Northern Territory tourism businesses shine at 2025 Brolga Awards

9 November 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has celebrated excellence in the Northern Territory’s tourism industry at its premier event last night - the 2025 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.  

Held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Saturday, 8 November, 28 outstanding businesses and individuals were recognised for their contribution to the Territory’s visitor economy. 

This year’s awards attracted 65 entries, including 12 first time entrants. The 22 NT business category winners will now represent the Territory at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle, Western Australia. 

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby congratulated all winners and finalists. 

“The Brolga Awards recognise the outstanding dedication, innovation, and excellence of our tourism operators and businesses driving the Territory’s visitor economy and showcasing our world-class experiences,” said Ms Boothby. 

“Our people are what make every stop along the way worth a visit. That Territory spirit sets us apart from the rest of Australia.” 

The Tourism Minister's Perpetual Trophy was awarded to Michael Bridge for his decades of leadership across the Territory’s aviation, tourism and events sectors, including his steady guidance through the global pandemic.  

The Chair’s Choice Award went to Earth Sanctuary, while the George Dunne Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual was presented to Overland Oz founder Scott ‘Ringer’ O’Brien for more than 25 years of inspiring travellers to connect with the land, culture and people of the Territory. 

The Tourism Industry Employee Award recognised Hendry Fachrizal of Novotel Darwin CBD, one of the rising hospitality leaders. 

Katherine Outback Experience, a dual national gold medallist at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, again took out the ‘Tourist Attractions’ category. 

“I visited Katherine Outback Experience in August - I wish Tom and Annabel all the best as they strive for a national ‘Hall of Fame’ next year,” said Ms Boothby. 

Uluru Segway Tours won in both Tour and Transport Operators and Adventure Tourism, while NT Top Adventures took home awards for Ecotourism and Excellence in Accessible Tourism.

In Central Australia, Athelle Outback Hideaway won ‘Hosted Accommodation’ category and Safari Lodge Motel secured the 3-3.5 Star Accommodation category for the second time. 

The inaugural Darwin Comedy Festival won ‘Festival and Events’, while Darwin Festival, which won gold at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, claimed ‘Major Festival and Events.’ 

The awards capped off the inaugural ‘Destination NT,’ a week of industry collaboration which included the launch of the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032. 

“More than 1,000 registered participants across the industry took part in Destination NT, which is a huge show of confidence in the Territory’s tourism sector,” said Ms Boothby. 

“Our Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 sets an ambitious but achievable goal to grow the visitor economy to $2.2 billion, and with the Territory now leading the nation in visitor growth and spending, we’re on the right path.” 

2025 Brolga Award winners: 

Major Tourist Attractions - Darwin Waterfront 

Tourist Attractions - Katherine Outback Experience 

Major Festivals and Events - Darwin Festival 

Festivals and Events - Darwin Comedy Festival 2025  

Ecotourism - NT Top Adventures 

Cultural Tourism - Ayers Rock Resort 

Tourism Retail, Hire and Services - Aboriginal Bush Traders  

Visitor Information Services - Top End Visitor Information Centre 

Business Event Venues - Darwin Convention Centre 

Major Tour and Transport Operators - Intrepid Travel 

Tour and Transport Operators - Uluru Segway Tours 

Adventure Tourism - Uluru Segway Tours 

Tourism Marketing and Campaigns - Tourism Central Australia - Stories from the Heart 

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services - Cicada Lodge and Nitmiluk Tours 

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries - Willing Distillery 

Caravan and Holiday Parks - Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit 

Hosted Accommodation - Athelle Outback Hideaway 

Self-Contained Accommodation - LPK Luxury Home Hosting 

3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation - Safari Lodge Motel 

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

5 Star Luxury Accommodation - Cicada Lodge  

Excellence in Accessible Tourism - NT Top Adventures 

George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual - Ringer O'Brien 

Tourism Industry Employee Award - Hendry Fachrizal 

Best Territory Tourism Marketing Activity - Let's GO! Territory Tourism Discount Scheme Top End 

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

Chair's Choice Award - Earth Sanctuary 

Tourism Minister's Perpetual Trophy - Michael Bridge 

For more information, visit www.brolgaawards.com.au

Media contact – Ebony Raymond: 0476 938 478