Brolga Awards recognise excellence in Northern Territory tourism

The 36th Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards, held on 11th November at the Darwin Convention Centre, have recognised excellence in the industry with 28 businesses, organisations and individuals crowned winners.

A spectacular drone show, Wintjiri Wiru, featuring 1200 lightweight drones along with light projections in the skies above Uluru emerged as a standout performer. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia’s Wintjiri Wiru, which means beautiful view out to the horizon, won best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience as well as being crowned the Chair’s Choice for Tourism Excellence.

Darwin Waterfront took the best Major Tourist Attraction with Darwin Festival crowned best Major Festival after winning the same award in 2022.

For the 5th consecutive year Katherine Outback Experience has won best Tourism Attraction, and also won the new category Excellence in Accessible Tourism.

Sab Lord and Ann-Maree Grant of Lords Kakadu and Arnhemland Safaris received the highest individual accolade, jointly receiving the Tourism Minister’s Perpetual Trophy in recognition of their dedication and commitment to Territory tourism.

Brolga Award winner highlights include:

• New Tourism Business Category awarded to Art Tours of Australia

• New Northern Territory People’s Choice Tripadvisor / Shiji ReviewPro awarded to Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery

• Tourism Industry Employee Award went to Dimitrios Georgakis of H on Mitchell

• Matt Mulga received the George Dunne Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual for his long-standing commitment to the tourism industry; and

• Snapper Rocks received the Tourism Business Growth Award. This award recognises a business that identified smart investments and decisions along with clear opportunities for further business growth.

A total of 22 NT business category winners from the 2023 Brolga Awards will represent the Territory at the Australian Tourism Awards, with Darwin the host city for the national awards on 15th March 2024.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden congratulated the winners and finalists and shared “It’s fantastic to see the passion and excellence of our local tourism operators and I’m honoured to congratulate all finalists and winners – each of you play an integral role in promoting the Northern Territory as a must visit destination.”

Image top: Wintjiri Wiru - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Experiences & Chair's Tourism Excellence Winner; image centre: Art Tours of Australia - New Tourism Business winner; image above: Darwin Festival - Major Festivals and Events winner