Government launches a brand-new NT Military Tourism Plan 2035 and national military tourism campaign, ahead of the 85th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.The Plan charts a 10-year path to elevate Australia's wartime stories and grow the Territory's profile as a military tourism destination, backed by new technology and building on the results of the Plot Your Course Through History campaign.Finocchiaro CLP Government is leveraging the Territory's one-of-a-kind tourism offerings, as we grow our visitor economy, and celebrate the Territory's unique identity.
Did you know that more bombs were dropped on Darwin than Pearl Harbour in raids led by the same commander? Or that a Tiwi Islander captured Australia's first prisoner of war? Or that Katherine was home to the Territory's own horseback commandos - the Nackeroos? Not many people do. And yet the Territory still bears the physical scars of the dark days of World War II.
As we mark Remembrance Day this year, we are reminded of the price that many paid to defend Australia. And with the 85th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin just a few short months away, the Finocchiaro Government is launching a new national campaign, because we can never forget the dark days of World War II.
The 'Bet you didn't know we had a war story like this' campaign showcases the Territory's remarkable wartime history. It coincides with the launch of the Government's new NT Military Tourism Plan 2035 - a 10-year strategy to cement the Territory's role as a living example of Australia's wartime history.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the Territory's military history isn't just a chance to bring visitors to the Territory- it sits at the heart of the Territory's unique wartime story.
"In a few months' time, we commemorate 85 years since the Bombing of Darwin, when war reached Australia's shore not just in Darwin City, but in raids across the Top End and Katherine, and with wartime operations that ran deep into Central Australia," said Minister Boothby.
"These stories of courage, service, and love of country are deeply woven into our Territory identity, and we're committed to sharing them with Australians and visitors across the world because we can never forget the price of our freedom."
"We also know that the Territory's military story - from World War II to modern-day exercises like Pitch Black, held every two years - attracts people from all over, giving them more reasons to explore our regions."
The latest initiative builds on the success of the Territory's 2025-26 military tourism focus earlier in the year, Plot Your Course Through History, which reached more than 1.4 million Australians with the Territory's immersive military history.
At the same time, the campaign supported 51 tourism businesses in sharing that story, generating over 830 direct bookings and adding over $1.3 million in visitor spending.
The Military Tourism Plan 2035 focuses on building partnerships with Defence, veteran organisations, tourism operators, and Traditional Owners to protect and promote military heritage sites and to develop new visitor experiences.
The plan also embraces a range of digital platforms. The AI Military Trip Planner released last year has already generated 1,857 personalised trip itineraries, allowing visitors to explore military attractions and helping local operators to promote their products and attract bookings. The AI Military Trip Planner was named a finalist in the Customer Experience category of the 2026 Australian Financial Review AI Awards earlier this year.
And a new NT Military Explorer App is already bringing war stories to life with augmented reality set up for the Darwin Military Museum, Doctors Gully and coming soon to Anzac Hill in Alice Springs. The free app is available in five languages and will continue to grow as the Finocchiaro CLP Government elevates the Territory's rich military history and critical defence future.
Minister Boothby concluded: "We know that the Territory is home to some of Australia's richest wartime stories and military history. We're also the heart of Australia's defence future. Our job is to share those stories and opportunities so that more Australians understand that freedom is not free, and that the Territory was and remains at the frontline of Australia's defence."
