The tourism and events industry in the Territory’s capital is gearing up for a bumper Dry Season, with this year’s calendar of events bigger and better than ever before.

To kick start the 2019 events season, Supercars driver Chaz Mostert, NRL Parramatta Eels player Nathan Brown and BetEasy’s Brad Fanning will be in Darwin filming a digital campaign, including a piece with Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, to showcase the Territory’s wide range of events and attractions, stunning landscapes and enviable weather.

The Top End is already buzzing with thousands of visitors and is only going to get busier with People’s Choice BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival and BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown just two of the big tourist drawcards coming up on Saturday, 18 May and Friday, 14 June – Sunday, 16 June respectively.

Additionally, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, A Taste of Kakadu, Barunga Festival and Garma Festival are just some of the Territory’s iconic indigenous events planned throughout the Dry Season, offering something completely unique for tourists seeking an enriching cultural experience.

Sports fans will also be spoilt for choice, with numerous professional sporting fixtures planned this year including the NRL Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders match on Saturday, 29 June at TIO Stadium and the SSN Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Sunshine Coast Lightning game on Saturday, 8 June at the Territory Netball Stadium. An AFL match is also planned for Saturday, 1 June between the Adelaide Crows and Melbourne Demons at TIO Stadium.

Fishing fanatics will also have the opportunity to win big as part of the Million Dollar Fish’s bonus round, which is now in its fourth season. Anglers have the chance to reel in $1 million if they hook onto one of five verified red-tagged barramundi before 30 September, 2019. If the Million Dollar Fish is not caught within the bonus round, there will be six red-tagged barramundi with a prize of $1 million in season five. The next season will also include 100 red-tagged barramundi with a $10,000 price tag, and 20 purple-tagged barramundi with $2,500 to the angler and $2,500 to a pre-approved charity. In addition to this, there are more than $30,000 worth of prizes on offer.

For more information about Million Dollar Fish, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au and check out www.northernterritory.com/things-to-do/festivals-and-events for extra details on the Territory’s wide range of events and festivals this Dry Season.

Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company General Manager Tim Watsford:

“2019-20 is a very exciting time for the Territory’s tourism and events industry, with a huge range of new and existing events planned from the Top End right down to the Red Centre.

“There are literally dozens of fantastic reasons for tourists to visit the Territory with our jam-packed events calendar offering something for all members of the family.”

Quotes from Supercars driver Chaz Mostert:

“Like many other drivers, I love getting up to the Top End for the BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown and can’t wait for a big weekend of racing next month.

“It’s going to be loads of fun out at Hidden Valley and I’m really looking forward to catching up with fans of all ages in the Territory.”

Quotes from Parramatta Eels player Nathan Brown:

“The Northern Territory feels like a home away from home, and our team always enjoys spending time here.

“The players can’t wait to get up to Darwin for Round 15 against the Raiders and really put on a show for the locals.

“Meeting our loyal fans is such a highlight and I’m excited to spend some time with Eels supporters as part of our free community activities next month.”

Quotes from BetEasy Strategic Partnerships Manager Brad Fanning:

“BetEasy is proud to be the naming rights sponsor for both the Darwin Triple Crown and Million Dollar Fish in the Top End.

“Whether you’re a massive motorsports fan, an avid angler, or anything in between, you’re guaranteed to find something exciting to see and do in the Territory.

“The amazing Dry Season weather is perfect for wetting a line and experiencing the fun and excitement of Supercars, so I would urge people of all ages to register for Million Dollar Fish and get along to this year’s BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown for an event not to be missed.”

Note to editors:

A VNR package from the airboat experience with Matt Wright will be available from 3pm on Thursday, 9 May upon request.

Media contact:

Northern Territory Major Events Company Media and Communications Officer 0439 065 321