From dugongs in the lagoon to horse spa days: NT’s top April Fools’ Day pranks of 2025

From surprise sea creatures to spa-loving stallions, these NT April Fool’s pranks had us all doing a double take.

From dugongs in the lagoon to clapping bans at Mindil Beach, the NT delivered some top-tier April fool’s pranks this year.

Even we at the NT News got in on the fun, with two tall tales of our own; the relocation of Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death to Darwin Airport, and a crack team of NT croc hunters preparing for a world-first Olympic crocodile extraction.

Businesses, local icons, and other news outlets also got in on the fun.

Were you fooled by any of these stories?

NT POLICE – Unleash ‘mighty’ new recruit

Move over German Shepherds — there’s a new patrol pup in town.

NT Police introduced Phi-Phi, the tiniest recruit in the Dog Operations Unit.

This pint-sized pooch, rocking a police collar, might not be tackling crooks head-on, but sources say she’s got a lethal weapon: overwhelming cuteness.

If her bark doesn’t stop troublemakers, her puppy kisses just might.

ROYAL DARWIN SHOW – Croc couture: Darwin’s fiercest fashion show

Think your scaly mate has star power?

The Royal Darwin Show is on the hunt for the cutest croc in the NT, awarding titles for best-dressed, most photogenic, and even most cuddly (good luck with that one).

Entrants must bring their own live crocodile — don’t stress, safety protocols are definitely in place.

With bows, painted nails, and a little Territory charm, it’s time to prove that even the fiercest predators have a soft side!

CRAB CLAW ISLAND RESORT – Bynoe Harbour’s million-dollar catch — hook, line and sinker. Or Million-dollar fish? Gotcha!

Anglers, pack it up — the Million Dollar Fish has officially been reeled in at Bynoe Harbour.

Or so says Crab Claw Island Resort in their latest prank.

A lucky young fisherman was “caught” on camera with the prized Barra, tagged and all, as cameras rolled on the historic (and very suspicious) moment.

While hopeful fishos might be reeling from disappointment, the real Million Dollar Fish is still out there.

ANACONDA STORE – croc vs. Croc — who wins?

Anaconda Stores took footwear to the next level with their latest innovation: ‘Croc proof Crocs’.

Promising style, comfort, and an invisible force field to repel the Territory’s apex predator, these hi-tech clogs are apparently the only thing standing between you and becoming lunch.

While we’re pretty sure NT locals won’t be testing this claim anytime soon, one thing’s for sure: this prank had us hooked.

TERRITORY SEAFOOD CREW – Territory Seafood Crew ‘dumps’ Barra for tofu?

In a masterclass of satire, Territory Seafood Crew “announced” they were ditching commercial fishing to flip Barramundi-Free Barra Burgers — 100 per cent tasteless.

Claiming seafood access was “overhyped” and science “overrated” they joked about surrendering to Facebook experts and switching to “tofu” and “tears” instead.

But don’t panic, Barra lovers — “the crew will be back tomorrow”, “fresh outta Facebook jail”.

ALICE SPRINGS SHOW – Alice Springs show goes sky-high

The Alice Springs Show had tongues wagging with a “big announcement” – a brand-new chair lift to save visitors from the exhausting trek across the oval.

With “funding and support” from Blatherskite Park, the post promised the lift would be ready just in time for the show.

DARWIN WATERFRONT – a whale of a tale at the Waterfront?

Darwin Waterfront had its own Loch Ness moment after a mystery creature was spotted lurking in the Recreation Lagoon.

Security footage appeared to show a dugong drifting through the waters, though how it got there (or where it went) remains a mystery.

The Waterfront team is on high alert for another sighting — until then, we’ll chalk this one up to the ultimate April fool’s photobomb.

ABC DARWIN – a round of applause? Not at Mindil Beach

A dry season staple was silenced — Mindil Beach Market has officially banned sunset clapping.

Citing complaints from locals who found the tradition “just silly”, market organisers are now encouraging alternative sunset celebrations, including:

👐 Jazz hands

🐺 Wolf whistling

🕺 Heel clicking

👀 Shouting AWOOGA

SADDLEWORLD NT – Horse Spa Day

Taking equine care to luxurious new heights, Saddleworld NT announced an exciting partnership with Crystal Pools to introduce the very first Equine Day Spa.

Complete with hydrotherapy pools, lavender-infused aromatherapy, and gourmet hay buffets, this spa is set to offer the ultimate relaxation for our four-legged friends.

Because if we can unwind in a jacuzzi, why shouldn’t our horses?

DARWIN OLYMPIC SPORTS CLUB - Trent Alexander-Arnold signs with… Darwin Olympic?

Football fans did a double take when Darwin Olympic Sporting Club announced they had secured the signing of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The club confirmed “extensive talks” had led to an agreement, with the defender set to join at the end of his current contract.

Of course, the timing gave it away — this was one signing that was never meant to be.

BASEBALL NT - NT Buffaloes Unveil Horned Batting Helmets

Baseball NT has taken intimidation to the next level with the unveiling of custom buffalo-horned batting helmets for the NT Buffaloes.

Designed to strike fear into the opposition, the helmets feature “aerodynamic” horns, “sweat-resistant bison hide texture”, and a limited-edition “Territory Toughness” badge.

While Baseball Australia and Little League International have yet to approve them for official play, fans can already pre-order their own for a cool “$1,499.95, or upgrade to the ‘Stampede Edition’ for added charging capabilities”.

CASUARINA SQUARE - Casuarina Square Unveils Darwin’s First Indoor Shopping Lagoon

Big changes are coming to The Quarter at Casuarina Square, with plans to enclose the space and transform it into Darwin’s first-ever shopping lagoon.

The ambitious project promises swim-up dining, floating food trays, and a stunning waterfall feature — offering shoppers the ultimate oceanfront experience, minus the stingers and crocs.

Construction is set to begin soon, with select restaurants already working on waterproof menu options.

Originally published as From dugongs in the lagoon to horse spa days: NT’s top April Fools’ Day pranks of 2025