Katherine Outback Experience, Darwin Festival among winners at Brolga Awards

A popular tourist attraction has been named the Territory’s best for the fourth year in a row. See all the other winners of industry’s night of nights.

The Territory’s best tourism operators and products have been celebrated at the industry’s annual night of nights, with one Outback company taking home a major prize for the fourth year running.

On Saturday night, Katherine Outback Experience was again named the winner of best tourist attraction at the 35th Brolga Awards, which saw 25 Territory businesses recognised on the night.

Katherine Outback Experience owner Tom Curtain said he was proud of his team and its achievements.

“As was the case for so many businesses, the 2021 tourist season was tough,” he said in a Facebook post.

“There were triumphs though including the birth of our daughter Lottie during our first Katherine lockdown.

“Fortunately 2022 has been much kinder and we look forward to the industry continuing to rebuild.”

Char Restaurant and The Darwin Club took out the Chairman’s Choice for Tourism Excellence, as well as the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services Award.

Grant Hunt was awarded the Tourism Minister’s Perpetual Trophy, for his contribution to nature based tourism.

Minister Manison with Tourism Minister's Perpetual Trophy recipient Grant Hunt AM. Picture: Lisa Hatz

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Brolgas were the highest accolade in the tourism industry.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nicole Manison said the awards night was a fitting acknowledgment of the tourism industry’s contribution to the Territory’s economy.

“The Territory’s tourism industry has a lot to celebrate. They were one of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and through their commitment and resilience they have adapted and innovated,” she said.

Twenty of the award winners will represent the Northern Territory at the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney next year.

Winners of the 2022 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards. Picture: Lisa Hatz

2022 BROLGA AWARD WINNERS

Tourist Attractions: Katherine Outback Experience

Major Festivals and Events: Darwin Festival

Festivals and Events: Red Hot Arts Central Australia

Eco-tourism: Trek Larapinta

Cultural Tourism: Venture North Safaris

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism: Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye

Tourism Retail and Hire: Uluru Audio Guide

Visitor Information Services: Tourism Top End

Business Event Venues: Darwin Convention Centre

Major Tour and Transport Operators: AAT Kings NT

Tour and Transport Operators: Uluru Camel Tours

Adventure Tourism: World Expeditions Australian Walking Holidays

Tourism and Marketing Campaigns: Tourism Central Australia

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services: Char Restaurant and The Darwin Club at Admiralty House

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries: One Mile Brewery

Caravan and Holiday Parks: Oasis Tourist Park

Unique Accommodation: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

3-3.5 Star Accommodation: Capitanos

4-4.5 Star Accomodation: Rydges Palmerston

Tony Clementson New Tourism Business: Cyaround Australia Tours

Business Growth Award: Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery

Chairman’s Choice for Tourism Excellence: Char Restaurant and The Darwin Club at Admiralty House

Skal Industry Employee Award: Susan Silvester

George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual: Michael Scott

Tourism Minister’s Perpetual Trophy: Grant Hunt AM