Territorians celebrated Australia Day 2025 in style at Hidden Valley Raceway for the annual Ute Run

It was a day as Australian as you could get at the Hidden Valley Raceway: Snags, flags, mullets and beers, capped off with the Territory’s iconic Ute Run. See the photos.

Lee-Anne Beazley and Arnold Beazley at the Hot 100 Ute Run held on Australia Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It was a day as Australian as you could get at the Hidden Valley Raceway: Snags, flags, mullets and beers, capped off with the Territory’s iconic Ute Run.

Hundreds of Territorians, young and old, revved up on Sunday for the NT’s annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run, which saw a street parade wind its way south through Darwin’s northern suburbs to the Noonamah Tavern.

At 9am, after the national anthem and a smoking ceremony, an Australian flag was waved, signalling the beginning of the parade.

Hot 100 Ute Run held at Hidden Valley. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

At 10.30am, utes began to roll into Noonamah Tavern - the official afterparty location - and residents helped themselves to entertainment from live bands, thong throwing comps, Aussie competitions, food and drinks and more.

The Ute Run’s master of ceremonies, Wayne Cottle, said the unity at the event was what made Australia great.

“What it means to be Australian is to be able to do the things we’re doing here today,” he said.

“We get together, we come out and just have a great time.

“But my favourite part about Australia is the meat pies, mate.”

Trudy Arrigo’s Wiggles car for the Ute Run. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cruising in her Wiggles themed car, Trudy Arrigo said she hoped it would be a big hit with children.

“Because the Variety Bash is all about kids, we thought we’d go ahead and design the car with a theme that the kids would enjoy. Wiggles theme,” she said.

Ms Arrigo said celebrating our culture was important.

“We’re in a bloody good country to live in and there’s a lot of freedom here.”

Ryan Jackson and Mr Audet at the Hot 100 Ute Run. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dressed as a leprechaun, Isaac Audet, better known to his friends as Golden, said celebrating Australia was important.

“It’s everything; it’s our home, it’s our culture, it’s who we are,” he said.

“There’s no place like Australia, and the fact we have this day to celebrate with everyone that this is our home is amazing.”

Mr Audet dressed as Goldilocks in 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Audet said dressing up and going to the Ute Run had become an Australia Day tradition of his.

“I’ve been to six Ute Runs, but this would be my fourth consecutive year,” he said.

“Costume-wise: Last year I was Goldilocks … this year I’m a leprechaun.

“To me, the whole point of this event is to get out there, have fun and get everyone among it to celebrate our great country.”

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