A new Northern Territory travel push is handing some Australians a $500 accommodation voucher for a Red Centre road trip, but only a limited number are available and applicants will need to move quickly.
Australians planning a self-drive holiday to central Australia are being offered a $500 voucher under a new government-backed initiative aimed at boosting regional tourism in the Northern Territory. The offer is for interstate visitors heading to the Red Centre, with the money able to be put towards accommodation during a driving trip through the region.
Only 600 vouchers are available, and they will be allocated on a “first come, first served basis”. Travellers must register by September 30, and successful applicants will be notified by October 5.
The vouchers can be used online for bookings at caravan parks, campgrounds, wayside inns and roadhouses in locations including Alice Springs, Yulara near Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon and Tennant Creek. They can also be redeemed through a range of visitor information centres across the region.
Although the vouchers need to be used by January 20, bookings made with them can be for travel through to June 30 next year.
The campaign is being run jointly by Tourism Central Australia and the federal government as part of an effort to encourage Australians to holiday more within the country.
“The Albanese government is backing regional tourism because we know it delivers real economic benefits, helping local operators grow, creating local jobs and showcasing the very best of Australia,” Don Farrell, the minister for trade and tourism, said.
“Every visitor who stays a little longer, explores a little further, and spends a little more helps strengthen central Australia’s tourism industry and the communities that rely on it.”
Assistant Tourism Minister Nita Green said the vouchers will “encourage more Australians to take the road less travelled”, while also supporting regional communities.
Travellers considering a trip during the warmer months should keep in mind that the Northern Territory’s storm season runs from November to April, meaning conditions can swing between hot sunshine and heavy rain.
