Funding boost for developing Aboriginal tourism ventures in Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Government’s Round 4 of the Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Grant Program is now open for Northern Territory Aboriginal majority-owned businesses and organisations to apply for support for tourism ventures.

The program supports eligible businesses and organisations to develop quality Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism product that encourage visitors to travel to the NT and stay longer.

Director, Aboriginal Tourism Kym Nolan notes “No where lets you experience Aboriginal cultures like the Northern Territory. This program assists Aboriginal majority-owned businesses to share the world’s oldest living culture with visitors by providing expert advice to take the next steps in developing their tourism experiences and product."

The non-competitive, merit-based initiative provides professional services for feasibility and business planning.

The professional services can also support the preparation of applications to the relevant land council or other land management authority for tourism experiences and product.

Applications can be lodged for grants from $10,000 up to $30,000.

A total of 13 Aboriginal owned businesses and organisations across the Territory have received grant funding in Round 3.

Successful applications included Patsy Evans for Limmen River Fishing Camp business planning, Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation Mabunji for Waralungku Arts tourism management planning and Apmwerre Aboriginal Corporation for Apmwerre Aboriginal Corporation cultural tourism business planning.

Round 4 opened on 2nd June 2025 and closes 6th March 2026 unless the funding pool is exhausted earlier. To find out more about the program or to apply head to  tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/grants-funding/aboriginal-tourism-development-support-grant-program

Image. Successful Round 3 applications included Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation Mabunji for Waralungku Arts tourism management planning . Credit: NT Gov