Darwin told to saddle-up for Territory Day as taste of Country lands in Top End

The award-winning Katherine Outback Experiences arrives on Darwin’s coast for a free family-friendly Territory Day show.

The Katherine Outback Experience is being hosted at Darwin Waterfront for Territory Day. Picture: Territory Savvy

Territorian families are being invited to ride out Territory Day celebrations while enjoying a free evening filled with Country music, saddling and of course, fireworks on Darwin’s coast.

The award-winning Katherine Outback Experience is arriving at the Darwin Waterfront to host a “unique” family-friendly event on Tuesday, 1 July.

From 6pm, Top Ender’s can come along for country music from Golden Guitar winner, singer and songwriter, Tom Curtain, live horse-starting, storytelling and working dog demonstrations.

The event from 6-8pm on Tuesday, 1 July is free for all the family to enjoy. Picture: Territory Savvy

This will be topped off at 8pm with a “spectacular” fireworks display from Darwin Waterfront.

Darwin Waterfront Corporation chair, Patrick Bellot, said it is an event for locals and visitors alike to enjoy and is the second year the organisation has hosted an event for Territory Day.

Mr Bellot said the Katherine Outback Experience was the perfect way to celebrate Territory tradition with a nod to tropical lifestyle.

Golden Guitar winner, singer and songwriter, Tom Curtain will be putting on a show at 7pm. Picture: Territory Savvy

“What’s more Top End than a fusion of tropical and outback living?” Mr Bellot said.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Katherine Outback Experience to bring something truly unique to this year’s Territory Day.”

Visitors were also encouraged to make use of the nearby restaurants by booking a table or taking a picnic blanket to enjoy a takeaway under the stars.

Territory Day: Extra steps taken for furry friends and community

Territory Day celebrations nearly ended in a blow-up with NSW this year after 100 tons of fireworks earmarked for the NT were nearly seized by authorities.

Thankfully with a little bit of help from NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, News South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, and Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, the pyrotechnics arrived in Darwin just in time.

A small sample of the Territory's 100 tons of Territory Day fireworks which made it over the border this month.

Firework displays will be hosted in over 20 locations this Territory Day.

Earlier this month, the Minister for Major Events and Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, called it one of the most “unifying” days in the calendar and encouraged people to have a fun and safe celebration.

This has been echoed by City of Darwin who have asked people to keep the environment and four-legged animals in mind when celebrating.

In order to help support pets and their owners, they helped host a free microchipping event with RSPCA NT to help reunite escaped pets with their families.

On top of hosting animal welfare pop-ups to offer advice for pet owners and calming pet samples, extra rangers will also be on duty on Tuesday.

Acting chief executive of City of Darwin, Matt Grassmayr, reminded people to show care towards those around them.

The fireworks displays can spook pets and cause many to escape during the Territory Day celebrations. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Territory Day is a time of celebration and excitement for the Northern Territory, but it’s also an opportunity to show care and compassion for all members of our community — both humans and animals” said Mr Grassmayr.

“This year, we’re proud to being taking extra steps to ensure that our pets, wildlife and the broader environment are protected during the festivities.

“Let’s come together to create a safe, and memorable experience for everyone, while keeping the wellbeing of our furry friends and the community at heart.”

With many people free to purchase their own fireworks for personal displays, skips will also be placed in key locations such as in Bundilla, Fannie Bay and Nightcliff Foreshore from July 1 for safe disposal of firework waste.

To find out more, visit the website.

Originally published as Darwin told to saddle-up for Territory Day as taste of Country lands in Top End