Darwin Cup Carnival to make big 2025 return

The Territory’s largest annual sporting event, the Darwin Cup Carnival, is just around the corner with plenty of new additions on offer for 2025. Find out what’s happening.

Brooke McManus, pictured with the Gary Clarke trained Desert Mist, has been named the 2025 Darwin Cup Carnival Ambassador. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Northern Territory’s largest sporting event, the Darwin Cup Carnival, is just around the corner with plenty of new additions on offer for 2025.

Whether it’s for the fashion and frills or the racing thrills, there’s plenty to enjoy across the biggest Territory carnival from Guineas Day to Darwin Cup Day on August 4.

Tickets are already selling fast for this year’s event and are already surpassing year-on-year numbers to date as the opening race day nears.

Darwin Turf Club chief executive Chris Chaffe said the Territory’s biggest event of the year was drawing in crowds from across the NT and interstate.

Big events include the Rydges Palmerston Ladies Day Luncheon, which has a new sponsor, Ladbrokes Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon, Sportsbet Gala Ball and the Great Northern Darwin Cup Day.

“Tickets have been selling fast, but there’s still time to secure your spot with the Galla Ball, general admission, the vibrant Ledger Marquee, and premium Club Lawn packages still available,” he said.

Thousands of people descended at the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival, Fannie Bay. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s the perfect time of year to soak up the fun, fashion and atmosphere, and with Cup Day falling on a public holiday, there’s no better excuse to make a day of it.

“I urge people to go online or call the office to reserve your tickets, as we have been experiencing a strong uptake for these events and other days across the month-long carnival.”

Mr Chaffe said he was confident key areas such as the Ledger Marquee and reserved seating on the Club Lawns would sell out fast with high demand already coming in.

The Sportsbet Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball is also expected to be a popular option on the back of last year’s return to Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

And the air conditioned pavilion will be open to the general public in a first, featuring a full array of food trucks and the GH Mumm bar for 2025.

Originally published as Darwin Cup Carnival to make big 2025 return