Gooney Bird Adventures, which operates this DC-3, is among the NT military tourism businesses receiving grants. Photo: Gooney Bird Adventures.
The Northern Territory Government is enhancing the tourism appeal of the Top End with a range of support for business operators focusing on military history.
Military heritage tourism will receive funding under its own dedicated capital stream under round nine of the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP), itself part of the Rebuilding the Economy: Northern Territory Economic Strategy 2025.
Overall, 40 tourism businesses received support under VEEP’s latest round, with $2.6 million in grants set to unlock more than $4.89 million in project investment.
Eight operators in the territory will receive support from the Department of Tourism and Hospitality to create, develop or improve military tourism experiences. The operators include:
- Marchant Enterprises – Improving accessibility in the wartime oil storage tunnels with lighting and upgraded ventilation.
- Tiwi Enterprises – Developing an immersive marine AV experience to educate people on the bombing of Darwin Harbour by the Empire of Japan.
- Gooney Bird Adventures – Restoring a World War II-era aircraft (DC-3) for scenic trips for tourists, following flight paths used in wartime.
“We’re putting it on the map because this is our history, and it’s our chance to tell it,” Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said.
“From Darwin to the Tiwi Islands, Katherine to the outback, no other place in Australia has a military story like the Northern Territory. We’re backing local businesses to bring that story to life and turn it into a national tourism drawcard.”
The CLP Government has identified tourism as one of its key priorities to grow jobs, increase investment and cement the territory’s reputation as a prime destination for international and domestic travellers.
Several exciting experiences in Central Australia will also receive support:
- Outback Horse Treks – Creating a multi-day trek with tents, washing facilities and anti-dust infrastructure.
- Curtin Springs – Creating an experience centred on astronomy, taking advantage of the dark, unpolluted skies over the NT.
- Art Tours – Developing a boutique swag camp near Alice Springs.
“This government is about action, not just plans but projects being delivered. These grants will help create jobs, boost visitor numbers, and showcase the unique stories and landscapes only the Northern Territory can offer,” Ms Boothby said.
The tourism economy is worth $2.6 billion to the Northern Territory.
