3 July 2026
Around new tourism projects will share in more than $2.6 million under the NT Experience Fund's 'New Experience' funding streams. The funding will help operators create more bookable tourism products, with a focus on year-round, multi-year, and regional opportunities. The Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to growing the Territory's visitor economy to $3 billion by 2032.
Starlit dinners and dark sky tourism, outback experiences, and new food markets are among the new tourism products set to come to market thanks to new funding by the Finocchiaro CLP Government.
The NT Experience Fund was set up to increase the number of bookable tourism products available to visitors - the flagship funding initiative launched under the Visitor Economy Strategy 2032.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said this first round of projects were about converting Territory ideas and innovation into real opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy what makes the NT one-of-a-kind.
"There's nowhere like the Territory - we know it, the world is discovering it. These new tourism products show exactly why, and I couldn't more thrilled to get behind them," Minister Boothby said.
"From space tourism in Central Australia to food tourism in Nhulunbuy, outback stays in Litchfield and Big Rivers, to urban getaways in Darwin, we're supporting Territory businesses and local jobs to give visitors even more reasons to experience more - and spend more - in the NT."
"In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are backing businesses, investing in our regions, and putting the Territory on show like never before."
Among the projects funded through this funding round are:
• An East Arnhem Dining and Entertainment precinct with Banubanu Lodge in Nhulunbuy.
• A year-round on-farm event and education centre with Go Wide Cattle Co in Batchelor.
• An astro-tourism and cultural tour with Adventure Tours in Alice Springs.
• A permanent, night-time street food market with Away Travel Group in Darwin.
• A premium cultural dining experience with Jawoyn Aboriginal Charitable Trust in Nitmiluk National Park.
This is the first round of recipients under the Finocchiaro CLP Government's NT Experience Fund's 'New Experience' and 'Multi-Year New Experience' streams, launched in March alongside the Visitor Economy Strategy 2032.
This round will see $1.57 million allocated to Top End projects and $1.07 million for Central Australia projects, with operators co-contributing nearly $4.1 million as part of the funding program.
A full list of recipients can be found at tourismandeventsnt.com.au/tourism-industry/grant-funding/nt-experience-fund.
