Boosting Tourism: Military History & New Experiences
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing bold new military tourism experiences, delivering jobs, driving visitation, and advancing the Rebuilding the Economy: Northern Territory Economic Strategy 2025.
As part of our year of action, certainty and security, military heritage tourism has, for the first time, been allocated its own dedicated funding stream under Round 9 of the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP).
Eight local operators have received support through the Department of Tourism and Hospitality to develop or enhance military tourism experiences, including:
Marchant Enterprises, improving accessibility in the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels with upgraded lighting and ventilation.
Gooney Bird Adventures, restoring an iconic WWII aircraft to launch scenic flights following Top End wartime flight paths.
Tiwi Enterprises, developing immersive marine AV experiences to tell the story of the WWII Bombing of Darwin Harbour.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said this is the first time military tourism has had dedicated support.
“We’re putting it on the map because this is our history, and it’s our chance to tell it.”
“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.”
Tourism is one of five priority industries identified by the CLP Government to grow jobs, attract investment, and restore the Territory’s reputation as a must-do destination.
Across all categories, 40 tourism businesses received support under VEEP Round 9, with $2.6 million in grants unlocking more than $4.89 million in project investment.
Central Australia is also a big winner, with several exciting experiences funded, including:
Outback Horse Treks, establishing a multi-day trek with safari tents, ablutions, and dust suppression infrastructure.
Curtin Springs, creating a dark-sky “Night Yard” experience showcasing Central Australia’s outback astronomy.
Art Tours of Australia, developing a boutique swag camp and experience hub near Alice Springs.
Tourism and hospitality operators across the Territory are upgrading their offerings to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.
The Territory’s tourism economy is worth $2.6 billion a year and plays a vital role in our broader plan to rebuild the economy,” said Ms Boothby.
“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.”
Round 9 applicant and proud Territorian Stefan Wood of Gooney Adventures has a deep passion for the Top End’s WWII history. He recently acquired the iconic Douglas/Dakota DC-3 aeroplane – a flying piece of history.
Mr Wood thanked the NT Government.
“My dream of bringing a WWII flight experience to the Territory is becoming a reality. Look to the skies and see our ‘Sweetheart’, adorned with the Territory flag, flying across the Top End.”
These investments build on the Military Heritage Tourism Action Plan, backed by a $3 million election commitment to restore and grow the NT’s military tourism sector – including site restorations, digital enhancements, and a national marketing campaign to be launched once key infrastructure is upgraded.
“Labor ignored this opportunity. They let our key sites deteriorate. We’re restoring them and telling the world: if you want to experience Australia’s wartime history, you come to the Northern Territory.”
Round 9 VEEP grant recipients can be found here. here
https://nt.gov.au/