Supercars 2025: Slightly lower turnout to previous year but Darwin city centre ‘pumping’

More than 36,000 people attended the Supercars in Darwin and local businesses thrived.

All the action at the 2025 Darwin Supercars in Hidden Valley. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Motorsports lovers enjoyed a fast-paced weekend after Darwin Supercars 2025 put on quite the show – and local businesses were the big winners.

Especially after Broc Feeney won the elusive Darwin Triple Crown on Sunday.

More than 36,000 attended, with nearly half visiting from outside of the NT.

While the numbers mark a six per cent decrease from last year’s track event, NT Major Events Company said they were “very happy” with the numbers.

Particularly as the large percentage of out of town visitors meant a “big win” for local businesses.

“We were happy with the numbers – even though they were down slightly from last year, this was only by 6 to 7 per cent,” a spokeswoman said.

The Hendersons at the 2025 Darwin Supercars in Hidden Valley. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“This small decrease can be attributed to Nitro up North not being part of the Supercars program this year, as it is now a stand-alone event in Darwin that will generate its own crowd later this year in August.”

The NT Major Events Company executive director of events, Aimee Luxton, said on Mix 104.9’s 360 with Katie Woolf that planning had already begun for next year.

“This event really does deliver great economic impact for the Territory,” said Ms Luxton.

“We look forward to hearing what everybody thought of the music and all the extra activities when we start to plan all of that fan experience next year too.”

Darwin city centre and waterfront ‘pumping’ over weekend

Hospitality businesses in the Darwin CBD and Waterfront enjoyed a major boost in footfall.

Chief executive for Hospitality NT, Cathy Simmonds said it was a welcome change to a slow start to the Dry season.

“Hospitality businesses, especially in Darwin City, love the boost we get from the Territory’s major events and business events calendar,” Ms Simmonds said.

Darwin city centre and the Waterfront experienced a boost in visitors due to the event. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The city was pumping over the weekend, it’s really great to see after a slow start to the Dry.

“If we can make travel to the Territory more accessible and competitive from interstate we’ll see more visitor growth and more fun coming our way.”

Hotel occupancy was even higher than last year’s Supercars event with 85 per cent of available rooms booked in Darwin by Friday night.

Once the full numbers have been gathered next week, this number is expected to be even higher.

Yasmine Welsh from Darwin Waterfront Corporation said there was a great buzz at the seaside spot.

”There was a real energy in the air that is usually only associated with Supercar fans,” she said.

“We definitely saw more people out and about, enjoying everything the area has to offer.

“Foot traffic was up compared to the same time last year, and the V8 weekend once again brought that signature buzz and excitement to town.”

Originally published as Supercars 2025: Slightly lower turnout to previous year but Darwin city centre ‘pumping’