Guides Attractions Events in Northern Territory

The Dundee Social and Recreation Club invites you and your family to their annual fishing competition.

Dundee is a great place to target big, hard fighting sports fish as well as an opportunity for anglers to target a variety of sport fish. There’s even a special prize for the billfish.

Held over two days, this is a great family weekend away with social activities and entertainment taking part outside the fishing hours. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, come along, wet your line and join in a couple of days of fun.

Junior and family participation is encouraged.

This year’s Ali Curung Traditional Dance Festival will see a program that is full of talented indigenous performers from musicians, dancers, visual artists and artefact makers. Listen to the special speakers as they talk about bush medicine, bush foods and more.

There will be demonstrations on painting, artefact making and jewellery making, throughout the weekend.

A traditional spear throwing competition using a woomeras and a fire making competition using boomerangs will also be held.

View the cultural art work and crafts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award is the premier national indigenous event on the arts calendar. Initiated by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in 1984, today the Award offers AUD59,000.00 worth of prize money, one of the highest for any art award in Australia. The Award attracts a broad range of artistic talent with upwards of 150 works selected for the exhibition from approximately 500 entries.

This exhibition presents up-to-date developments in contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and attracts a range of indigenous artists from all parts of the country. The diversity and style of work submitted each year reflects the changing face of contemporary Aboriginal art practice.

The 50th Australian National Sprint Kart Championships will attract the best karting drivers from around the country to compete for the right to become the Australian champion in their respective category.

It is expected that in excess of 250 competitors will be competing at the prestigious event to be hosted for the first time by the Darwin Karting Association at the Hidden Valley Karting Raceway in Berrimah. drivers from as young as 11 years of age through to competitors more experience in life and over 40 years old will be racing at speeds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour.

Karting is the sport where some of today's top V8 Supercar and Formula 1 drivers started their careers. Just over a decade ago, drivers such as Jamie Whincup, James Courtney and Mark Winterbottom where all front runners in Australian Karting Championships - now they're starring in the V8 Supercar Championship.

Enjoy true country hospitality and a toe-tapping day of outback country music.

From all over the Territory and interstate, entrants make the trek to Adelaide River, to be part of the only Country Music Association of Australia recognised NT country music talent quest. Entrants from 5 to 70 take part with trophies and prize money. A scholarship to the CMAA Country Music College Tamworth is awarded to one contestant each year, who meets the criteria.

From Bush Ballads to Country Rock, it’s all there with great food and bar facilities available. The Adelaide River NT Country Music Talent Quest concludes as the sun sets with a concert that has the showground rocking.

Join in the excitement of a traditional country race meeting.

The Adelaide River Races, set in beautiful shady grounds, feature a seven-race program, with TAB and bookie facilities on site. Bar and food facilities are available, along with children activities. There's also 'Fashion on the Field' and 2-up after the races.

A concert and dance follow the day's races, so with free camping available throw in the swag and tent to spend the evening under the stars.

Join in the thrill of a rodeo, camp draft and rural show.

The Adelaide River Show, in the Adelaide River township south of Darwin, features a rodeo, polocrosse, gymkhana and camp draft as well as competitions in arts and crafts, flora art, cookery, photography, horticulture and agriculture, and farm produce in both adult and children sections.

The camp draft consists of six head of cattle in a 'camp', in which the competitor has to cut only one animal out. The competitor must get the animal to the front of the camp. Once the competitor has the animal up front, they must block and turn the beast a few times to show the judges they have control of the animal. The rider then calls for the gates to be opened, completes a figure 8 before guiding it through the gate to finish. All this is done in less than 45 seconds.

The Advocate Art Award showcase artwork being done in Central Australia.

This colourful kaleidoscope of art is a snapshot of art work being done in Central Australia by men, women, seniors and teenagers. Some are once a year painters or once a month painters or painters who make art part of their everyday lives.

Wander through and view Indigenous and European art styles, as they hang side by side and where first time exhibitors are seen next to the experienced and successful artists.

A weekend full action, adventure and fun for everyone.

Come and see the cowboys and cowgirls as they pit themselves against the beasts for that elusive eight seconds. This extreme rough stock rodeo has plenty of action and excitement and plenty of spills and thrills.

Activities over the weekend are the notorious Mexican donkey race, a Ladies Boot Throwing competition, a tug-a-war and plenty of kids’ sports and novelty events. Test your skills in the Iron Man / Iron Woman. Watch the local kids rev it up in the dust, in their home made (usually from cardboard) Utes and watch the best bubs’ Ute/Pram parade.

On Saturday night, adults and kids can join in the fun with the local talent quest and afterwards hit the dance floor and dance the night away with live entertainmen.

Camping is available from Friday night to Monday morning. Food will be available from Saturday morning to Sunday night. Please byo alcohol as there are no bar facilities.

The Alice Desert Festival is Central Australia’s premier arts and cultural festival, celebrating the desert and its peoples.

The Alice Desert Festival shares the stories, songs and the unique lifestyle of Central Australia’s arid region. Featuring a vibrant program borne out of the desert landscape, they celebrate the dynamic exchange between cultures in the heart of Australia.

Artists, dancers and musicians from some of the remotest communities in Central Australia perform beside a selection of Australia’s hottest acts.

Indigenous musicians drive hundreds of red dusty kilometres to perform in the Bush Bands Bash. Wild bush foods are harvested and cooked into succulent dishes and choirs sing amidst ancient desert landscapes of gorges and gaps.

The Alice Desert Festival attracts audiences of around 50,000 people from around Australia to over 50 events across its season. The festival presents an atmosphere not found anywhere else in Australia, where strong traditional cultures and a vibrant contemporary arts community, work together in presenting an amazing 10 days.

Admission costs apply to some shows.

Join the excitement at the heart of Central Australia to experience Outback Racing at its finest.

XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival is a five-day race program, over four weeks of April/May culminating in the final weekend, hosting XXXX Gold Cup.

Girl's Day - a retail fashion day to promote businesses that get ladies ready for the Carnival Glamour.

Family Day - the ASTC has been one of the first to purchase a Jumping Castle and play equipment.

Ladies Day - where everyone can show off their finery while lunching in the marquee overlooking the MacDonnell Ranges and home straight.

Young Guns Day - mingle in the party marquee with live DJ's, bands, Celebrity MCs and racing action including AUD$60,000 Pioneer Sprint.

XXXX Gold Cup Day - featuring AUD$100,000 XXXX Gold Cup. A day of fun, fashion and live racing action broadcasted internationally on SKY2.

Cup weekend hosts two days racing, XXXX Gold Luncheon, Calcutta, Ministers Cocktail Party, Memorabilia Auction and Yearling Sale.

Come along and challenge yourself at the biennial Friendly Games.

Alice Springs Masters Games are known as 'The Friendly Games', a unique event that enables mature aged athletes to embrace the thrill of their favourite sport in a friendly environment. 'The Friendly Games' has a large number of sports on offer, and Alice Springs' sporting facilities are up there with the best. See you at the games.

The Alice Springs Night Markets are held monthly from August to November on a Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm.

The markets have many assorted stalls that can be explored, giving visitors that enjoyable outback experience. You can shop for authentic Indigenous art and craftworks, recycled treasures, books, photos, handmade clothing and jewellery. You’ll be surprised at what you may find.

Tantalise your taste buds with a tasty treat from one of the enticing multi-cultural food vendors or sit back and relax on the lawns with a local roasted coffee, a freshly made donut, or try a refreshing fruit sorbet, or a delectable cupcake.

With plenty of entertainment for the whole family, wander on down and enjoy an evening at the markets.

Dates for 2012 are 30 August, 13 September, 18 October and 15 November.

Your chance to watch a tennis champion in the making.

The Alice Springs Open is part of the AMT (Australian Money Tournaments) and is held in township of Alice Springs. This tennis tournament, attracts players from all over Australia with many of the players competing all around the world during the year.

A pre-determined number of the highest ranked players will be placed directly into the main draw, with all other entrants playing off against each other in qualifying matches to then earn the right to move into the main draw and playoff for the title.

Matches will consist of AMT Men’s and Women’s Singles, AMT Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Boy’s and Girl’s Singles and Doubles in age brackets 12 and Under, 14 and Under and 16 and Under.

Entry is free for spectators.

Join in the fun and excitement of a large rural show.

The Alice Springs Show is a traditional rural show with a very close association with the regional cattle stations, and is based on agricultural produce, livestock and craft. The show encompasses business displays, competitions, photographic, cooking and other contests and outback sporting events. It also brings the rides, attractions and sideshow alley offered at the big capital city shows to delight all children and families. Treat yourself to a dagwood dog, a bag of fairy floss, a jam doughnut or some fresh strawberries and cream.

The Alice Springs Show finishes with a giant fireworks display.

2013 is the 71st Anniversary to tribute, honour and remember those who defend Darwin. The Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is commemorated each year on 19 February at the Cenotaph, Bicentennial Park, Darwin and attracts many veterans' who served in Darwin around that time.

On 19 February 1942, World War II was brought to the shores of Australia when the Japanese dropped bombs over Darwin. On this day over 243 people, both armed forces personnel and civilians, lost their lives. Eight ships were sunk and 11 damaged. A section of the wharf was destroyed, killing 22 waterside workers. Over the next 21 months, Darwin, Adelaide River, Katherine and Milingimbi in Arnhem Land were bombed 64 times.

The service begins at 9.30am with the sounding of the WWII air raid siren at 9.58am - the same time it sounded years ago as waves of Japanese bombers flew over the city.

The Arafura Games, held biennially in Darwin, is a sporting event for developing athletes across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. It provides the experience necessary to succeed in competition of the highest level. This biennial event is a major highlight on the sporting calendar and is recognised throughout the Asia Pacific region as a week-long celebration of sporting competition, cultural diversity and friendship.

TIO Stadium, located at the Marrara Sporting Precinct, is the venue for the opening ceremony, including the lighting of the cauldron. There is spectacular entertainment and warming displays of friendship and festivities during the ceremonies.

Please check the Arafura Games website for further information including a list of sports available.

Up to 250 species can be found around the Maningrida area and due to its remoteness the full birding potential and range of species is still to be discovered. This is one of Australia’s true pristine birding frontiers.

Dr Richard Noske, Senior Lecturer in Biology at Charles Darwin University’s School of Environmental and Life Sciences, said that Arnhemland Bird Week provided significant breeding and range of information, ‘the number of Gouldian Finches we saw is definitely cause for excitement’. ‘The area is truly magical in its avain diversity, Dr Noske said.’

Northern Territory Automotive Group and SKYCITY Darwin present Darwin Symphony Orchestra's 'Around the Orchestra in 80 ways'.

Have you ever wondered how an orchestra really works, then come along and join the Darwin Symphony Orchestra on the lawns at SKYCITY Darwin, as Artistic Director Leif Sundstrup takes a peek under the hood at its different components and figures out how to get them all working together and running smoothly.

This open air event is a night of musical exploration for the whole family with great music and great laughs.

Gates open at 5.30pm with the concert starting at 6.30pm.

The Artists of the Barkly Marketplace is an event, which occurs throughout the year at Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre in the township of Tennant Creek.

The marketplace includes stalls from Aboriginal art centres and artist groups from all over the Barkly Region and is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to pick up some affordable art and to meet artists from the region.

Dates for the marketplace are 5pm Thursday 7 June 2012, 8am Saturday 1 September 2012, the date for the third marketplace in November 2012, leading up to Christmas, is still to be confirmed.

A boat race with a unique difference - on the dry sands of the Todd River.

The ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta is a day of fun where teams and individuals race 'boats', in the dry bed of the Todd River in outback Alice Springs. Have fun and enjoy the hilarity as you watch seemingly sane people race in bottomless 'eights', 'Oxford tubs', 'bath tubs' and 'yachts' through the deep coarse sand.

The event has its origins when Reg Smith, an Alice Springs local, and his work colleagues proposed holding a regatta based on the famous Henley-on-Thames. The idea was taken up by the Rotary Clubs of Alice Springs and the fact that the town was 1,500 kilometres from the nearest large body of water was never seen as a problem. So the ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd was born.

All proceeds going to the three local Rotary clubs in Alice Springs,

Take part and help celebrate Australia’s very own special day.

On 26 January the nation celebrates what's great about being Australian with official and formal functions as well as fun activities with family and friends.

The 'Golden Heart' town of Tennant Creek celebrates all day long. Kicking off early the official flag raising and the National Anthem paves the way to an outback 'Aussie breakfast'. Afterwards, head out to nearby Tingkkarli / Lake Mary Ann for very Australian activities like egg catching, sack races and thong throwing. The highlight of the day is a raft race on the lake.

After the Barkly Triathlon you'll smell the food cooking on the barbecue and realise you have worked up an appetite once more, it's free so enjoy.

The Australian National Bridge Championships (ANC) is one of the premier events on the Australian Bridge Calender and attracts players from all States and Territories.

This event was last held in the Northern Territory in 2003 and was an enjoyable and memorable event for all interstate, intrastate and local visitors.

Territory Gold Bridge Festival, the NT's licensed Gold Point event will be played during the first week of the ANC. Swiss Teams will be a two session event on Saturday 7 July 2012.

The Butler Pairs are from Saturday 14 July through to Thursday 19 July 2012. The Open and Women's will be played in two stages, with Stage 1 on the weekend of 14 and 15 July 2012.

The Seniors' Butler will be played as a single stage in parallel with Open Stage 2.

Please refer to their website for full details, costs and program.

A chance to see cowboys doing what they do best.

The Barkly Goldrush Campdraft Challenge is an annual family event held in October each year at Tennant Creek.

Activities during the day and night include bull and bronco riding, barrel racing, the stockman's challenge and an assortment of campdraft events. Full bar, catering and camping facilities are available. Dance the night away with live entertainment on Friday night.

Feel the thrill as you hook your first barramundi.

The Barra Bash in an annual fishing competition held on the Roper River with over AUD8,000.00 in cash, trophies, prizes and vouchers to be won for the largest barramundi, largest other fish and junior anglers. The presentation will be held at the Mataranka Homestead on the Sunday evening and includes live entertainment.

Hear the stories and learn the culture of the Indigenous people.

The annual Barunga Festival is held in this remote Aboriginal community over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and is one of the major and longest-running indigenous community festivals in the Northern Territory. The festival showcases contemporary indigenous musicians from the Territory in a battle-of-the-bands event on the Saturday night and a full concert on the Sunday with some of the Territory’s top indigenous bands. There’s also a sports program that runs throughout the weekend and attracts participants from remote communities throughout the Territory.

Cultural activities include traditional didjeridu workshops and performances, traditional dance, arts and crafts demonstrations and exhibitions, bush tucker tastings and spear throwing are all regular elements of the festival. You can purchase art direct from the local artists.

Visitors can camp in the community during the alcohol-free festival and interact with residents who will share their stories and culture.

The Territory's biggest music extravaganza attracts some of Australia's biggest bands.

BASSINTHEGRASS has grown into one of the biggest events in Darwin, providing entertainment to all age groups with the best of home-grown and interstate bands.

This years line up includes The Temper Trap, Hilltop Hoods, Boy and Bear, The Jezabels, Drapht, The Temper Trap, 360, Stonefield, Calling All Cars and Redcoats. More local acts will be announced soon.

BASSINTHEGRASS is conducted in a safe and friendly environment and a 37-square metre giant screen makes the day and the entertainment event 'bigger'. There are shade structures, food and confectionery stalls.

Since the first concert back in 2003, BASSINTHEGRASS has become a 'must see' event on the calendar.

Gates open from 11am and the concert concludes around 11pm.

Come dressed in Red and support the Heart Foundation by taking part in the annual Beat a Path Family Fun Run/Walk.

Catch up, chat and come and have some with your mates, family or friends as you join the 4.8 kilometre walk on the newly opened track at East Point Reserve, what better way to spend a Sunday morning.

A gift bag and light breakfast will be supplied with great prizes of offer for first, second and third place, the 'Best Dressed in Red', highest fundraising individual and the highest fundraising team gift.

Registration and sign in is at Lake Alexander car park with registrations opening at 7.15am for an 8am start. Cost is AUD20.00 per person with children under 12 years of age free.

Mix it with the best bulls and broncs in the business.

The Borroloola Gulf Show, known locally as the WayOutBack agricultural show, combines agriculture, gardening, lifestyle, arts, crafts and competition in an entertaining day out. An exciting local rodeo, a camp draft and a gymkhana are highlights of this event, which is held to coincide with the public holiday at Borroloola.

Borroloola is situated 80 kilometres inland from the Gulf of Carpentaria in the Northern Territory, 250 kilometres west of the Queensland border.

One of Australia's best kept outback secret.

The races are held in June every year, on Brunette Downs, situated on the Barkly Tablelands, 350 kilometres north-east of Tennant Creek. This is the biggest event on the Barkly Tablelands social calendar and attracts visitors from all around Australia.

You’ll enjoy four days of country hospitality featuring campdrafting, bronco branding, rodeo, gymkhana and novelty races such as the ‘Best of the Barkly’ event. There is a total AUD30,000.00 in prize money on offer and only those horses within the boundary of the Northern Territory can compete.

There is an on-course bookmaker, bar, catering and live entertainment, visitors can even fly in to the nearby airstrip.

Have some family fun at a local Mud Crab and Fishing Competition.

Held in conjunction with the Milne Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, the Bynoe Harbour Camp-Out Fishing and Crabbing Competition is a great way to spend some time over the Queen's Birthday weekend.

Prizes are awarded to Adult and Junior competitors for the heaviest fish caught over the two day event from the following species, Barramundi, golden snapper, salmon, rock cod Jewfish, queen fish and mackerel. Prizes are also awarded for the heaviest mud crab weighted in overall. A surprise mystery weight will also be awarded.

Fishing and crabbing can take place in the Bynoe Harbour as far as Indian Island and at the fresh water Finniss. Only two fish per species per angler per day can be weighed in for all prize pools.

The Dundee Social and Recreation Club welcome and encourage the general public to come along and participate.

Everyone is welcome to come along, wonder through, catch up with a local, search through boxes looking for that special item at a 'Car Boot Sale'.

With a selling site costing you only AUD10.00, which is donated to the Acacia Hills Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, it's your turn to turn your treasure into cash. Kid's do you need to make some extra pocket money, then dust off those toys, books, clothes and anything else that you no longer need.

The sale starts at 7am until 12noon and is being held opposite the Humpty Doo Shopping Centre.

Don't forget to contact the organiser if you wish to book your site or if you have any items you wish to donate.

Join in and celebrate the start of the festive season.

Carols by Candlelight is the pinnacle of the festive season in Darwin and is held in the Amphitheatre at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Performing on the night will be the Darwin City Brass Band and many well-known carol celebrities including the Darwin Youth Choir, the Kormilda College Choir and many more.

The carols start at 6.30pm (gates open from 5.30pm) and conclude at 8.30pm with a spectacular firework finale. The venue is non-smoking and parking is available at Mindil Beach. Carol books, candles, candle cups and matches on sale at the gate entrance, and refreshments will also be on sale.

The Carols by Candlelight is a charity fundraiser event and entry is by gold coin donation. Come along for a night of community song and festivities.

Celebrate the start of the Christmas festive season with the whole family.

Christmas in Palmerston - Carols Event brings together national entertainers, and local singers from Palmerston schools and the community, along with the Palmerston City Concert Band. Seating is provided in the recreation centre, or you can bring your own blankets. Soft soled shoes, food and wax candles are not permitted inside the centre.

So for a great night out, bring the whole family down and sing along with carols.

A great family fishing competition.

Every Easter long weekend, Timber Creek holds is very own Circle F Easter Fishing Competition. Fishing enthusiast and families are invited to join the locals of Timber Creek for a great weekend.

If you’re eager to wet your line, the competition starts at 6am on Friday 6 April 2012 and finishes at 4.30pm on Sunday 7 April 2012, then come and try your luck, with cash and prizes up for grabs.

Entry costs are AUD20.00 per child and AUD40.00 per adult which includes a free dinner on the Sunday night.

Held on the Victoria River, this is one of the most scenic places to catch a barramundi.

A true Aussie outback experience.

The Daly Waters Campdraft, Rodeo and Gymkhana is held in the historic township of Daly Waters, 600 kilometres south of Darwin. This annual event attracts hordes of dusty utes, cowboys and tourists alike and is a fun and entertaining weekend for all.

Activities held over the three days range from the station bronc ride and tail tagging, the maiden and ladies draft, a novice draft, ASH open draft and the Campdraft finals. Anyone who is willing to put their body on the line enters the bull ride and bronc ride, the bareback and barrel racing. Live entertainment is provided on the Saturday night, so grab the gang and dance the night away.

Bar and catering facilities will be in action all weekend, with camping and clean amenities available.

Artback NT – Arts Development and Touring presents, DanceSite - indigenous traditional dances to be performed at this years Desert Harmony Festival in Tennant Creek.

DanceSite will again showcase traditional indigenous dance performances from remote communities in the region, as well as special guest groups from communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia.

DanceSite celebrates indigenous traditional dance from Central Australia and provides a cultural backdrop for further appreciation and greater insight into Central Australian indigenous culture including dance, ceremony and connection to country.

This is an alcohol free event with entry by a gold coin donation.

The event begins at 6pm with the gates opening at 5.30pm, so bring the family, your picnic blankets and chairs, and settle in to a good viewing spot. There will be food available to purchase.

Spiritually moving, vibrant colours, timeless – an awe-inspiring experience for all art lovers.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will provide a unique artistic experience for all lovers of indigenous art and culture, representing over 30 community arts centres from across Australia, including Arnhem Land, the Kimberley Region, Central Australia, the Torres Strait Islands and Victoria. The diversity of Indigenous art at the fair is remarkable.

The Art Fair is a unique opportunity to purchase art directly from the Indigenous owned and incorporated art centres, to see the work of emerging as well as established artists, to meet the artists and to find out about the variety of different cultural groups producing art.

Opening times - Friday 1pm to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

The Darwin Blues Festival is one of the biggest international music festivals in the Northern Territory.

The organisers are proud to announce that not one, but two international headlining blues artists from the USA, Ash Grunwald and Big Bill Morganfield will be performing at the 3rd Annual Darwin Blues Festival.

Don't miss a magical day of blues and roots in the city of Darwin, one of the world's top ten cities to visit in 2012 as voted by the Lonely Planet.

Yes, Muddy Waters ‘rising son’ Big Bill Morganfield is on his way to the Darwin Amphitheatre to perform exclusively and once only at the 3rd Annual Darwin Blues Festival. Ash Grunwald’s dancey, rootsy, bluesy rock will keep you dancing the entire day.

Other superb artists include Mason Rack Band, Ray Beadle, Shaun Kirk and many more

There is something for everyone at the 2012 Darwin Boat and Outdoor Show, with a huge range of boats and accessories for all boating pursuits, fishing and camping gear, 4WD, camper trailers, bikes and ATV's, communications, gadgets galore, and so much more.

There's all the information on where to buy, how to finance and insure, what and how to get involved and where to go. The 2012 Darwin Boat and Outdoor Show is your chance to explore and compare, and with a very special visitor to wow the kids, and special features for Father's Day,

It will be a great day out for the whole family to discover so much more about the fantastic Top End outdoor lifestyle.

Opening hours are Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm

Share in the excitement of Darwin's premier horse racing calendar.

The Darwin Cup Carnival officially kicks off on Saturday 7 July 2012 and culminates in the running of the Darwin Cup on Monday 6 August 2012. The program also features Ladies Day, where the ladies can show off their finery and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon and a glass of bubbly.

The picturesque Fannie Bay Racecourse track is one of only a few dirt tracks in operation on the circuit, and the Darwin Cup Day witnesses 20,000 people bursting the rails.

Dress up, dress casual or come in fancy dress, this is a racing carnival not to be missed.

Celebrate the dry season in appropriate style with the 2012 Darwin Festival. From 9 to 26 August the city will be a hive of artistic activity and they want you to join in the fun.

Experience art on the walls, inside theatres, around the streets and under the stars in an action-packed program that features Territory talent alongside electrifying artists from across the nation and around the world. There's something for everyone whatever your artistic taste.

Catch country superstar Kenny Rogers headlining a massive music program of local legends and big Aussie names, see fascinating stories unfold onstage, be moved by the latest dance trends or take in a world in pictures without leaving the gallery. There is also heaps of free family fun and plenty of late night larks to enjoy.

The full program will be released on Thursday 28 June 2012.

A regatta like no other, with boats primarily built entirely from aluminium beer cans.

This annual Darwin family event is a spectacle for all who line Mindil Beach and cheer on the home-made boats of cans, plastic soft drink bottles and cartons, as they flounder and sink in the shallows. There are loads of activities and competitions for everyone to do which are held throughout the day. The Mindil Beach Markets will be trading all day as well.

The first Beer Can Regatta was an attempt to clean up the litter (mainly beer cans) in and around Darwin. Paul Rice-Chapman and Lutz Frankenfeld jointly developed the idea of a Beer Can Regatta, and things have gone on annually from there.

The inaugural Darwin beer can race in 1974 was an instant success, and has developed into a major event with boat entries ranging from 1 to 12 metres and some even with secret weaponry.

Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to projects of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin. Over AUD150,000.00 has been raised over the last 6 years.

Darwin is gearing up for the debut appearance of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Touring Pro Series, one of the toughest shows on dirt.

Some of the most accomplished bull riders from around Australia will be battling it out with some of Australia's most extreme bulls for three action packed hours each night.

The PBR invites you to share in the experience of watching this extreme sport as, man verves the powerful beast, and seeing the brutal power of a bull up close.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra's popular Family Proms concerts are back in 2012, providing the youngest of audiences with an entertaining and interactive introduction to the instruments of an orchestra. Led by Concertmaster Tara Murphy and her troupe of musicians, Family Proms are a great way to get kids hooked on music.

Performances are as follows - Sunday 15 April 2012 at Brown's Mart, Sunday 17 June 2012 at Charles Darwin University Theatre, Sunday 16 September 2012 at Charles Darwin University Theatre and Sunday 2 December at Brown's Mart.

There are two performances to choose from each day - 10am or 11.30am.

Running time of each performance is approximately 45 minutes with no interval. The use of cameras and recording equipment will be permitted during the performance.

Embrace the dry season with two evenings of fun music for the whole family.

The Darwin Symphony Orchestra's - Hats off to Broadway, will bring highlights from your favourite musicals to life under a starry night.

Guest conductor Michael Loughlin, DSO and the Darwin Choral will be joined with Australian artist Michael Cormick, star of The Phantom of the Opera and Mamma Mia to bring highlights from your favourite musicals to life, under a starry dry night.

Don't forget to pack your esky with everyone's favourite food and drinks and enjoy a night under the stars, no glass and no smoking please.

There are two performances one on Friday 15 June and one on Saturday 16 June 2012. Gates open at 5.30pm with the concert starting around 6.30pm.

This is a night to remember with award-winning tenor, Rosario La Spina returning to Darwin to join Darwin Symphony Orchestra and Darwin Chorale in a performance of Puccini's Messa di Gloria.

This is the Darwin Symphony Orchestra's third concert in in the 'Symphony in the City' series and will also feature new work by local composer Nora Lewis.

The concert starts at 8pm.

Watch a colourful fleet of yachts start their sailing adventure to Ambon, from Darwin’s foreshore.

The tension builds during the months leading up to this anticipated event on Darwin’s sailing calendar, with an almost festival atmosphere. When the day finally arrives, large crowds gather on Darwin’s foreshore in the brilliant dry season sunshine, and jostle for vantage points to see a colourful array of sailing vessels start their adventure to Ambon in Indonesia. With cool dry season breezes filling the spinnakers, the yachts poised on the turquoise sea starting line, the signal to race is anxiously awaited. Then with a loud crack, the race is on.

The Darwin Ambon yacht Race and Rally starts at 11am.

This 600 nautical mile race to the capital of the Spice Islands attracts entries from blue water sailors from Australia and the world. Skippers who wish to partake in this race, please contact the Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race Committee or refer to their website. Race entry fees apply.

Darwin's social event of the dry - entertainment, fabulous food and atmosphere.

If you are yet to attend the Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball don’t hesitate any longer. Words, friends or photographs can not describe the experience of attending one of Australia's largest outdoor seated dinner events, beside the ocean, amidst tropical gardens and under the stars. The celebration is the perfect tribute to the cup carnival and typifies the 'dry' with a clear starry sky, flowing sparkling wine and a social season at fever pitch.

Celebrate Darwin's thriving and successful multicultural community by joining the picnic atmosphere at the Darwin Waterfront. There will be food and entertainment plus you can even make a floating lantern and be a part of the flotilla. Harmony Day is a chance for everyone to celebrate the cultural diversity , and our great Territory lifestyle.

The Territory is fortunate to be a unique blend of the oldest living culture on earth and migrants from all over the world. Our diversity makes the Territory an interesting and vibrant place to live and our acceptance of people regardless of their background is something we can all be very proud of. The Territory is truly a place where everybody belongs.

The list of performances and activities on the day is huge - however, this event is not about entertainment alone. It is really about communities coming together to celebrate harmony.

The festival starts a 4pm to 8.30pm.

To celebrate the Darwin Waterfront's 3rd birthday, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra joins with the Australian Children's Music Foundation for a free evening concert and fireworks.

At 5.30pm, kids can get up close and learn about the different instruments of the orchestra prior to the concert and experience the fun of music, DSO-style.

Don't forget to bring a blanket or chairs for seating, pack a picnic to enjoy with your friends and family, and there will be food available for sale on the night.

Patrons are asked not to bring glass, and the venue is a non-smoking and alcohol-free area.

The concert starts at 6.30pm

Get into the festival spirit with a visit to Tennant Creek to enjoy the 23rd Desert Harmony Festival.

Proudly presented by Barkly Regional Arts, the festival celebrates the region's thriving and vibrant cultural mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, musicians, dancers and writers.

The Barkly Yarning Digital Storytelling event promises to be a real crowd pleaser, as does Bindjareb Pinjarra, an iconic comedy about a massacre in WA (presented by Artback NT - Arts Development and Touring). Other highlights include the raunchy and fun Caravan Burlesque, film screenings, culture carnival, a multi-cultural night and regular favourites like the annual street parade, youth performance and Artists of the Barkly Marketplace.

On the final day is the Barkly Area Music Festival highlighting musical talent from the region.

Desert Mob celebrates and defines a living art movement that is expressed through the heritage values of the oldest living culture in the world. The art is diverse and complicated, vibrant and intense, and reflects the expansive cultural landscape that is the inspiration of the stories.

In 2012 this annual exhibition marks its 22nd anniversary and will feature art works from 40 community based Aboriginal art centres in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia which are Aboriginal owned and governed, non-profit organisations.

The exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to purchase artworks from both new and established artists all in one place, directly from the art centres.

The exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 11am to 4pm on weekends.

Desert Mob MarketPlace is presented in association with the annual Desert Mob Exhibition, which is held in Alice Springs in September every year and a great chance to view and buy Central Australian artwork.

Desert Mob draws together Aboriginal art centres in Central Australia to display a wide variety of art and crafts, with artists and art centre managers on hand to sell, inform and inspire.

Desert Mob MarketPlace is held at the Araluen Art Centre foyer, grounds and Witchetty's Artspace, and showcases paintings, ceramics, prints and textile works. This popular event is operated in association with Desart and the Alice Desert Festival and attracts well over 1,000 visitors, so get there early.

Please note entry to MarketPlace is free of charge, however entry fees apply to the exhibition held in the Araluen Art Centre Galleries. The Desert Mob MarketPlace is open from 10am to 2pm.

An opportunity to listen and discuss indigenous art.

The Desert Mob Symposium provides a forum for visitors to come and listen to indigenous artists and Desart member art centre representatives talk about their art and the creation of artworks. There will be presentations by a variety of indigenous artists from the Central Australian regions, with the opportunity for further discussion with the artists and art centres.

Join in from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Celebrate the innovative steps that the Alice Springs community has taken towards sustainability.

The desertSMART Eco Fair in Alice Springs is held to promote desert smart sustainable living lifestyles. The fair provides an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to exchange ideas and participate more closely in sustainable living.

The weekend program will be jam-packed with children's activities, speakers, workshops, music, food and green business and community stalls.

Discover unique hand-made items while enjoying the views of Darwin’s harbour.

Territory Craft, located in the museum grounds, is the venue for the annual Dragonfly Craft Fair. Share stories and experiences, and talk to the people who make the unique items on display and on sale. Capture your creativity by enrolling in a workshop that Territory Craft organises.

Enjoy a great day out watching demonstrations and purchasing items that you won't be able to purchase at any market in town. There are around 50 craft stalls as well as food and refreshments.

The Easter Family Fishing Competition is held annually by the Dundee Social and Recreation Club and they invite all members and the general public to join them.

Held over the three days of the Easter weekend each year, the competition is based at the public boat ramp at the Lodge of Dundee. You can fish in the Dundee and Bynoe area and the fresh water Finniss, with good boat ramps available at these locations.

Prizes are awarded to the heaviest fish caught over the three day event from the following species - salmon, golden snapper, queenfish, jewfish, mackeral and the mighty barramundi. There's also a prize for the heaviest mud crab weighted in.

With live bands and lots of entertainment, this is a fun full weekend for all the family.

There is a character and charm to this event that is distinctively Darwin.

The Freds Pass Rural Show, on Darwin's outskirts, is an annual event with over 200 exhibitors. Highlights include a country music concert featuring national country music stars, along with some serious Territory talent.

Tractional features continue to embrace people of all ages and Freds Pass Rural Show is a contagious environment which will capture your imagination. Show features include a livestock display, equestrian display and competition, polocrosse carnival, the traditional Grand Parade, arts and crafts, a woodchop exhibition by Tasmanian woodchoppers who return to the show each year, and the family favourite Saturday night's Fireworks Spectacular.

Experience the magic of the Darwin Waterfront during an early dry season evening, with a free outdoor cinema under the stars, surrounded by the parklands, lagoons and promenades.

The movie will be screened on the peninsula lawns of the Darwin Waterfront, with arrival time around 6pm with the movie starting just after 7pm.

So pack your favourite goods in a picnic basket, grab your chair or blanket and enjoy this family friendly movie for free at the Darwin Waterfront. Be sure to collect your program flyer on the night providing additional movie information, precinct food and retail specials and more.

The didjeridu calls to all to come together, to learn from and listen to one another.

It is heard at Gulkula, near Nhulunbuy in north east Arnhem Land, as about 2,000 indigenous and non-indigenous Australians and international visitors gather for the annual Garma Festival. Garma is a Yolngu word that describes a 'two-way learning process'. Yolngu culture is one of the oldest living cultures on earth, stretching back over 40,000 years, and the Garma Festival is a celebration of that Yolngu cultural inheritance.

Garma is regarded as Australia's major indigenous cultural exchange event. It provides a unique opportunity to share knowledge and culture, by experiencing and being directly involved in a spectacular display of cultural practice and cross cultural learning, a unique line up of entertainment, education and real cultural interaction.

This years festival will be a reduced to a two day event and ticket availability will be severely limited.

This exhibition, 'Gone Fishin'...The Reel Top End Story' explores how fishing and fish tell the cultural, scientific and social stories of the Northern Territory.

Fishing has always featured heavily in the lives of Territorians from indigenous peoples, Macassan fishers, the first European explorers, and early Chinese settlers, to modern commercial operations, and the weekend warrior or recreational fishers.

Displayed alongside indigenous fishing technology are a multitude of colourful lures, jars of weird and wonderful scientific specimens, rock art, natural history art and modern depictions of fish and fishers.

'Gone Fishin' charts both the development of fishing and the culture that surrounds it whilst also exploring the future of fishing through sustainable fisheries management, Marine Rangers, conservation, ecology and taxonomy.

On display are objects drawn from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory's diverse collections, enhanced with important loans from recreational fishers, NT Fisheries Division and local artists.

The Gove Peninsula Festival is the single largest community event held in Nhulunbuy.

This years central theme is '40 year of Nhulunbuy - 40 years Ahead'. The festival begins with an art exhibition launch and over the course of the festival there will be food stalls to tempt your taste buds, live entertainment, a mini-Olympics and a parade.

The Gove Peninsula Festival is a family fun day and aims to promote a sense of community by way of public involvement. In the past this festival has been a key fundraising and membership drive for many local clubs and organisations.

See a part of Darwin's culture heritage that is held in special regard by Territorians.

Government House Darwin, home to the Administrator of the Northern Territory, was built for the first Government resident, Captain William Douglas, in 1871. It is listed on both the Register of the National Estate and the Northern Territory Heritage Register and is regarded as one of the most significant elements of the culture heritage of the Territory. The central room of the house, now the Drawing Room, is the oldest known surviving European structure in Darwin. It has endured cyclones, earthquakes, enemy bombing raids, infestations of white ants and rowdy demonstrations.

The gardens, covering 1.4 hectares, are particularly beautiful with many points of botanical and historic interest.

Opening dates and times - Friday 20 July 2012, times to be advised, Saturday 21 July 2012, times to be advised. Please note dates and times are subject to change.

Goyder’s Day is a commemoration of the arrival of the Surveyor-General George Woodroffe Goyder, who arrived in Port Darwin on the 5 February 1869.

Join the National Trust and witness the physical re-enactment of an event that brought about the new beginnings for the city now know as Darwin.

There will be displays, hands-on activities, handouts and light refreshments available. The re-enactment will take place at approximately 5.30pm.

Experience the largest show of ethnic celebration in the Northern Territory calendar.

The Greek Glenti, held at historic Bicentennial Park in Darwin, is a fun and vibrant festival where the Greek community shares their culture, food, wine, dance and music with locals and visitors. The Glenti consists of local and interstate entertainment and acts and besides being able to eat Greek food, you can see people wearing traditional Greek clothing, be enlightened by the Greek culture, listen to Greek music, and see traditional dancing and much more.

Darwin Visual Arts Association (DVAA) has joined forces with the Happy Yess Market to support local and emerging Darwin artists and talented folk.

All types of stalls are on offer and changing each month, anything goes at the Happy Yess Market - as long as it's homemade or second hand treasure. There are tasty treats, local arts and crafts, and people sharing their talents, live music and lots of lazy lounging on the grass. The afternoon is family friendly, relaxed and delicious.

The market is also a great opportunity to explore the galleries of DVAA and see what the artists are up to in their studios.

The Happy Yess Markets are held on the first Sunday on every month from 2pm to 6pm.

The Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend is a great family outback event.

Located 200 kilometres north east of Alice Springs, is the home of the annual Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend. This action-packed event starts off with a gymkhana, then the running of the first Harts Range Races - unregistered horse race for local station riders. Two more races follow and the auctioning off of the horses for the third race - their Selling Race. There is a rodeo, steer ride, station buck jump and more.

Sunday morning is for the kids with running races, a lolly scramble, sack races and adult's tug-o-war. The afternoon is packed with more rodeo and novelty events including the second round of the bull ride and saddle bronc.

Camping facilities, showers and toilets are available, entry and camping fee applies. Please 'bring your own' alcohol and the food canteen will be available all weekend.

A fantastic opportunity to watch seven-a-side international rugby union played.

The Heineken Hottest 7’s in the World is a Rugby 7's competition conducted in Darwin over two days with participation of teams from overseas, interstate, intrastate and from Darwin. With prize money of AUD67,500.00, it ranks as the leading prize money 7's event in Australia. Teams that have participated in the past have been the SRC Borneo Eagles (2011 winners), Dayetalevu, PNG Barbarians, CA Brumbies, South Sea Drifters, Randwick and the Country King Browns. A women's competition will also be conducted.

There will be food, drink and bar outlets.

Watch all-Indigenous teams take part in the hotly contested Imparja Cup.

Indigenous teams representing all states and territories in Australia, as well as major centres and communities of the Northern Territory, come together in Alice Springs for the annual Imparja Cup. Various competition formats are played, including 20/20, 40 overs per side and Super 8s. The Imparja Cup gives players the opportunity to participate in a strong competition and provides a platform which helps promote the game in the community.

Entry is 'Free of Charge' for spectators only.

Five days of incredible mountain bike racing along the sweet single track and dusty trails of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia.

The Ingkerreke Commercial a Mountain Bike Enduro captures the spirit of the Red Centre with a series of off road races in the very heart of outback Australia. Coming together as a festival of mountain biking with seven races over five days, competitors will experience the true majesty of the outback and the mighty MacDonnell Ranges, in and around Alice Springs as part of this unique event. Spectators' opportunities are the best on the day the riders sprint up Anzac Hill in the centre of town, otherwise bring your bike and join the action anytime.

There is no entry cost for spectators.

The City of Darwin welcomes John Williamson, who is truly an Australian icon, to the Northern Territory.

A modern day poet firmly cemented in the nation's musical culture, his unofficial anthems, tributes to legends and unsung heroes and tender ballads have captured the spirit of Australia in song unlike any other.

John's ability to deliver unforgettable live concert experiences that combine the perfect blend of humour, romance and campfire stories woven together by music make him one of the most in-demand live performers in Australia.

You can call him what you want - Mallee Boy, True Blue or just plain Fair Dinkum - but there is no denying that after more than forty years in the music industry, this is a concert you don't want to miss.

Your chance to try tradition bush food and celebrate indigenous culture.

Kakadu celebrates in September with the annual Mahbilil Festival, held at Lake Jabiru in the small town of Jabiru within the nation park. Aboriginal people from through out Kakadu and further a field come together and enjoy a range of festivities including popular banks, traditional dancing, market stalls and bush foods. Traditional owners welcome visitors and urge them to become involved in the day’s celebrations.

The highlight for many is the grand Magpie Goose cooking competition. Children can get involved by helping traditional owners prepare the geese for cooking over the coals. Meanwhile the competitors are hard at work conjuring up the perfect recipe to impress the judges. Everyone will enjoy a taste of this traditional bush food whilst taking part in many other activities on offer.

For non Territorian's there is a AUD$25 entry fee per person, children under 16 years are free, into Kakadu National Park.

Held on every Saturday monring, the Katherine Community Market is modelled on a ‘Farmers’ Market’, where you buy directly from local producers.

Locals and visitors alike enjoy the opportunity to purchase something truly local and Territory-made. There’s a wide range of fresh produce, locally made fine food and arts and craft, all genuinely derived from either the materials or the productive work of individuals from the greater Katherine region.

There’s entertainment each week, a coffee shop and a tea house, organic fruit, vegetable and dairy produce, ice cream treats and even cheesecake on a stick.

Enjoy country music, Katherine style.

The Katherine Country Music Muster organisers are very pleased to announce that the next Katherine Country Music Muster event will be held on Saturday 2nd June 2012 in Katherine.

Details such as venue, artists, times and prices are yet to be confirmed but the Katherine Country Music Muster organiser will be updating their website when they start to confirm details.

Join in the vibrant celebration of art and culture at the Katherine Festival.

The Katherine Festival is held in Katherine and incorporates a variety of community events over two weeks. Events range from a garden fete to community markets, a street parade to the Teddy Bears Picnic and Family Fun Day, Art In The Park to a fishing competition and there’s also plenty of live entertainment.

Indigenous song, dance, music and art is on show, traditional and contemporary dance, art, craft and bush tucker stalls, and screenings of local films. The art exhibition showcases the talent of local residents with the opening on Monday and general viewing over the following week.

Note - some workshops and venues may incur an entry charge.

The Katherine Prize is unique, as both art and craft works are exhibited together, something that is very rarely seen in the art world.

All entries received must portray the artists’ interpretation of some aspect of the Northern Territory, with the winning art piece and craft article from each year becoming an acquisition of the Katherine Community. The awards attract an enormous interest from Territory artists.

There are two award categories - the B and J Lambert Art Acquisition Award for a two-dimensional works of any medium and the P and K Short Craft Acquisition Award.

Join in the excitement of a local race meeting.

The Katherine Races is a great family day out with families coming from all over Katherine Area. With a full racing program, including the running of Katherine Cup, fashions on the field, novelty events, and plenty of food and drink. Dance and party late into the night with local entertainment.

Try you luck against the elusive barramundi.

The King Ash Bay Easter Barra Classic is a very popular annual fishing event that is held on the Sunday of the Easter weekend at King Ash Bay. This event caters for the serious as well as the not so serious anglers.

Prizes with a total value of over AUD3,000.00 are awarded across four categories, Heaviest Barra - Open, Heaviest Barra - Ladies, Heaviest Barra - Junior and Mystery Barra - awarded for the catch nearest in weight to the secret mystery weights.

The King Ash Bay Fishing Festival is now over the three days of the May Day weekend, to overcome the weather and road conditions associated with an Easter competition, The King Ash Bay Fishing Festival is now their major annual event.

Weigh-ins are held each evening at the bar, with Sunday evening being the presentation night. Prizes are awarded for the heaviest fish in at least eight different species, as well as overall champion, ladies champion, junior champion and mystery barra. Prizes total over AUD7,000.00 in value.

This festival is not just about fishing, many other fun events are held during the week-long festival, including the Kish Ash Bay Triathlon. Teams of four complete in three arduous events - golf at the Sir Edward Pellew Gold Links, the club golf course, darts at Gropers Bar and carpet bowls at Gropers Bar.

The quirky, annual Lasseters Camel Cup attracts visitors to Alice Springs from all over the world.

While camels may have a reputation as dedicated 'ships of the desert', these magnificent beasts are certainly not short on personality. Racing them can prove a nightmare for riders and handlers but fantastic viewing for spectators. Entertainment is assured, with nine unique races scheduled around the dusty outback track throughout the day.

There will be lots of action between races, too. Belly dancers, rickshaw races, 'Kids Kamel Dapers' hobby camel races, rides, Mr and Miss Camel Cup challenges, food stalls and bars will add to the carnival atmosphere.

The cup is held in its own arena at Blatherskite Park, a section of the Central Australian Show Society grounds.

Gates open at 10.30am, with the opening ceremony starting at 11.30am. The first race is at 12noon and the last race is at 4pm.

To delight the Darwin public, the Latino NT Association, with the support of the Latin American Embassies in Canberra, have the pleasure of inviting you to the '8th Latin American Film Festival', which will be held in Darwin.

Starting on Wednesday 5 May 2012, a different movie will be screened every Wednesday and Saturday night with the final film being screened on Wednesday 30 May 2012. Films start at 7pm on Wednesday nights and on Saturday the first film starts at 3pm with the second film starting at 5.30pm.

The festival will present a selection of Latin American films, including international award winning pieces featuring some of the most exciting and creative productions to reach the big screen in recent years.

Entry to all the Latin American films will be free of charge. All movies are R18+ and all movies are subtitled in English.

Please check the Latino NT Associations website for the full program of films being screened.

Be prepared to be shaken and stirred under a starry night.

This year, thanks to ConocoPhillips, the Darwin Symphony Orchestras huge dry season concert will take you on a journey through the suspenseful and seductive music of the world's greatest spy - James Bond, 007.

Lead by Artistic Director Leif Sundstrup, this open air concert held will be a night full of entertainment for everyone, so grab your friends and family, pack a picnic basket full of everyone's favourites to share, a blanket or some chairs and held on down to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Please don't bring any glass with you and patrons are advised that it is a non-smoking venue.

Gates open at 5.30pm with the concert starting at 6.30pm.

Escape the city and visit Batchelor, only 90 kilometres from Darwin. Not only is Batchelor the gateway to Litchfield National Park, but this picturesque town also plays host to the annual Lingalonga Festival.

There’s tons of fun for the kids with clowns and waterslides, market stalls, sports, live music, food stalls, buskers bower, art and craft workshops and a traditional weaving workshop with ‘Jeannie’.

This year’s theme was decided by the Coomalie Kids and has to be that greatest love of all ‘food’, with vegetable sculptures, fruit bat frenzy, cook offs for all ages and feastings galore.

The festival is annual and is a not for profit community event. It is hugely popular within the rural sector as a not to be missed date – relaxing under the trees while chatting with friends as they wander by.

The Lingalonga Festival is an alcohol free event and starts from 8am to dark.

Barbara Stuart’s new body of work ‘Look Up, Look Down’ has mainly been inspired by the transformation of the desert by all the rain in 2009. In 2009 Morris and Barbara took a flight from Coober Pedy to Lake Eyre believing that the amount of rain that had fell wouldn’t happen again in their lifetime.

Some of the photos that Barbara took during that flight have now been painted into pictures. With the rains continiuing for the next three years, has resulted in work emerging of the country and gorges around Alice Springs. Induced in the exhibition are several images depicting the night skies mixed with aboriginal and creation themes. Mediums used are oils and watercolours, the painting ranging from small to large.

The Mataranka Never Never Festival is a magical weekend filled with a variety of activities for everyone. Friday's activities includes the Cancer Council 'Biggest Morning Tea', Artist in Residence Thommo Croft at the Stockyard Gallery and under the stars poetry and bush yarns evening.

Saturday festivities include a Family Fun Day in the park with markets, laser skirmish at the hall, book signing / Artist in Residence at the Stockyard Gallery, a beach volleyball challenge, Never Never karaoke night and a barbecue dinner.

Sunday there will be a bush church service in the park with morning tea, viewing of the movie 'We of the Never Never' with lunch at the Community Hall and Chapel.

An opportunity to purchase and view indigenous art work.

The annual Merrepen Arts Festival is held in the friendly community of Nauiyu, 240 kilometres south-west of Darwin. While the exquisite visual arts of the region, based on its abundant bush tucker, are the focus of the weekend, the festival encompasses a combination of events, including art sales and auctions, traditional music and dance, bush tucker displays and tasting and a football and sporting carnival.

The Merrepen Art Centre is open all weekend for you to peruse the beautiful works, but are only available for purchase on Sunday morning. The works are iconic depictions of the local fauna, flora, everyday life and traditional stories, they are colourful, fresh and contemporary.

This is an alcohol-free event and no alcohol may be brought into the community. Food and drinks will be available.

There is a gold coin donation per vehicle.

MILIMIKA - Tiwi Islands Festival is the Northern Territory's newest arts, culture and performing arts festival. This is a weekend of celebration with proud Tiwi Islanders' sharing their culture, featuring local talent in music, dance, the Tiwi Bombers football team and lots of activities for kids. Further details will be available over the next couple of months, so please keep checking their website for the updates.

The Social Club will be open Friday and Saturday from 4.30pm to 7.30pm identification is required. Limited ticket camping available, no fires allowed, 'bring your own food' as there are only some food and drink available on-site.

Please note you are not allowed to bring any alcohol onto the Island.

Travel to the Tiwi Islands by ferry or plane arriving Friday 3 August and departing Sunday 5 August.

Experience the atmosphere and flavours of the famous sunset markets.

Enjoy the tropical night air at Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Markets every Thursday and Sunday evening between May and October. The markets have a multitude of stalls offering international cuisine, arts, crafts and entertainment. Their unique combination of great food and an electric atmosphere make a visit a must do.

The market boasts up to 60 food stalls featuring cuisine from Turkey, Greece, Sri Lanka, South America, North Africa, India and all over South East Asia. Enjoy a picnic dinner on the beach whilst experiencing a spectacular tropical sunset. Afterwards, take time to look around the stalls which include masseurs, tarot readers, leatherworkers, artists, tailors and jewellers. While browsing, listen to the free live street theatre, magicians and an array of local and international buskers.

Molly’s Bash is a major fundraiser for the Old Andado Homestead and a truly unique outback experience.

Originally the bash was held to help raise money for the Alice Springs Pioneer's Women's Hall of Fame, which Molly Clarke founded, but now it's to raise money to keep the Old Andado Homestead and the other buildings in good condition.

There will be varied entertainment on throughout the night, making it a family friendly event. A high clearance four-wheel drive is recommended.

Unwind and feel the ambience of the Nightcliff Markets.

Set in the attractive Nightcliff Shopping Centre the markets are an ideal place for a lazy Sunday coffee or a cool and refreshing tropical fruit salad.

A casual wander around Nightcliff Markets will likely unearth an unusual bargain or a unique gift for a friend. Stalls display a wide variety of original crafts such as copper sculptures, fairy dresses, hemp designer clothing and traditional Asian crafts. Browse through the many stalls specialising in recycled products like hardware, furniture, clothing, gardening, compact discs, books and collectables.

There is also massage, reflexology, card reading and many more attractions. For the less energetic there is plenty of shade and space to sit and enjoy the entertainment from local artists performing on the central stage.

The markets are open from 8am to 2pm every Sunday.

A big day of entertainment (first Saturday of May) followed by a week of performances, events and activities for all ages.

The family-friendly activities, events and performances around the Nightcliff foreshore welcomes the commencement of the Dry Season. All events are free on the 'Big' day and there are opportunities for the whole family to participate.

The festival kicks off on Saturday with six music stages, art and dance, a free family festival of music and culture including the Seabreeze Artspace Awards, the Seabreeze Sand Sculpture Award and featuring music and dance from Indigenous Australian, to many styles from the Pacific, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and India.

There will be food stalls, community stalls, indigenous stories and craft workshops and fun for all the family.

Some workshops during the week following have an entry cost.

Starting at noon on Thursday and finishing Sunday afternoon, the Nixon's X-ing Campdraft program will be full of campdrafting and challenge events for riders and horses of all capabilities.

Spectators and competitors are well catered for with Nixon's X-ing Campdraft having one of the best facilities in the Northern Territory. You'll enjoy a well shaded, grassed area that offers great views of the action with amenities and catering in close proximity.

Acres of camping area, with plenty of watering points and enough amenity blocks to ensure a fun and truly Australian experience.

Starts Thursday 12noon and finishes Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy the thrill and fight when you’ve hook a barramundi.

Traditionally held in May, the Darwin Game Fishing Club hosts its annual Barra Classic at Banyan Farm, on the famous Daly River. Over the years the Barramundi Classic reputation has grown throughout Australia, with fisherman travelling thousands of kilometres to compete. The Barramundi Classic is an invitation-only tournament and the 45 places are hotly contested. The fish caught are measured, tagged and released under the guidance of the Northern Territory Fisheries.

Entertainment, fantastic food, a licensed bar and excellent company are all included.

Be part of Darwin's inaugural male lifestyle, work and entertainment show, NT Big Boys Toys.

The NT Big Boys Toys Expo includes car and bike displays along with boats, digital, sports, adventure and training displays.

There will also be information stands on careers, the defence, trades, machines and so much more.

So come on down and see which 'toy' you might be able to take home.

Whether you are an experienced runner, recreational jogger or a social walker have some fun, be active and join this community event.

The NT News City2Surf Fun Run starts at Mindil Beach and follows a designated route out to East Point and back for the 12.7 kilometre course. The 4 kilometre course also starts at Mindil Beach with a designated route to the shoulder of East Point Road and back to Mindil Beach. Everyone is welcome to participate or if you would prefer, join the crowd and cheer all entrants across the finish line.

Please note - entry fee applies to participants only, spectators are free-of-charge.

Rummage through bric-a-brac at Alice Springs’ largest fete.

The largest annual fete in Alice Springs, the Old Timers Fete, is a fun filled day with 'on tap' entertainment, second hand book stall, craft stalls loaded with traditional 'fete' treasures, preserves and cakes (as only a mum can make them), food stalls, and oodles of bric-a-brac.

There's the old favourite 'Chocolate Wheel' with generous prizes to be won, Devonshire Teas to be shared with friends and generally a good time to be had by all.

The Old Timers Fete is the major fund-raising event of the year for the Old Timers Village.

An exhibition of tropical blooms at their finest.

Discover the Northern Territory’s Orchid Spectacular, celebrating 22 years in 2012, where you can view orchids, bromeliads, gingers, heliconias and many other beautiful plants. Soak up the relaxed tropical atmosphere, enjoy a Devonshire tea, and view demonstrations of flower arranging or learn how to pot and care for orchids and bromeliads. You will be able to purchase orchids and other plants from nurseries and clubs.

The Orchid Spectacular offers an orchid competition and a photographic competition, both are open to everyone and free to enter. The orchid competition has over 60 classes to be judged, including a floral art section and the photographic competition has six classes to be judged, including a postcard size category, ideal for the amateur enthusiast.

This annual formal black tie and bling event brings a magical touch of formality to the bush and is definitely a night not to be missed.

Held in a spectacular setting by the billabong in the park at Gemtree, you will dining under the ambience of lantern-lit tables and indulge in a three course camp oven dinner. Dance the night away under the stars with fabulous live music, with a cash bar available.

So why not get together with your family and friends and book a table, please make sure you book early as there are limited tickets available. Sales will open in September, with the booking deadline of the 15th October 2012.

There is free overnight camping in designated areas throughout the caravan park.

Join the fun, be entertained and grab a bargain.

Happening every Friday evening between May and October, the Palmerston and Rural Markets provide a great evening of family entertainment, exotic foods, jewellery, arts and craft, plants, local bands and buskers and much more. There are in excess of 160 stalls in a new and vibrant central business district setting, with plenty of space for festive activities. The markets are home of the Palmerston and Rural Markets Community and Schools Talent Competitions. Watch the children dance with the clowns to popular tunes and listen as the local disc jockey spins discs catering to all ages.

Come and roam the markets, experiencing the local flavour or marvel at the thousands of lorikeets in the trees at sunset.