We offer unique experiences
From the lush, tropical Top End to the arid and spectacular Central Australia, the Northern Territory offers one-of-a-kind experiences.
Tourism is a fundamental pillar of the Northern Territory's economy and a significant industry throughout the regions. In FY24, the sector accounted for 3.7% of GSP and 5.1% of total employment, about 8,000 jobs. It also contributes to a range of industries, including accommodation and food services, retail trade, culture and recreation, rental and hiring, construction and transport.
During this period, international visitation more than doubled, supported by a range of activities to rebuild global tourism
post-pandemic. The long-term outlook for tourism is positive with new international and domestic aviation routes announced and more frequent services taking place from 2025 onwards.
The cruise sector is a key part of tourism in the Northern Territory. In 2024, it generated A$181 million in economic output, supported 527 jobs and welcomed 131 ships.
Northern Territory advantages
Strategically positioned close to Asia, the Northern Territory is a unique destination with spectacular natural landscapes, rich Aboriginal cultures and an abundance of history.
- Home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park – complemented by a strong network of parks.
- Well-established tourism experiences with highly sought after attractions and unique cultural festivals.
- Darwin is home to a world-class convention centre, a casino, cruise terminal facilities and numerous attractions. And, as the gateway to popular parks such as Kakadu and Litchfield, Darwin attracts increasing numbers of visitors from around the world
Current activities
New domestic and international aviation routes secured recently are placing downward pressure on airfares, and opening up destinations to boost tourism and trade.
The Northern Territory’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030 sets out the direction for development including specific actions to attract more visitors and deliver increasingly diverse, quality tourism experiences.
In FY26, the Northern Territory Government is investing more than A$88.3 million in tourism, events and screen production, including:
- Realigning international marketing strategies to boost visitor numbers from established markets, such as the United States, United Kingdom and Germany, while maintaining trade education initiatives in emerging markets like China and Southeast Asia.
- Partnering with airlines and trade partners to enhance seat demand and raise awareness of the diverse offerings of the Northern Territory.
- Undertaking cooperative marketing with airlines to support Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS) initiatives.
- Developing the Aboriginal tourism industry to inspire visitors to connect with the world’s oldest living culture.
- Enhancing visitor information services.
Several signature tourism offerings are due to open in the next few years, including a new 5-day luxury walking tour between Kata Tjuta and Uluru, an extended hike in the Watarrka National Park, and a new Convention Centre hotel in Darwin.
Opportunities
- Accommodation: A recent study commissioned by the Northern Territory Government has identified unmet demand for high-range accommodation across Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Tennant Creek. There is an opportunity for private sector investment with government support.
- Eco-tourism: To conserve the natural environment, maintain cultural values and provide opportunities for new and enhanced visitor experiences.
- Diverse, quality tourism experiences: Aimed at the increasing number of visitors expected from new airline routes, cruise liners and expedition ships.
World-class experiences
The Northern Territory is home to two UNESCO World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks, globally renowned attractions and the spectacular Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks.
Our rich blend of natural and cultural tourism offerings, jaw-dropping landscapes, bucket-list adventures and year-long calendar of unique events, are unlike anywhere else on earth.
Connection to culture
Visitors can connect with Aboriginal cultures, through immersive and sustainable experiences that celebrate one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures on earth.
Connection to Country is very much a part of the Northern Territory’s identity where the breadth and depth of cultural experiences on offer are like nowhere else.
There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the Top End and Red Centre.
From the inspiring Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair to the cultural festivals in Alice Springs and the connections found on Country around Nhulunbuy, the Northern Territory acknowledges the Traditional Owners and celebrates Aboriginal culture as an intrinsic part of its identity.
Look to the skies
Our panoramic open landscapes allow for stargazing by eye or telescope and astrophotography, positioning it as a premier destination for dark sky tourism.
A visit to Uluru, in the centre of Australia, offers unique celestial experiences, including starlit dinners paired with storytelling and guided night-sky interpretations through experiences like Sounds of Silence and Tali Wiru.
Meanwhile, the East MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs provide awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way and dark nebulae, with astronomy tours at Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs, showcasing the southern hemisphere’s wonders through telescopes and expert guidance.
This niche tourism segment offers immense potential for growth, tapping into the demand for immersive, nature-based experiences under the dazzling outback skies.
Festivals and events
The culture, food and fun-loving spirit of the Northern Territory is on show with a year-round calendar of festivals and events.
Visitors often combine events with visits to Kakadu National Park, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine and East Arnhem Land.
Festivals and events include:
- Darwin Supercars
- BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival
- Darwin Festival
- Parrtjima
- Great Northern Darwin Cup Festival
- Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
- Darwin Fringe Festival
- Tatts Finke Desert Race
- MXGP
- Million Dollar Fish
- Garma Festival
For full events calendar, please go to the Northern Territory's Festivals and events website.