Minister for Racing
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
Media Release Darwin Cup Carnival: A Festival of Racing, Tourism and Territory Lifestyle
2 July 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to back the 2025 Darwin Cup Carnival, an iconic Territory event that brings thousands together to celebrate racing, tourism and our unique lifestyle.
Kicking off this Saturday with Guineas Day, the month-long Carnival features eight days of racing and a packed calendar of events, all leading up to the legendary Darwin Cup.
Minister for Racing and Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the Carnival showcases the strength of the Territory's racing industry while celebrating the NT's unique lifestyle, culture and hospitality.
"The Carnival reinforces our reputation as a premier destination for racing, tourism, and lifestyle," Ms Boothby said.
"It draws thousands of attendees from near and far and reaches national and international audiences through race broadcasts."
"We promised Territorians a year of action, certainty and security, and events like this deliver on that commitment, injecting confidence into our business community, creating jobs, and contributing more than $20 million to the economy annually."
"While the rest of Australia is in winter, we're trackside in the sunshine. The Darwin Cup Carnival offers a racing experience you won't find anywhere else, with our black sand track, dry season weather, and iconic Territory atmosphere."
Key Events on the 2025 Darwin Cup Carnival Calendar include:
Darwin Guineas Day: First leg of the $50,000 Darwin Double awarded to any horse successful in winning the Guineas and NT Derby.Chief Minister's Cup: Family-friendly day out with activities including kids' Fashions on the Field.Ladies' Day: Featuring Fashions on the Field and Ladies' Day Luncheon.Derby Day: Darwin's blue-ribbon race and Fashions on the Field.Palmerston Sprint Day: The NT's premier sprint race.Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball: Black-tie night under the stars at Mindil Beach Casino Resort.Darwin Cup Day: The grand finale, with a $200,000 prize pool.
Darwin Turf Club CEO Chris Chaffe said the Carnival continues to be a significant economic contributor for the NT.
"This influx of visitors boosts sectors like hospitality, tourism, and retail, providing a much-needed stimulus during the Dry," Mr Chaffe said.
"Despite economic challenges, the Darwin Cup remains a flagship event on the Territory calendar. Its enduring appeal to locals shows just how important major events are for supporting small businesses and sustaining regional activity."
As Racing Minister, Ms Boothby said the NT racing industry plays a vital role in the CLP Government's broader plan to rebuild the economy and grow key sectors.
The Carnival also supports local creatives and small businesses, from milliners and fashion designers to caterers and event staff, who bring colour, energy and Territory flair to every race day.
"The thoroughbred racing industry alone contributes over $120 million a year to the Territory economy. It's not just sport, its jobs, tourism, and pride in our way of life," said Ms Boothby.
View the full Darwin Cup Carnival calendar here here and purchase tickets here here.
