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| Barunga Festival |
Barunga Festival
Arnhem Land, 7-9 June 2019
In ancient Arnhem Land, the birthplace of Yothu Yindi front man Mandawuy Yunupingu, the Barunga Festival has etched itself onto the national festival calendar, celebrating a long and proud tradition of storytelling and celebrating the culture of its remote Aboriginal people. This annual festival attracts as many as 4,000 visitors from around the world, who camp in the Katherine region to experience a pumping program of music, sport, and traditional arts and cultural activities from remote Northern Territory communities. The event takes place on the land of the traditional Barunga owners, just over the border in Arnhem Land. In 1988, Aboriginal leaders presented Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke with the Barunga Statement, calling for a treaty, which inspired Yothu Yindi to write the worldwide hit “Treaty”. These days, the community celebrates through football, basketball, softball, contemporary and traditional music, and arts and culture. There's also the Barunga Art Prize, a Story Telling Circle and an International Didgeridoo Competition. Just follow the harmonious hum of one of the oldest instruments in the world.
Tatts Finke Desert Race
Alice Springs, 7-10 June 2019
What happens when the fastest and richest off-road race in Australia meets the oldest river system in the world? Enter, the Tatts Finke Desert Race. This multi-terrain, two-day race attracts more than 600 competitors racing over a 460-kilometre course through desert country from Alice Springs to the Finke River in the tiny Aboriginal Aputula Community. Considered one of the most difficult off-road races, competitors in their bikes, cars and buggies vie for the King of the Desert Trophy. From red dust and dry river beds, sand and spinifex, to this rich river system believed to date as far back as 340 million years, whether you are a participant or spectator, this is one race worth burning a bit of rubber for.
Easy Bet Darwin Triple Crown
Darwin, 14-16 June 2019
When diesel meets Darwin you end up with rev-head heaven. Lauded as Darwin's biggest party, the event combines the best of Australian car racing, with a packed schedule of activities both on and off the track. From cool concerts to the Hot Wheels Stunz Inc Team, expect three days of adrenalin and action perfect for mates escapes to family fun and everything in between.
Alice Springs Beanie Festival
Alice Springs, 28 June – 1 July 2019
Hats off to Alice Springs, the Beanie Capital of the World. Now in its 22nd year, the Alice Springs Beanie Festival brings together more than 6,500 handmade beanies from around the world, in the Weaving the Magic exhibition which encourages you to try and buy. But there's more than just beanies. This wacky weekend includes art exhibitions, textile workshops, live entertainment, homemade food and local Aboriginal culture. Head to Beanie Central for cultural and creative workshops, or for some kangaroo tail roasted on the campfire.
Territory Day
Territory-wide, 1 July 2019
The Northern Territory celebrates 41 years of self-government on 1 July with a host of events from Darwin, to Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and beyond. And it has many reasons to celebrate. Measuring a massive 1,349,129 square kilometres, the Northern Territory accounts for 17.5 per cent of Australia's total land mass and the Top End boasts a coastline that extends more than 13,500 kilometres. 2018 saw the Territory receive a host of accolades. The Red Centre was crowned number four in Lonely Planet's prestigious Best in Travel List, while Litchfield National Park was recognised as a best new opening. Flock to Darwin on Territory Day and witness this colourful capital burst into light in a rainbow of rockets, bangers and Roman candles. Watch fireworks explode over Timor Sea from Mindil Beach, home to the best beach markets in the country, and see what makes the Territory so damn fine.
Darwin Fringe Festival
Darwin, 5-14 July 2019
Blend Darwin's culturally diverse population with its edgy and eclectic vibe, and you get the Darwin Fringe Festival. A vibrant 10-day event celebrating creativity and diversity, expect music, theatre, dance, comedy and visual arts. Organisers say it celebrates every genre you can think of (and a few that might be made up) which makes this community arts festival the hottest on the calendar, in the middle of our deliciously dry winter weather.
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| Apex Camel Cup |
Apex Camel Cup
Alice Springs, 13 July 2019
Fun fact: around 200,000 wild one-hump camels roam the Northern Territory. Another fun fact: Alice Springs boasts the only purpose-built camel racing venue in the Southern Hemisphere. To discover more fun facts and dromedary delights, head to the Apex Camel Cup. You'll encounter plenty of camels and characters at this one-day event, including cameleer Neil Waters, who first rode in the cup in 1978 and is still going strong over 40 years later.
Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta
Darwin, 14 July 2019
The Darwin Lion's Beer Can Regatta is one of Australia's weirdest events. Contestants float and flounder off Mindil Beach in homemade boats, made of beer cans, plastic bottles and even the odd carton. Launched in 1974, it was first floated in a bid to clean up rubbish around Darwin. Now the event raises money for a good cause, with more than $150,000 donated to the Combined Lions Clubs of Darwin. We'll drink to that.
Australian Outback Marathon
Uluru & surrounds, 27 July 2019
We reckon it's Australia's most scenic marathon, with runners treated to incredible views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Staged in the middle of the cool, dry season, there are several courses including the full and half marathon, plus an 11-kilometre and six-kilometre fun run. Spectators are invited to line the course and cheer on the runners, and there may even be a wine or two at the end.
Desert Harmony Festival
Tennant Creek, 2-5 August 2019
Desert Harmony Festival is turning the big 3-0 in 2019! Arguably Australia's most remote festival, head to Tennant Creek for five days of red dirt, blankets of stars and desert culture. Hosted by Barkly Regional Arts Centre and held on the lands of the Warumungu people, this year's theme is 'My Arts, My Culture.' Attracting interstate visitors as well as Aboriginal people, the festival immerses visitors in the arts with workshops, adventure tours, sports and cultural activities available. Visitors can also apply to “Go Walkabout” and volunteer their time in return for an experience of a lifetime. From a bush ride up the highway to Outback glamping and Aboriginal culture immersion, this is a true-blue festival for those who want to write their own desert story.
Darwin Festival
Darwin, 8-25 August 2019
The Darwin Festival is an 18-day celebration of music, theatre, visual art, dance and cabaret. Flock to the Festival Lounge or encounter bamboo food stalls and pop-up bars around Australia's only truly tropical capital city. Feast with locals and visitors along long communal tables in Festival Park, indulging in Asian cuisine at one of the many outdoor events.
The 13th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
Darwin, 9-11 August 2019
From the territory which gave the world Australia's most acclaimed Aboriginal artists such as Albert Namatjira, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, the 13th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair provides a rare opportunity for visitors to purchase art directly from more than 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and incorporated Art Centres. The Darwin Convention Centre hosts this fair which collectively represents more than 2,000 emerging and established artists in what is believed to be the biggest event of its kind in Australia. Visitors are presented with the chance to ethically purchase art including paintings on canvas and bark, works on paper including limited-edition prints, sculptures, didgeridoos, fibre art and other cultural regalia. Traditional dance and free artist workshops add the final flourish to this fair.
Run Larapinta Stage Race
Alice Springs, 16-19 August 2019
Why walk when you can run along one of the country's best and most popular tracks? The Larapinta Trail, which snakes for 223 kilometres along the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia, arguably serves up the best of Australian Outback scenery. Run Larapinta snatches the highlights and funnels them
into a four-day, four-stage race, serving up boundless beauty and breathless exuberance along the way. There are two options to choose from: The Malbunka (long course), which sees runners complete between 20 and 45 kilometres each day; or The Namatjira (short course), whose daily stages are slightly smaller at between 10 and 30 kilometres. Regardless of distance, all competitors will be treated to stunning sights including Standley Chasm; Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
into a four-day, four-stage race, serving up boundless beauty and breathless exuberance along the way. There are two options to choose from: The Malbunka (long course), which sees runners complete between 20 and 45 kilometres each day; or The Namatjira (short course), whose daily stages are slightly smaller at between 10 and 30 kilometres. Regardless of distance, all competitors will be treated to stunning sights including Standley Chasm; Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
Rotary Henley on Todd Regatta
Alice Springs, 17 August 2019
Alice Springs is home to the world's only land regatta and Australia's oldest regatta, staging the Rotary Henley on Todd since 1962. A medley of land-based boat races, attracting everything from home-made dinghies to pirate ships, competitors race along the bone-dry Todd River bed. But the fun doesn't end there. Expect Budgie-Smuggler Races, Anchor the Boat Tug-of-Wars and of course, The Battle of the Boats.
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| The Redback |
The Redback
Alice Springs, 22-25 August 2019
The Redback is a four-day, six-stage race through the Red Centre starting at Alice Springs, which boasts kilometres of hand-built single tracks designed specifically for mountain bikers. Kicking things off is a brand-new Stage One course, a cross country race. Stage Two climbs 300 metres to Anzac Hill, followed by time trials, night racing and a sprint to finish at the Mercure Alice Springs Resort.
To plan your Northern Territory adventure visit: northernterritory.com.
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