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Fireworks in-demand on Territory Day 2025

As the clock ticks closer to Australia’s most explosive night, families, couples and pensioners cashed in on boxes-worth of pyrotechnics, with some groups splurging thousands of dollars for their few hours of fun. See what one Queensland mum said.

Territorians were keen to get their hands on fireworks on Tuesday, with large lines of families, couples and pensioners lining up for their pyrotechnics. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Territorians were keen to get their hands on fireworks on Tuesday, with large lines of families, couples and pensioners lining up for their pyrotechnics. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In the hours leading up to H-Hour, firework enthusiasts were splashing anywhere between $30 to thousands of dollars in preparation for one of the Territory’s - and nation’s - most explosive nights.

Across Darwin, families, couples and pensioners joined the queues in a bid to get their box of pyrotechnics, with a noticeable cohort of interstaters also among lines.

Queensland mum Katrina Evans and her husband watched on as their three boys eagerly got their hands on their incendiary gift bags.

“We’re going to catch up with the grandparents, head down to the (Darwin) Waterfront and let off some fireworks,” she said.

“It’s the first time the kids have experienced it - we’re here on holidays from Queensland.”

As a treat, her boys had the luxury of picking their own boxes - but its dad who is really keen for the night ahead.

“He spent $500 on this,” she said.

“He’s even more excited.”

The Evans family, from Queensland, said they were keen to get in on the action on Territory Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
The Evans family, from Queensland, said they were keen to get in on the action on Territory Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Director of Fireworks Warehouse Robert Balfour said 2025 was another “fantastic” turnout.

“People spend thousands of dollars on this,” he said.

“The boys load up - they want the big boy toys - and they will put $1000, $5000 together to have a party with their friends and family.”

Director of Fireworks Warehouse, Robert Balfour, and his team selling fireworks on Territory Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Director of Fireworks Warehouse, Robert Balfour, and his team selling fireworks on Territory Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In his 29 years of watching Territorians flock for fireworks, Mr Balfour said there had been a rise in the number of people coming from interstate.

“These people aren’t just coming for Territory Day though, they’re staying longer to buy hot dogs, go on the jumping croc tour, to go sightseeing and spend on the local economy,” he said.

“So it’s much a bigger than the day.”

Maverick and Michael Barry ready to launch fireworks on Territory Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Maverick and Michael Barry ready to launch fireworks on Territory Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In response to those who believe fireworks should be banned outright, Mr Balfour maintained there were more dangerous goods roaming the market.

“Alcohol is probably 10 times a bigger problem across 365 days versus one day of fireworks,” he said.

“If it’s done properly and people act responsibly, it can be enjoyed by all.

“And you know what? It creates memories and brings families and communities together.”

Originally published as Fireworks in-demand on Territory Day 2025

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/fireworks-indemand-on-territory-day-2025/news-story/bed1fe358c5c6cc1363d6db1940615fb