Eleven tourism businesses, including major Australian travel brands and international operators, have been selected to deliver new visitor experiences ahead of the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse.It comes as the Government unlocks new parks for investment and recreation, including the Territory's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary at Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve.Finocchiaro CLP Government is leveraging our unique competitive advantages to grow our visitor economy, support local jobs, and back the Territory's regions.
The stars are aligning in our Dark Sky Territory as eleven operators secure opportunities to deliver brand-new visitor experiences for the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse.
Eleven businesses have been given the go-ahead to deliver new visitor experiences at Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve and Tennant Creek Telegraph Station, with more opportunities to open in early 2027.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said that the overwhelming interest and global recognition showed that the Territory was the premier destination for eclipse chasers, stargazers, and dark sky revellers.
"Eclipse chasers plan their trips years in advance and we're making sure that the Territory is in their orbit, by raising our profile, backing businesses, and unlocking new opportunities to experience what the Territory has to offer," Minister Boothby said.
"Eleven investors will now have the opportunity to bring new visitors to the deepest reaches of our regions, on the back of a once-in-a-generation event.
"We want people to come for the eclipse, and then we want them stay longer, spend big in our local businesses, and discover what makes the Territory one-of-a-kind."
Anna Dakin owns Art Tours of Australia in Alice Springs who were selected for the occasion.
She said that the opportunity would allow her to deliver a unique tour experience for visitors from all over the world - including an artists-in-residence program, beginning with the eclipse in Karlu Karlu before concluding at the Art Tours site in Alice Springs.
"These events are rare, they're difficult to convey without experiencing them, and it's something that connects an ancient wonder that sits within all of us, no matter where we come from," Ms Dakin said.
"To be selected is a huge show of confidence and recognition, and it really amplifies our work as a local business, and what we offer for visitors. And it's incredibly exciting to be able to do what we love, attracting some of the world's finest artists down here to the Red Centre."
Other operators granted use of the sites include: Journey Beyond, Intrepid Travel, AAT Kings, World Expeditions, Autopia Tours, Emu Run Experience, French operator TIRAWA, Swagalong Tours, Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours, and Southern World.
On 22 July 2028, the Barkly Region will experience up to 4 minutes and 57 seconds of total solar obscuration with 100% visibility. In August this year, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve was recognised as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary - the first in the Territory, the third in Australia, and one of just 24 in the world.
This accreditation formally certifies that the region's skies are among the darkest and clearest in the world - making it the premier destination for stargazers and astronomers alike ahead of July 2028.
Dr Tanya Hill, Senior Curator of Astronomy at the Melbourne Planetarium previously said, "It might be in the middle of the ocean, so the fact this goes right across Australia, we're going to have lots of interest in our part of the world for 2028."
"Eclipse chasers travel the world to be able to see totality and to stand under the shadow of the moon."
International attention from travel influencers such as Australian Traveller, Time Out and Broadsheet, continue to reinforce the Barkly's growing reputation as a premier destination for stargazing and dark sky tourism.
Overwhelming industry interest has also prompted a second round of EOIs in early 2027, with additional sites identified for visitor experiences, as well as camping and 4WD access.
