Sporting personality Matt Hayden has embarked on a self-drive family holiday through the NT with his wife Kellie and three children – Thomas (10), Joshua (12) and Grace (14).

Accompanied by his own film crew, the resulting ‘fly on the wall’ footage will be used by Tourism NT in its next campaign to attract families to have a self-drive holiday in the NT.

Tourism NT Chief Executive Tony Mayell said the drive market is very important to the Northern Territory.

 “On average over the last three years, it accounts for a total of 313,000 visitors, or 44 per cent of NT holiday visitation,” said Mr Mayell.

 "Matt has a long association with the Territory and we’re delighted to have him back here with his family in his role as our Mate of the Territory.”

“Advocacy is becoming more and more important for tourism destinations and to have Matt giving tips and advice to his 1.3 million fans on social media about how they can also Do the NT will be invaluable.”

The Hayden family will spend two weeks driving from Alice Springs to Darwin in a 4WD and safari Landcruiser. On the way they will go quad-biking, camping, hot air ballooning and camel riding, making detours to swim in rockholes and marvel at some of the Territory’s historic rock formations.

Matt has already begun posting details of his trip on social media, and says his family is looking forward to the rest of the drive.

 “Our kids are at a great age where they are adventurous and inquisitive, and I want them to get more out of a holiday than just lying on the beach,” he said.

 “If they can finish the trip knowing more about the history and culture of our country, as well as have been active and have had a great time, then I think that’s a big win.”

 Follow the Hayden family road trip on Instagram: @haydos359, Twitter: @HaydosTweets or on Facebook: Matthew Hayden.

 Photo attached: Matt Hayden at Uluru / Instagram: @haydos359

 ENDS

 Media Contact: Lisa Andrews, Corporate Media and Communications Manager +61 401 115 634