Tourism NT recently hosted seven Australian and New Zealand advisors on its inaugural Aboriginal Tourism Product Awareness Program (ATPAP) famil in the Top End from 3–9 June 2025.
The four Aussie agents and three Kiwi advisors earned their famil spot through active participation in the ATPAP webinar series to gain a firsthand knowledge of Aboriginal tourism products in the NT.
New Zealand’s Katherine Johnson (Infinity Holidays), Tania O’Reilly (Travel Associates Wellington) and Maria Whitehead (Harbour City Travel Wellington) joined Aussies Tracey Williams (Helloworld Taree), Hariklia ‘Lia’ Nadiotis (Andy’s World Travel), David Beneke (RAA Travel Adelaide) and Rommel Laguiadao (Pan Pacific Travel Sydney) on the seven-day trip hosted by Tourism NT.
All the Darwin to Top End deets
The ATPAP famil kicked off in Darwin with the Aboriginal-owned Sea Darwin Sea Tiwi’s Fish ’n’ Chips Sunset Cruise followed by an immersive Litchfield National Park experience with Northern Territory Indigenous Tours’ Tess Atie the next day.
On day three, the group journeyed into Kakadu National Park, led by Offroad Dreaming’s Neville Beeby, who expertly guided the group for the next three days.
Varied highlights included a Corroboree Billabong Cruise on the Mary River Wetlands, a sunset walk around Ubirr Rock and a Yellow Water Cruise at Cooinda Lodge.
The group also ventured into Arnhem Land for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Injalak Hill with Kakadu Cultural Tours, traversing the famous crocodile-laden Cahill Crossing and visiting the remote Aboriginal community of Gunbalanya.
The final morning in Kakadu included a guided walk around the ancient rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) before boarding a Kakadu Air charter flight to Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, a remote eco-lodge in West Arnhem Land.
The famil concluded with a final night in Darwin and the opportunity to wander the Mindil Beach Markets and share a classic NT sunset.
Connection to Country
Tourism NT’s Miriam Schreiner said: “This was not just a famil – it was a journey that connected the participants to country, culture and each other.”
“The group quickly formed a tight-knit ‘mob’, sharing countless laughs, powerful learning moments and a genuine curiosity about Aboriginal tourism products and the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Territory.
“We could not have asked for a more enthusiastic, engaged and open-minded group of agents.”
For more info, visit northernterritory.com
