Growing tourism and hospitality
The 2026 Budget includes a range of measures and funding to support the Territory lifestyle, including significant investments in parks and reserves, community facilities, major events and fishery conservation initiatives.
Major events
In 2025, the Finocchiaro CLP Government successfully delivered the first international standard Motocross Grand Prix (MXGP), attracting 36,000 local, interstate and international attendees and contributing an estimated $20 million to the economy.
Following this success, the Territory Government has secured the return of the MXGP to Darwin in September 2026, which will see MXGP riders take over Hidden Valley for 2 days of racing in the final round of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship and Women’s Motocross World Championship.
The 2026 Budget also provides $103.3 million to support tourism, major events and screen productions in the Territory. This includes support for major and local events such as:
- Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
- Red CentreNATS
- BASSINTHEGRASS
- Triple Crown V8 Supercars
- Territory Day
- Darwin Festival
- Dolphins NRL home games in Darwin for 3 years
- AFL and AFLW matches in Darwin and Alice Springs
- International test match and T-20 cricket returning to Darwin.
Park and reserves upgrades
The 2026 Budget includes a substantial investment to support and improve the Territory’s parks and reserves, including $10 million for infrastructure upgrades and a further $5 million per year ongoing from 2026‑27 in additional operational funding to ensure parks and reserves are sustainably maintained.
The funding includes an initial investment of $1.2 million at the recently acquired 30,000 hectare Silkwood property, which represents a strategic investment in land of outstanding tourism and recreational value.
Located alongside Litchfield National Park, securing public ownership of Silkwood ensures Territorians can continue to enjoy the activities they love, from 4-wheel driving, camping and hiking to future hunting opportunities.
The 2026 Budget continues to support crocodile management to maintain safety for locals and visitors at popular swimming attractions.
Crocodile management has been strengthened through four additional rangers in the crocodile management team, a new crocodile management headquarters, increased resources including 5 new traps deployed and an increased emphasis on crocodile and egg collection to meet annual quotas to help manage crocodile population.
