 April 2023
Alice Springs
The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world, Parrtjima is an extraordinary, free 10-night celebration of Aboriginal art, culture and music. The program includes the illumination of the West MacDonnell Ranges, light and sound installations, workshops, films, talks and performances from leading Aboriginal Australians. The 2023 theme is ‘Listening with Heart’, inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart.
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KARRIMANJBEKKAN AN-ME KAKADU, TASTE OF KAKADU
13 – 21 May 2023
Kakadu
An Aboriginal cultural food festival tens of thousands of years in the making, Taste of Kakadu presents a native-infused food program that will immerse visitors in a stimulating journey of the senses. Guests can expect unique culinary and cultural experiences including traditional ground oven feasts, forage walks with traditional owners, canapé cruises, workshops and more.
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BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival
20 May 2023
Darwin
The Northern Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival returns to Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach. The festival’s bumper 2023 line-up features leading Australian artists including Angus & Julia Stone, Amy Shark, Baker Boy, Guy Sebastian, The Presets, Tones and I, plus many more.
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BARUNGA FESTIVAL
9 – 12 June 2023
Katherine surrounds
After 11 years, Barunga Festival is returning to its traditional owners. Barunga celebrates a long and proud tradition of sharing the culture of remote Aboriginal Australia, as communities come together to camp and take part in a program spanning music, sport, culture, art and dance. Highlights include traditional Bungul dances, an art and fabric fair, fashion show, didgeridoo, spear throwing and an AFL game.
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BETR DARWIN TRIPLE CROWN
16 – 18 June 2023
Darwin
The highly anticipated motorsport weekend returns to Darwin’s Hidden Valley with an incredible weekend of family entertainment and adrenaline-pumping racing featuring the Australian Superbikes, The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup, Aussie Racing Cars, Combined Sedans, Nitro Up North and the official Supercars Indigenous Round.
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ALICE SPRINGS BEANIE FESTIVAL
23 – 26 June 2023
Alice Springs
Since 1997, this quirky red desert festival has brought together beanie makers, artists and Aboriginal communities to celebrate the colourful handmade head pieces, and to share stories and knowledge. Festivalgoers will see more than 6,600 beanies hang at ‘Beanie Central’, and can expect a fun program of exhibitions, bush tucker, live music and Aboriginal craft workshops.
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DARWIN LIONS BEER CAN REGATTA
16 July 2023
Darwin
Established in 1974, the annual Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is an iconic Top End family favourite. With boats made of everything from beer cans to plastic bottles and milk cartons, teams race along Mindil Beach into the water and hope their DIY dinghies make it across the finish line. The day also includes sandcastle competitions, ironman races, thong-throwing competitions and more.
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GARMA FESTIVAL
4 – 7 August 2023
Arnhem Land
One of Australia’s largest First Nations gatherings, Garma Festival features a four-day celebration of Yolngu life and culture held in remote Arnhem Land. Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Garma showcases traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and storytelling, and is an important meeting point for the clans and families of the region. The Key Forum Policy Conference also hosts discussions and debates on major issues.
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TELSTRA NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ART AWARDS (NATSIAA)
11 August 2023 – February 2024
Darwin
Australia’s longest running, most prestigious and richest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art awards showcase the very best contemporary art from Australia’s leading emerging and established First Nations artists. The awards ceremony will be held on 11 August 2023 and, after that, art lovers can see the exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
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DARWIN FESTIVAL
10 – 27 August 2023
Darwin
Australia’s warmest winter arts festival combines the quintessential multicultural spirit and energy of Darwin with diverse outdoor festivities and a vibrant program of world-class events for an unforgettable good time. Pick from music, theatre, visual art, dance, cabaret, comedy and more.
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DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR (DAAF)
11 – 13 August 2023
Darwin
Returning for its 17th year, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is one of Australia’s most significant and internationally recognised art events. Visitors have the chance to ethically purchase Aboriginal art from more than 70 Aboriginal-owned art centres and 1,500 creatives across Australia, as well as enjoying a vibrant program of traditional dance, workshops, talks and fashion events, including Country to Couture and National Indigenous Fashion Awards.
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COUNTRY TO COUTURE
11 – 13 August 2023
Darwin
One of the most popular events in the DAAF program, Country to Couture showcases the best of Aboriginal fashion and textiles in a colourful showcase of wearable art. The high-energy runway presents collections from emerging Aboriginal designers and artists, and unique collaborations between First Nations communities and well-known Australian labels.
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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS (NIMAs)
12 August 2023
Darwin
The NIMAs ceremony is one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious celebrations of First Nations music, from heralding emerging artists to those who have achieved international acclaim. Held annually under the stars at Darwin’s historic Amphitheatre, the NIMAs is a not-to-be-missed event on Darwin’s bustling entertainment and music calendar.
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THE ROTARY HENLEY-ON-TODD REGATTA
19 August 2023
Alice Springs
Held for the last 58 years, the Rotary Henley-on-Todd Regatta is the world’s only land-based boat race, set on the dry Todd River in the Territory’s Red Centre. Competitors race along the riverbed ‘Flintstones-style’, using pedal power to make it over the finish line with their home-made boats, dinghies, yachts and canoes.
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