Feeling festive? Then throw a mango or two at your mates or build a sandactle in the central desert

WOULD you like to build elaborate ochre sandcastles in Central Australia? Or maybe throw ripe mangoes at your nearest and dearest?

When the folks at Wotif launched their search for a ‘Festival of Wot?’, Tourism NT suggested the Festival of Mango Madness. Picture: Tourism NT

WOULD you like to build elaborate ochre sandcastles in Central Australia? Throw ripe mangoes at your nearest and dearest?

Well, if Tourism NT has its way – soon you‘ll be able to.

When the folks at Wotif launched their ‘Festival of Wot?’, a four-month initiative designed to invigorate domestic tourism and celebrate Australia’s unique quirks, Tourism NT answered the call with two festivals to give visitors a taste of the Territory: the Festival of Mango Madness and Festival of Sandcastles in the Desert.

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Now they’re calling on Territorians to get their creative juices flowing and put forward their own nominations for their town before August 18.

Tourism NT executive general manager marketing Tony Quarmby said the NT is home to some of the most different experiences in the country and would not be burying its head in the sand when it comes to the ‘Festival of Wot?’.

“We’re confident we can win this competition and add our unique Territory flavour to the next Wotif ‘Festival of Wot’,” he said.

Mr Quarmby said festivals were a major driver of tourism and winning the campaign would provide a huge boost to the Territory.

When the folks at Wotif launched their search for the ‘Festival of Wot?’ Tourism NT suggested the Festival of Sandcastles in the Desert. Picture: Tourism NT

Mr Quarmby said the Festival of Sandcastles in the Desert would be a sand sculpture festival with a twist.

“Forget seaside, these sculptures will rise from the rich red earth of Central Australia with the majestic MacDonnell Ranges providing a stunning backdrop,” he said.

“For the Top End, we think the Festival of Mango Madness will celebrate the Territory’s tropical summer where festival-goers will beat the heat with mango ice cream washed down with some mango beer.

“These are just two ideas we think are ripe for the picking but we need more.”

Mr Quarmby is urging Territorians to pitch their best festival ideas.

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Following the success of Australia’s Next Big Thing, where Wotif gifted the Queensland town of Chinchilla with The Big Melon — this year’s countrywide initiative, will shine a light on domestic tourism, helping to encourage more Aussies to hit the road, sea or skies to uncover all Australia has to offer.

Nominations are open until August 18.

For more details, visit www.wotif.com/festival