Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
Minister for Major Events
Media Release Territory's Tourism, Hospitality and Events Operators to Compete at National Tourism Awards This Week
4 March 2026
22 businesses from the Territory's tourism, hospitality and events industries will compete at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday.These finalists were category winners at the Brolga NT Tourism Awards in 2025, showcasing the best of the Territory's visitor economy.The Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to positioning the Territory as a destination of choice for visitors and investors, as we rebuild the economy and restore our unique lifestyle.
An outstanding line-up of 22 businesses and events will represent the Northern Territory at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards this Friday in Fremantle, WA.
The finalists, including hospitality, tourism, and retail operators, earned their place on the national stage after taking top honours at the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards in November 2025.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby wished them luck, highlighting the awards as an opportunity to showcase the Territory's visitor economy.
"Our fingers are crossed for the 22 nominees from the Northern Territory who are competing at this year's Australian Tourism Awards - the most prestigious industry awards in the country."
"Our landscapes and experiences speak for themselves - there really is nowhere quite like the Territory. These awards are about shining a light on the businesses that make it so."
"As I said at the Brolga Awards last year, our people are what make every stop along the way worth a visit. That Territory spirit sets us apart from the rest of Australia."
Among those flying the NT flag are major iconic venues including the Darwin Waterfront and the Darwin Convention Centre; accommodation providers like Cicada Lodge and H on Mitchell; and international tour operator, Intrepid Travel. Unique experiences are also competing for the top gong, including NT Top Adventures, Uluru Segway Tours and the Katherine Outback Experience - founded by multiple Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain.
The Territory's vibrant events calendar is in the spotlight, with the Darwin Festival and the Darwin Comedy Festival - returning this week - representing the strength of the NT's arts and cultural scene.
"In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are working hard to grow our visitor economy by leveraging events and opportunities for visibility. Whether it's the New York Times ranking the Top End as the best place to visit in Australia this year, or the nation's highest tourism honours, we know that a win for Territory tourism is a win for all Territorians."
"After all, when tourism thrives, the Territory thrives."
List of 2026 Australian Tourism Awards Finalists from the Northern Territory:
• Major Tourist Attractions: Darwin Waterfront
• Tourist Attractions: Katherine Outback Experience
• Major Festivals & Events: Darwin Festival
• Festivals & Events: Darwin Comedy Festival 2025
• Ecotourism: NT Top Adventures
• Cultural Tourism: Ayers Rock Resort
• Tourism Retail, Hire & Services: Aboriginal Bush Traders
• Visitor Information Services: Top End Visitor Information Centre
• Business Event Venues: Darwin Convention Centre
• Major Tour & Transport Operators: Intrepid Travel
• Tour & Transport Operators: Uluru Segway Tours
• Adventure Tourism: Uluru Segway Tours
• Tourism Marketing & Campaigns: Tourism Central Australia: Stories from the Heart
• Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services: Cicada Lodge and Nitmiluk Tours
• Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries: Willing Distillery
• Caravan & Holiday Parks: Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit
• Hosted Accommodation: Athelle Outback Hideaway
• Self-Contained Accommodation: LPK Luxury Home Hosting
• 3-3.5 Star Accommodation: Safari Lodge Motel
• 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation: H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel
• 5 Star Luxury Accommodation: Cicada Lodge
• Excellence in Accessible Tourism: NT Top Adventures
