Festival shines a light on Indigenous culture

Parrtjima, the annual award-winning Aboriginal-led light festival, returns to Alice Springs from April 10-19 for its 11th instalment, showcasing the world’s oldest living culture through large-scale light installations and a program of workshops, demonstrations, music and storytelling.

The festival will offer an expanded program this year under the theme Language, featuring new light installations, more workshops and interactive experiences and new masterclasses. 

The Indigenous-driven festival will also offer a new outdoor space called Dome, designed as a dedicated space for attendees to “pause, watch, and reflect on culture through film and animation”. 

There will also be a series of optional ticketed events beyond the main festival site, including watercolour masterclasses with artists from Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre, and a Merne Mwerre bushfood experience. 

The evet will showcase the work of more than 36 First Nations artists, as well as over 50 performers and guests across live music, dance, workshops and talks.

“This year invites us to come together at Parrtjima, where language and culture continue to illuminate age‑old traditions in new and powerful ways," says said Tourism and Events NT advisory board chairperson Paul Ah Chee.

"This program echoes the enduring legacy of Country and the stories that connect us across generations.

“We welcome everyone to come stand on the red earth, feel its heartbeat beneath your feet, and look up as Arrernte Country comes alive across the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.” 

The popular markets return during the opening weekend, and much-loved festival favourites Grounded and the iconic Ranges Light Show will run over 10 nights, reimagined by Artists in Motion.

The music programming includes Electric Fields, 3%, BARKAA, Drifting Clouds and Emma Donovan.

* Parrtjima is delivered by Tourism and Events NT in partnership with We Are Gather.

Check out parrtjima.com.au, where visitors can also explore itineraries, travel packages and planning tools. 

Images: Supplied

Virgin to resume flights between Sydney and Darwin

 

Virgin Australia is to resume direct flights between Sydney and Darwin after a gap of three years.

As of June, Virgin will operate up to seven return flights per week in peak periods, adding 80,000 seats annually between the two destinations.

The airline promises convenient daytime departures for visiting friends and relatives, business and leisure travellers.

Virgin suspended year-round Sydney–Darwin flights in early 2023 following a network review.

Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the route’s return reflects the airline’s commitment to providing choice and convenience for travellers.

“We’re excited to reconnect Sydney and Darwin, two destinations that play an important role in Australia’s tourism landscape,” Hartley said.

“Our return to the route will enhance travel options for passengers, drive competition, and reinforce the vital connections between metropolitan centres and regional Australia, with Darwin serving as a key gateway. It will also provide greater flexibility for corporate travellers moving between the two cities.

“The direct service will make it easier for travellers to visit friends and relatives, while delivering a significant tourism boost to both cities.”

Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said: “We welcome Virgin Australia’s decision to resume a direct seasonal service between Darwin and Sydney.

“Territorians have been asking for more aviation routes and affordable options, so we are delighted by this announcement.

“We have listened to Territorians who want more daytime flights, so this service is a great addition to the schedule options and provides greater flexibility for travellers.

“We are focused on sustainably growing the Territory’s aviation sector and improving connectivity, choice and competition for Territorians and visitors.”

Virgin Australia currently services three of the Northern Territory’s key gateways – Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.

For more info see virginaustralia.com.

Northern Territory aims to lift visitation and tourism spending

The Northern Territory Government has unveiled a new visitor economy strategy, which aims to grow tourist spending from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion by 2032.

It was launched at this week’s inaugural Destination NT tourism industry event.

The Top End will also seek to lift overnight trips from 1.2 million to 1.5 million over the next seven years, as part of its new roadmap to grow year-round visitation, Travel Bulletin and local media reported.

The strategy will be guided by the newly formed Tourism and Events Northern Territory and focus on showcasing the Territory's distinctive character, from its food and festival scene to natural and cultural tourism offerings.

“The NT visitor economy is a key part of the NT economy and lifestyle; when it thrives, the Territory thrives and Australia thrives,” said Minister for Tourism Marie-Clare Boothby.

“With two World-Heritage listed national parks and a lifestyle the rest of the nation should envy, the NT has what Australia and the world are looking for.

"We are focusing on five clear objectives: investing in infrastructure, improving connectivity, growing our workforce, lifting our global brand, and expanding experiences all driven by real data, modern technology and partnerships.

“Our people within the industry are the ones who make every stop along the way worth a visit – it’s part of our Territory spirit, which sets us apart from the rest of Australia.”

For the year ending June 2025, the NT recorded the strongest growth in visitor numbers and expenditures around the nation.

Department of Tourism and Hospitality CEO Suzana Bishop said the strategy captures the Territory’s trademark collaboration and drive.

“The strategy captures the ideas and ambitions of people driving the Territory’s visitor economy while establishing clear accountability across sectors that influence tourism and whole of visitor economy outcomes,” she said.

The NT Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 implementation roadmap will be delivered in March 2026, with the full start with partners in May 2026.

Image: Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin

Darwin theory: the best time for gourmets to visit

Foodies planning a trip to Darwin should pencil in a potential visit in August.

This year’s Darwin Festival, to run from August 7-24) will feature its biggest Taste of Darwin program ever with the return of chef Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman restaurant after four years, and the festival debut of the city’s hottest new eatery: Flora’s Temper Mexicantina.

The Festival’s Taste of Darwin program will double in size to feature six events, with two announced today: a City Cocktail Experience, where guests can choose between a glitzy 1920s-style bar hop or a wild Tropical bar adventure; and a Gloom and Gourmet Dinner, a dark feast that transforms Parap Fine Foods into a red-lit, moody banquet hall complete with roving performers belting out eerie murder ballads.

“Last year’s Taste of Darwin events were a huge hit and sold out fast, so we’re excited to not only bring them back but double the offering with truly unique experiences that showcase the spirit of Darwin,” said Darwin Festival artistic director Kate Fell.

Each Taste of Darwin event will offer something unexpected and exclusive, Taste of Darwin curator Neville Pantazis promises.

“Darwin’s food and bar scene is vibrant, diverse and truly multicultural," he says. "We’re serving up fresh, fun, and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the essence of Australia’s northernmost capital.”

The return of Hanuman, arguably the Territory’s most celebrated restaurant, to the line-up of exceptional food offerings at Festival Park, is great news for foodies, added Fell.

“Hanuman’s long-anticipated return brings an iconic flavour back to the Festival, while Flora’s Temper Mexicantina adds an exciting new layer to our culinary landscape. With more reasons than ever for food lovers to head to Festival Park during Darwin Festival, it’s set to be a true celebration of Territory flavours.”



The festival has also announced that its key beverage suppliers this year are local to the Northern Territory, with new partner Alice Springs Brewing Co. joining Darwin’s Willing Distillery.

Darwin Festival, 2024 Gold Winner at the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, will release its full program of cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars, and fun family events next month.  

Shining a light on First Nations culture

Autumn is when Australia's Northern Territory comes alive with festivals, including Parrtjima - A Festival in Light - which celebrates light, colour, and artistry while celebrating the rich cultures, diversity, and inclusivity of people of Central Australia.

Parrtjima - A Festival in Light has unveiled the full program for its milestone 10th edition, which runs from April 4-13 in Alice Springs. 

The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima will feature more than 20 First Nations artists across six installations, alongside more than 100 performers and special guests spanning music, comedy, art, workshops, and talks. 

The free, all-ages festival will debut four new installations by both emerging and established artists. 

Along with art, Parrtjima will feature nightly live performances, including Troy Cassar-Daley’s only free performance announced for the remainder of 2025, and a historic ticketed orchestral performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. 

Additionally, Parrtjima will host its inaugural comedy night with stand-up performances by Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra, plus interactive workshops and talks led by notable figures such as Bundjalung chef Mark Olive, language holder and ecologist Veronica Perrule Dobson, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, and ABC Radio National’s Rudi Bremer.

For details see https://parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/

New air link between Darwin and Bali

Indonesia AirAsia is set to reconnect the Northern Territory with Asia, resuming three direct flights per week between Darwin and Bali from March 22. And fares start from $189.

The new services will bring over 1,000 visitor seats weekly through Darwin International Airport and Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The flights will also open seamless connectivity to and from Darwin via Bali, making travel to other Asian destinations more accessible.

Indonesia AirAsia CEO Veranita Yosephine said the airline is thrilled to return to the Territory.

“Bali is now our largest hub in terms of flight capacity, driven by strong demand. These direct flights will cater to the enduring popularity of Bali as a destination for Australians and offer great low fare connections to over 130 destinations across the AirAsia Group network.

“Passengers from Darwin can enjoy seamless connections via Bali to destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Komodo Island starting from as low as under $300.

“At the same time, millions of guests from across Asia will be welcomed to the Northern Territory. They will discover the extraordinary culture, wildlife and natural beauty of Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land and other iconic locations where the tropics meet the outback.”

Airport Development Group Executive General Manager Sandra de Kock welcomed AirAsia back to Darwin, highlighting the strong local demand for travel to Bali.

“Territorians have been calling for more options to fly to Bali and we’re excited to deliver with the return of AirAsia,” she said.

Flights can be booked now at airasia.com or via the AirAsia MOVE app.

Qantas to fly from Darwin to Singapore

Qantas has unveiled plans for a new international route that will shave several hours of flying time for anyone travelling from Darwin to Europe.

Qantas today announced it is launching a second international route from Darwin, with direct flights from the Northern Territory to Singapore. It currently only flies from Darwin to Dili, in East Timor.

Starting in December, the new Qantas flights will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year and provide visitors to Australia with a gateway to access to Top End travel experiences.

The flights will provide a direct Qantas option to Singapore and also a connection to London on QF1, as well as other destinations across Europe or Asia with partner airlines.

Qantas customers travelling from Darwin will save around five hours in flying time by no longer having to fly via other Australian capital cities to get to London.

Launching on December 9, 2024, flights will initially operate five days per week with the dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft, increasing to daily from March, 2025.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said: “We’re thrilled to be offering our customers another new international route out of Darwin and strengthening the important trade, business and tourism links between Australia and Singapore.

“The direct service is not just great news for Territorians wanting to visit Singapore, but also for those travelling to London, Europe and across south-east Asia, with connections to popular destinations like Phuket and Kuala Lumpur with our partner airlines, saving hours of travel time."

Qantas has a long history of flying between Darwin and Singapore, with Darwin being the final Australian stop-over on the original Kangaroo Route from Australia to London in 1935. More recently, Qantas last operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.

Fares start from $690 return and are available from today via qantas.com or through travel agents.

How would you like a holiday at the airport?

Airport hotels are generally somewhere you spend one night before or after you’re about to catch a plane.

But a new resort concept at Darwin Airport is hoping to entice holidaymakers to spend a few days, or more, at Darwin Airport.

Twin hotels at Darwin Airport will launch the new concept next week, saying the Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort "is set to become the perfect tropical oasis for touring the Northern Territory’s Top End following a $30 million reimagination and dramatic integration of the adjoining hotels".

The hotels are owned by the Airport Development Group (ADG), which also owns Darwin Airport.

The resort is located on the lands of the Larrakia Nation, the traditional custodians of the greater Darwin area. Indigenous engagement is an integral component of the hotels’ redesign.

ADG’s $30 million has seen the refurbishment of existing rooms and the creation of new pool villas, suites and bungalows.

The two hotels previously had separate receptions, but now a combined reception area has been opened, along with a new Olympic-plus sized swimming pool, poolside cabanas, children’s aquatic playground, and new poolside dining.

There are 423 rooms in all including family suites, free-standing bungalows, and the new 5-star tropical villas with their own plunge pools.

Capturing their connection to Larrakia country, each of the villas is named after a leading Territorian, whose story is outlined for guests to read.

The resort now offers two poolside dining options with new Splash café and bar joining Cossies Poolside Bar & Bistro (terrible name), which showcases the Territory’s famous barramundi as well as grills, salads, pizzas and burgers.

The hotels are planning to introduce the Gurambai Cultural Experience to give guests an immediate appreciation of Larrakia culture.

Gurambai is the Larrakia name for the area known as the Rapid Creek Conservation Reserve which features Darwin’s only natural freshwater creek, just a short walk from the airport hotels. 

The experience will be curated by Larrakia guides who will deliver a one-hour guided walking tour that will include information about the area’s cultural and historical significance, their connection to the land and freshwater, and information about some of the seasonal bush tucker.

A range of packages is available at https://www.darwinairporthotels.com.au/.

Discover 18 days of fun and games in Darwin

Looking for an excuse to visit Australia's Top End?

How about the 18-day Darwin Festival in August?

The Darwin Festival returns this year from August 10-27.

The program features music, theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, visual arts, and family events with a full program to be unveiled at the end of May.

Festival Park is the heart of the Festival with a range of entertainment options from theatre shows to free music gigs on the Power and Water Bamboo Bandstand.

The park also features bars perfect for a pre-show aperitif and long communal tables at which to linger and savour festival food offerings.

For more information about the Darwin Festival see www.darwinfestival.org.au

Image: Helen Orr  

New accommodation options in the Territory outback

There are two very different new accommodation options in Australia's Northern Territory.

The Luxury eco-friendly safari lodge Bamurru Plains will open its new accommodation offering, Jabiru Retreat, from May 1.

Jabiru Retreat is a more private stay within a camp experience, featuring two safari-style bungalows connected by a walkway, leading to a private plunge pool and shaded deck overlooking the Mary River floodplains.

The retreat, billed as being ideal for two couples sharing, will accommodates four to six guests, and the package on offer includes daily guided wilderness safaris across the diverse landscapes of Kakadu - from rivers with sunbaking crocodiles to floodplains with birdlife, forests, and woodlands.

Trips to explore ancient rock art and Indigenous culture are an optional day trip away.

Although it is accessible by road in three hours, Bamurru Plains staff recommend flying in via a privately chartered flight from Darwin. See https://www.bamurruplains.com/

At Uluru, meanwhile, Voyages Ayers Rock Resort has re-opened its budget-friendly accommodation, Outback Hotel and Lodge (above) following a multi-million-dollar renovation including enhanced guest rooms, new en-suite bathrooms and a refurbished swimming pool.

The Outback Hotel and Lodge’s 125 rooms all feature free wifi, air-conditioning, walk-in rain showers, new electronics and large prints from Aboriginal artist Delma Forbes adorn the walls.

A range of accommodation - including bank bed rooms and rooms with en suites - is on offer and guests can access Voyages’ cultural activities, airport transfers and shuttle bus service. See https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/

Watch this space: the writing is on the wall

The Travelodge Resort Darwin has undergone a dramatic transformation with the addition of a two-storey high mural by artist Lisa King as part of this year’s Darwin Street Art Festival.

The mural honours Danggalaba Kulumbirigin woman Mililma May, who has worked with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency and is an advocate for indigenous people.

King, an Australian multi-disciplinary artist and large-scale muralist, recently put the finishing touches to her portrait of Mililma at the busy Cavenagh and Lindsay Street intersection in Darwin’s CBD.

Festival producer Jo Shearn said Mililma was a fitting subject for the Travelodge artwork.

“Malila and Lisa spent time together on Larrakia land prior to the mural being started in order for the work to be a truly genuine representation of Milima’s strength and power as a young Danggalaba Kulumbirigin woman," Shearn said.

"She generously gifted us a beautiful poem to accompany the portrait.”

​​​​​​​Travelodge Resort general manager Lucy Ockleston said the team was thrilled to play a small part in honouring Mililma and looked forward to unveiling another mural in the not-too-distant future.

“When the Darwin Street Art Festival team approached us to partner again this year, we knew we had two perfect walls to not only showcase the artwork but to give the festival fantastic exposure,” she said.

“With Lisa King’s artwork complete, we are very much looking forward to unveiling our second enormous six-storey mural sometime in the future.

“Watch this space… quite literally.”

For more information on the Darwin Street Art Festival visit www.darwinstreetartfestival.com.au/