Brolga Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards which were announced at a gala ceremony at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on Saturday 9 November 2024.

Major Tourist Attractions: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is a living cultural landscape, named after two of Australia’s most physically spectacular and culturally significant sites; Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa. The park is located in the heart of Central Australia, on land owned by Anangu and leased to Parks Australia. The park is managed in collaboration with Traditional Owners and has been awarded two UNESCO World Heritage listings for the outstanding natural and cultural values. 

Tourist Attractions: Katherine Outback Experience

Owned by Australian singer-songwriter Tom Curtain, Katherine Outback Experience offers an award-winning, authentic glimpse into life in the Australian outback. The experience showcases real horse training, working dog demonstrations, and captivating stories that bring the rugged beauty of the outback to life. They provide visitors with a unique, immersive adventure that celebrates the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Australia’s rural heartland. This attraction continues to set the standard for cultural and educational tourism in the Northern Territory.

Major Festivals and Events: Darwin Festival

Darwin Festival is Australia’s hottest winter arts festival. It combines the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin with outdoor festivities and a vibrant program of events for an unforgettably good time. The annual 18-day international arts festival is the centrepiece of the Top End’s dry season and what makes August the best time of year in Darwin. In 2023 record crowds of over 160,000 attended, generating an economic impact of $20.7 million and over 39,000 visitor nights. 

Festivals and Events: Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) provides an incredible opportunity to experience the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and culture. Visitors flock to Darwin to ethically purchase artwork from over 75 Indigenous owned art centres. A vibrant public program allows community members to participate in workshops, children’s activities or traditional dance performances. DAAF's program also includes the iconic Country to Couture and the prestigious National Indigenous Fashion Awards.

Ecotourism: World Expeditions - Australian Walking Holidays

Australian Walking Holidays has over 30 years in the travel industry and excel in offering multi-day hiking and adventure tours across the Northern Territory and Australia. Known for their commitment to sustainable practices, conservation, and authentic cultural experiences. They emphasize low-impact travel, environmental education, and support to local communities, ensuring that tours not only provide unforgettable experiences but also contribute positively to the preservation of Australia's natural and cultural heritage.

Cultural Tourism: SEIT Tours

SEIT Tours provides interactive small group tours, travelling at a personalised pace, allowing time to discover a sense of spirit. SEIT offers visitors the opportunity to discover the method and the art of doing, as their tours are tactile and they tell stories, connecting places through culture, history and nature. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia - Wintjiri Wiṟu

Wintjiri Wiru is a world-first, world-class cultural storytelling experience using more than 1,100 choreographed drones, lasers and projections that illuminate Uluru’s night sky.  Wintjiri Wiru brings to life a chapter of the ancestral Mala story from Kaltukatjara (Docker River) to Uluru, and every element of the show has been guided by traditional owners, the Anangu, to ensure the ancient Mala story is told in the right way.  

Tourism Retail, Hire and Services: Uluru Audio Guide

Uluru Audio Guide allows visitors of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, to learn about this iconic Australian landmark at their own pace. The downloadable app uses GPS to share interpretative commentaries about the region. Content is available in 7 languages, allowing guests who may not speak English or would not have joined a guided tour to connect with World Heritage-listed Uluru. Uluru Audio Guide also has handheld devices available for hire.

Visitor Information Services: Top End Visitor Information Centre

The Tourism Top End Visitor Information Centre is the premier gateway to exploring Australia’s unique Top End. Located in the heart of Darwin, the centre provides visitors with expert advice, tailored itineraries, and bookings for a wide range of tours, accommodation, and experiences across the region. Dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, the centre partners with local operators to showcase the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife of the Northern Territory. 

Business Event Venues: Darwin Convention Centre

Darwin Convention Centre is a world-class business events venue and the centrepiece of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. With some 23,000 square metres of space, the centre hosts hundreds of business events every year and offers delegates space to think, opportunities to learn and time to network. Since opening in 2008, they have built a reputation for delivering outstanding events, first-class food and excellent customer service.

Major Tour and Transport Operators: AAT Kings

AAT Kings is Australia's leading coach touring operator, providing guided holidays, short breaks and day tours. A century’s worth of exploration, offering unparalleled knowledge of Australia - its highlights, its secrets, and the people that bring them to life. They offer iconic world-class attractions as well as unexpected experiences - from dining close to Uluru, to immersing guests in the culture of the Tiwi Islands and exploring the remote reaches of the West MacDonnell Ranges. 

Tour and Transport Operators: Offshore Boats

Offshore Boats provides small group, barra, reef and sport fishing charters in the Top End. Tours operate to the Vernon Islands, Darwin Harbour, Bynoe Harbour, Shady Camp and Corroboree Billabong. Their team takes pride in providing the highest level of customer service and the best fishing experiences for their guests. Their local, highly experienced guides operate 3 custom built, high speed comfortable offshore vessels, guiding guests to catch their target species and their dream fish.

Adventure Tourism: World Expeditions - Australian Walking Holidays

Adventure travel company, World Expeditions, has been pioneering active holidays in Australia since the 1970s. A world leader in sustainable walking holidays, the company was the first to offer commercial walks on the Northern Territory’s Larapinta Trail in 1995. Today they offer multiple departures a week utilising their four multi award-winning exclusive eco-camps and offer 10 different itineraries on the Larapinta Trail.

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services: Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge

Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge's dining experiences epitomise the Jawoyn people's generous vision to 'Share Our Culture'. As a 100% Indigenous-owned tourism enterprise, Nitmiluk Tours offers immersive dining experiences set within Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic gorge system. With an iconic sunset dining cruise, pool-side catering, gorge-view lunches and Cicada Lodge Restaurant's Chef's Table, Nitmiluk’s diverse food experiences showcase innovative native cuisine using locally sourced bush foods across four venues.

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries: Willing Distillery

A small artisan distillery with big ambitions, Willing Distillery produces premium spirits and an exceptional cellar door experience. It embodies and honours the best qualities of Northern Territory culture and the local environment. Willing Distillery specialises in producing high-quality, traditionally distilled craft spirits, uniquely flavoured by native Australian ingredients.

Caravan and Holiday Parks: Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

Nestled amongst tropical gardens and swaying palms, situated just 15 minutes drive south of Darwin city, you’ll discover an idyllic tropical haven that is a favourite amongst travellers and locals alike! With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Darwin FreeSpirit Resort offers a wide range of accommodation, caravan and camping sites, with the bar and bistro overlooking the main pool waterfall.

Unique Accommodation: Gorge View Bush Retreat

Gorge View Bush Retreat offers a unique escape from conventional accommodation. Suitable for both group gatherings and solo explorers, the retreat provides unique accommodation options and a stunning in-ground pool. On the sunset deck guests connect with the majestic terrain and the oldest living culture. Gorge View Bush Retreat invites guests to engage in well-being activities amidst breathtaking landscapes, celebrating the profound link between people, stories, and the land.

3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation: Safari Lodge Motel

Safari Lodge Motel is a vibrant 3.5-star establishment in the heart of Tennant Creek. It offers eighteen newly renovated rooms designed to provide comfort and convenience along with outstanding customer service to Barkly Region travellers. Proudly 100% Aboriginal-owned, the motel is committed to delivering a culturally enriching and sustainable experience for all guests. 

4 - 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation: H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel

H on Mitchell is a premier 4.5-star hotel located in the heart of Darwin, offering premium appointed apartment-style accommodation with exceptional service. Known for its personalised guest experiences, the hotel combines modern amenities with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. With newly upgraded facilities, it provides sophistication and a welcoming atmosphere for both leisure and business travellers.  

New Tourism Business: NT Driver Guide - Escorted Touring

NT Driver Guide - Escorted Touring offers a one-stop-shop option for personalised tours and small group explorations throughout the Top End of the Northern Territory. Founded by Deb Frosch in 2023, guests benefit from Deb’s 11 years of guiding experience. Specialising in the region’s stunning national parks, rich Aboriginal culture, and hidden gems, each tour is crafted to reflect guests' specific interests, whether day trip or multi-day adventure.

Excellence in Food Tourism: Dird Full Moon Dinner

Kakadu Kitchen and Cooinda Lodge's Dird Full Moon Dinner offers a unique blend of culture and cuisine, bringing together the ancient traditions of Kakadu with modern bush tucker experiences. Led by Bininj chef Ben Tyler and Cooinda Lodge Executive Chef Phil Foote, these monthly dinners are held under the full moon, featuring a four-course menu inspired by Indigenous ingredients foraged from Kakadu. Each dish tells a story, connecting guests to the land, the seasons, and the world's oldest living culture, set against the stunning backdrop of Kakadu National Park.

Excellence in Accessible Tourism: Darwin Waterfront

The Darwin Waterfront is an iconic tourism attraction located in the heart of Darwin. The Waterfront attracts an average of 1 million visitors annually and offers a diverse range of tourism experiences that showcase the natural beauty and rich history of the Territory. The Darwin Waterfront Corporation is focused on accessible tourism offerings including access to swimming via the Mobi Mat, priority seating areas at the Wave Lagoon and increased promotion of accessible options for all to enjoy.

NT only and individual categories

Northern Territory People's Choice Tripadvisor / Shiji ReviewPro Award: Willing Distillery

A small artisan distillery with big ambitions, Willing Distillery produces premium spirits and an exceptional cellar door experience. Willing Distillery have maintained their high consumer satisfaction review rating of 99.5% for two consecutive years. Their dedication to improving their overall visitor experience is underpinned by their positive comment score of 96.2%, an increase of more than 16% compared to the previous year.

George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual: Rex Neindorf

Rex Neindorf has been a dedicated tourism ambassador in the Northern Territory for 27 years. Since 1997, he has delivered educational talks on Central Australian Reptiles to tourism groups and founded the Alice Springs Reptile Centre in 2000, now a must-see attraction in Central Australia. As an active member of Tourism Central Australia, Rex has represented the region at numerous trade and consumer shows and has tirelessly promoted Central Australia. This award recognises his ongoing commitment, passion, and significant contributions to Northern Territory tourism.

Industry Employee Awards: Martijn Weezepoel

Martijn Weezepoel, head tour guide at Battery Hill Gold Mining and Heritage Centre, has re-energised tourism in Tennant Creek with his immersive and engaging tours bringing the region's rich mining history to life. Martijn’s journey from chef to tour guide highlights his deep passion for Tennant Creek’s heritage. His tours are renowned for their captivating storytelling, which connects visitors to the past in a profound way and contribute to the historical preservation of the Barkly Region.

Chair's Choice Award: Katherine Outback Experience

The Chair’s Choice Award is selected by the Chair of the 2024 Brolga Awards judging panel as the standout submission. This year, Katherine Outback Experience is the recipient of the Chair’s Choice Award for their demonstrated year on year improvements, business sustainability and strong focus on social, environmental, ethical practices and business enhancements.

Tourism Minister's Perpetual Trophy: Chris Day

Mr Chris Day is the recipient of the 2024 Tourism Minister’s Perpetual Trophy. 

For over 40 years his love for the Central Australian landscape and its conservation has been at the heart of his career. He has had significant involvement in a range of parks and tourism focused activities in Central Australia. He was instrumental in the original development and subsequent evolution of the Larapinta Trail in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park from concept lines on a map to it becoming one of the great walks of Australia. A keen hiker himself, he has walked an incredible number of kilometres with a google trekker camera on his back collecting google earth imagery of some of the key tourism walks in the region.