From the breathtaking and pristine scenery to the incredible local culture, there are so many reasons to travel to the Top End of Australia. No matter what time of year you visit, there are sure to be a range of memorable and awe-inspiring events to experience.
Here are just a few of our favourites:
Tiwi Islands Grand Final and Art Sale – March 17, 2019 (Tiwi Islands)
The best of sport and art combine for one day at the annual Tiwi Islands Grand Final and Art Sale . Visitors to Bathurst Island can discover arts and crafts from some of the talented local artists before revelling in the athletic skills of the Tiwi footballers at the much-anticipated AFL grand final game.
This huge community gathering is the biggest event on the Tiwi Islands calendar, making it the ideal time to visit. Not only are you guaranteed a great time, but you might just find the perfect artwork to take home as a souvenir!
A Taste of Kakadu – May 10-19, 2019 (Kakadu)
Searching for something to tempt your tastebuds? Look no further. The Taste of Kakadu food festival has been 65,000 years in the making and it’s sure to impress. With a huge range of cultural and culinary events, the nation’s most gifted Indigenous chefs will work with traditional owners to deliver an outstanding modern take on ancient bush tucker.
This 10-day programme features pop-up degustation dinners, cooking demonstrations, sunset tasting cruises, and hunting and gathering talks with the local Bininj/Mungguy people. With everything from barramundi to magpie goose on the menu, there’ll be something to suprise and delight everyone.
Garrmalang Festival – May 23-26, 2019 (Darwin)
Celebrate the music, art and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples at this extraordinary festival in the NT capital. Indigenous artistic director Gary Lang will take you on a joyful journey showcasing local stories, forums and songs, with a massive line-up of artists, dancers, musicians and performers from remote communities taking to the stage. The only festival in the Northern Territory to exclusively programme Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work, this is an event of real national importance, and a true must-see when you’re in the Top End.
Mahbilil Festival – September 7, 2019 (Kakadu)
The Mahbilil Festival is held each year to celebrate the ancient and contemporary elements of Kakadu culture. Boasting Indigenous art exhibitions from across Arnhem Land, craft demonstrations, workshops and more, there’s something to appeal to every creative taste. You can also sit back and watch performances from traditional dance groups, try your hand at spear throwing, and sample a delicious selection of bush food. And the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down – at night you can enjoy a programme of light shows, projections and music. With so much to do, it’s lucky this festival runs into the wee hours!
Kakadu Bird Week – October 2019 (Kakadu)
Home to more than a third of Australia’s bird species, Kakadu National Park is a true wildlife lover’s paradise. It’s an amazing spot for birdwatching all year round – but if you’re looking for the ideal time to dip your toes into the scene, take flight and migrate to Kakadu Bird Week. Guests will enjoy talks from Indigenous speakers, and workshops on traditional bird culture and languages. Plus there’s birdwatching tours, guided walks and attractions to keep the kids entertained. Perfect for all ages, it’ll leave the whole family feeling light as a feather.
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