Top End and Red Centre businesses recognised at Australian Tourism Awards

From Uluru to the Darwin Festival, the NT’s best tourism operators have made their mark on the national stage.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, Australasia. Walpa Gorge between Mt Olga (right) and Mt Walpa, Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Escape.

The Northern Territory’s top tourism operators are in the running for national glory, with 22 finalists set to represent the NT at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Adelaide on Friday, March 21.

Finalists include iconic attractions such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Katherine Outback Experience, and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.

Darwin Festival, a highlight of the Top End’s Dry season, has been named a finalist in the Major Festivals and Events category, following its record-breaking 2023 season, which attracted over 160,000 attendees.

The 2024 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards winners are now finalists at the Australian Tourism Awards.

Meanwhile, the Larapinta Trail by World Expeditions – Australian Walking Holidays is a finalist in both the Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism categories.

Wintjiri Wiru, a stunning drone and light show that brings Anangu stories to life at Uluru, making the shortlist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences.

Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge competing in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category, and Dird Full Moon Dinner vying for the Excellence in Food Tourism award.

Willing Distillery, a Darwin-based artisan spirit producer, is a finalist in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category.

Minister Marie-Clare Boothby at the preview event to BASSINTHEGRASS 2025 at Raintree Park 13/02/2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The NT’s recognition at the national awards follows its success at the 2024 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards, where these finalists first proved their excellence.

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the Territory’s tourism industry was on the rise and applauded the businesses heading to the national stage.

“Having 22 NT business category winners on the national stage highlights the exceptional quality of our tourism and hospitality industry,” she said.

“We will continue supporting them and driving them forward with our fresh approach, because when tourism thrives, the Territory thrives.”

She added that the high number of entries at the 2024 Brolga Awards reflected strong industry participation.

NT Finalists at the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Major Tourist Attractions)
• Katherine Outback Experience (Tourist Attractions)
• Darwin Festival (Major Festivals & Events)
• Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (Festival & Events)
• Larapinta Trail by World Expeditions – Australian Walking Holidays (Ecotourism & Adventure Tourism)
• SEIT Tours (Cultural Tourism)
• Wintjiri Wiru (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences)
• Uluru Audio Guide (Tourism Retail, Hire & Services)
• Top End Visitor Information Centre (Visitor Information Services)
• Darwin Convention Centre (Business Event Venues)
• AAT Kings (Major Tour & Transport Operators)
• Offshore Boats (Tour & Transport Operators)
• Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge (Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services)
• Willing Distillery (Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries)
• (Caravan & Holiday Parks) Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
• (Unique Accommodation) Gorge View Bush Retreat
• (3-3.5 Star Accommodation) Safari Lodge Motel
• (4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation) H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel
• (New Tourism Business) NT Driver Guide – Escorted Touring
• Dird Full Moon Dinner (Excellence in Food Tourism)
• (Excellence in Accessible Tourism) Darwin Waterfront

Winners of the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards will be announced at a gala event in Adelaide.