Every year, NAIDOC Week brings communities across Australia together to recognise and celebrate the rich history, enduring culture, and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2026, the annual celebration is especially significant as it marks 50 years of National NAIDOC Week, making it the perfect time to learn more about Australia’s First Nations heritage and join in the many events taking place across Darwin.
As the capital of the Northern Territory and home to the Larrakia people, Darwin is one of the best places in the country to experience NAIDOC Week. Throughout the week, locals and visitors can enjoy public exhibitions, live performances, storytelling, workshops, film screenings and family-friendly activities that honour the oldest living cultures on Earth.
Whether you’re visiting Darwin for the first time or you’re a local looking to get involved, here’s everything you need to know about NAIDOC Week and the best events happening across the city.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Darwin? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration that recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The name NAIDOC comes from the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, an organisation that played a key role in establishing the annual celebration we know today.
Held every July, National NAIDOC Week encourages all Australians to learn more about Indigenous history, acknowledge the contributions of First Nations peoples, and celebrate the diversity of cultures that have shaped Australia for tens of thousands of years.
Each year also features a unique NAIDOC theme, highlighting important stories, values and aspirations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The week includes everything from community festivals and educational talks to art, music, dance, sporting events and the prestigious NAIDOC Awards Ceremony, which recognises outstanding Indigenous leaders from across the country.
The History of NAIDOC Week
The history of NAIDOC Week stretches back almost a century. In 1938, Aboriginal leaders organised the Day of Mourning in Sydney to protest the treatment of Aboriginal people and call for equal rights. This historic gathering became an important turning point in Australia’s journey towards recognition and reconciliation.
Following this movement, the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee was formed to organise an annual day of awareness, which later expanded into the week-long national celebration held today.
Now, 2026 marks 50 years of National NAIDOC Week, celebrating generations of resilience, leadership and cultural pride. Today, the week not only celebrates the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but also provides a time for all Australians to learn, connect and reflect on our shared future.
Why Celebrate NAIDOC Week in Darwin?
There are few better places to experience NAIDOC Week than Darwin.
Located on Larrakia Country, Darwin has a deep connection to Aboriginal history and remains a thriving hub for First Nations artists, performers, storytellers and community organisations. Throughout the year—and especially during NAIDOC Week—the city comes alive with cultural experiences that showcase both traditional and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal life.
Visitors can meet local artists, enjoy live performances, explore exhibitions, listen to storytelling from respected Elders, and discover the incredible cultural knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience and continuing legacy of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures while showing respect for the Traditional Owners of the Country you’re visiting.
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NAIDOC Week Events in Darwin (2026)
If you’re visiting during NAIDOC Week, there are plenty of fantastic events open to the public. Here are some of the highlights taking place around Darwin.
| Event | Date | Location | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5-12 July |
Brown’s Mart |
A week-long program of First Nations art, performances, workshops, films, comedy, interactive experiences and a special exhibition celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC posters. (See more below) |
|
|
7 July |
Ludmilla, NT |
A free, family-friendly rugby league carnival that brings the community together to celebrate NAIDOC Week with exciting matches, live entertainment, cultural performances, health and wellbeing activities, food stalls, and community services. |
|
|
11 July |
Darwin Convention Centre |
Celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week at a prestigious evening honouring outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, organisations and emerging leaders for their contributions to community, leadership, sport, education and the arts |
Brown’s Mart NAIDOC Week Events (5–12 July 2026)
Brown’s Mart will once again host one of Darwin’s largest NAIDOC Week celebrations, transforming the historic venue into a vibrant hub of First Nations arts, storytelling, culture and community connection.
Some highlights from this year:
- Constant Horizons: Science from our Ancestors, From the Dreaming to Beyond (Sunday, 5 July) – An immersive exhibition exploring Aboriginal science, knowledge systems and innovation through interactive displays, learning circles, Elder-led discussions and a special showcase of Leonardo da Vinci-inspired machines.
- Our Generation Film Screening (Sunday, 5 July) – Watch the award-winning documentaries Our Generation and Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land, followed by a Q&A session with filmmaker Sinem Saban.
- Uncle Richie Presents: Larrakia History (Monday, 6 July) – Discover the history of the Larrakia people through an engaging discussion led by Uncle Richie and historian Sam Wells.
- Uncle Richie Presents: Conversations with Larrakia Elders (Tuesday, 7 July) – Join local Elders and cultural leaders for insightful discussions on culture, history and community.
- Deadly Funny Workshop (Saturday, 11 July) – A free comedy workshop helping emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedians develop their skills ahead of the evening showcase.
- Historic NAIDOC Poster Exhibition (5–11 July) – Explore a fascinating exhibition showcasing decades of NAIDOC Week posters and the evolution of this important national celebration.
- NAIDOC Week Closing Celebration & After Party (Saturday, 11 July) – Join the community as Brown’s Mart wraps up the week with a festive celebration of culture, creativity and connection.
See all of this year’s program.
Tips for Enjoying NAIDOC Week in Darwin
To make the most of NAIDOC Week, consider arriving early for popular events, as some require bookings. Many activities are free, making it easy for everyone to get involved.
Most importantly, take the opportunity to listen, learn and engage respectfully. NAIDOC Week is about celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while acknowledging the history, resilience and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples. Supporting local Aboriginal businesses and artists is another wonderful way to experience Darwin during this special week.
First Nations Tours to Check Out
Here are a few of the top First Nations tours to check out to get acquainted with and experience First Nations culture.
See our complete list for more.
Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours
Kings Canyon, NT
1 hour
From $99The Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour, led by Christine Breaden and Peter Abbott, offers a unique glimpse into the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) culture.
Located in the Wanmarra community, 450 km southwest of Alice Springs and near Watarrka National Park, this one-hour tour includes a guided walk and talk. Visitors learn about traditional bush tucker, medicine, and the crafting of spears, boomerangs, music sticks, and native seed jewellery. The tour is suitable for all ages.
Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Katherine, NT 3 hours From $199Manuel Pamkal, a proud Aboriginal elder and cultural custodian, offers a three-hour immersive experience at Gorge View Bush Retreat near Katherine. Seated outdoors, you’ll be welcomed by the soulful sound of the didgeridoo before being taken on a journey through Manuel’s personal stories of growing up in the bush. Learn traditional skills like spear throwing and fire making, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich meanings behind Aboriginal art.
As part of the experience, you’ll also get hands-on by creating your own rarrk-style painting to take home, a unique and meaningful keepsake. Please note that food, drinks, artworks, and other souvenirs are not included in the tour price but can be purchased separately on-site. The retreat is located at 1635 Gorge Road, Gorge View Bush Retreat, just outside Katherine.
Muku Women’s Morning Tour
Berry Springs, NT 4.5 hours From $280Enjoy morning tea and meaningful conversation in Berry Springs with Northern Territory Indigenous Tours owner,Tess Atie, in a welcoming women and girls-only setting surrounded by the natural beauty of Berry Springs. This is a unique opportunity to learn about local Aboriginal culture, from traditional ways of life to contemporary challenges and paths forward, through open and respectful dialogue.
Learn about the sustainable way Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years, carefully managing the land and its resources. After the cultural exchange, relax and rejuvenate with a swim in the warm, mineral-rich spring water and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding monsoon forest.
Whether you’re exploring exhibitions, attending performances, learning from local Elders or simply taking part in community activities, NAIDOC Week offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the rich Aboriginal heritage of the Northern Territory.
With its strong connection to Country, vibrant arts scene and welcoming community, Darwin is one of the best destinations in Australia to celebrate First Nations culture. If you’re visiting during 6 July and the surrounding week in 2026, be sure to add these inspiring events to your itinerary and discover why NAIDOC Week continues to bring people together in the spirit of learning, respect and reconciliation.
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Darwin here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Darwin City daily fix by joining our FB group Darwin We 💙 Love You by Norther®
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
