4 July - 3 August 2026
Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival 2026
Darwin Cup
Darwin Cup 2
Courtyard Darwin
Darwin Cup 3
Darwin Cup 4
Step into the colour, style and electric atmosphere of the Top End’s biggest social and racing event — the 2026 Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival.
Each year, thousands of racegoers descend on Darwin for a vibrant celebration of thoroughbred racing, fashion, entertainment and premium hospitality. Spanning three unforgettable weeks, the Carnival blends iconic race days with standout social events, from glamorous luncheons to the renowned Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball.
Attend the Carnival with our Official Travel Packages, including General Admission tickets and handpicked hotel accommodation — making it effortless to be part of the action. With key race days and events selling quickly each year, early planning is highly recommended.
From the energy of Ladies’ Day to the spectacle of Darwin Cup Day, every moment delivers something different — whether you’re trackside with friends, dressing to impress, or soaking up the best of Darwin’s winter racing season.
Additional nights of accommodation are available—please speak with our reservations team.
2026 Carnival Dates & Key Events
  • Day 1 DCOH Darwin Guineas Day, Saturday 4 July 2026
  • Day 2 Rydges Palmerston Ladies’ Day, Wednesday 8 July 2026
  • Day 3 AUFS Chief Minister’s Cup Day, Saturday 11 July 2026
  • Day 4 Ladbrokes NT Derby Day, Saturday 18 July 2026
  • Day 5 TAB Metric Mile Day, Saturday 25 July 2026
  • Day 6 Dabble Corporate Race Day, Wednesday 29 July 2026
  • Ladbrokes Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon, Thursday 30 July 2026
  • Day 7 bet365 Palmerston Sprint Day, Saturday 1 August 2026
  • Sportsbet Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball, Saturday 1 August 2026
  • Ladbrokes Darwin Cup Calcutta, Sunday 2 August 2026
  • Day 8 Great Northern Darwin Cup Day, Monday 3 August 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Darwin ★★★★
$613per person twin share
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Great Northern Darwin Cup Day Experience
Darwin Cup Day is more than a race — it’s the Top End’s biggest party. Expect fashion, live entertainment, and an electric trackside atmosphere from first race to final cheer.
Package Inclusions:
  • 2 x nights accommodation at Courtyard by Marriott Darwin
  • 1 x General Admission ticket* per person, featuring:
    • Access to all general admission areas, including the betting ring and ground floor of The Grandstand
Courtyard by Marriott Darwin ★★★★
$856per person twin share
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Club Lawn Experience
Elevate your Darwin Cup experience with a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Darwin and exclusive access to The Club Lawns—offering a premium way to enjoy the carnival. With a dedicated hospitality area and prime positioning, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of comfort, style and race day energy.
Package Inclusions:
  • 2 x nights accommodation at Courtyard by Marriott Darwin
  • 1 x The Club Lawns Ticket to Great Northern Darwin Cup Day per person
    • Gate Entry 
    • Access to The Club Lawns along the Home Straight 
    • Reserved Seating at a table of 6
    • Souvenir Stubby Cooler
    • 4 x Drink Vouchers per person*
    • 1 x Food Item per person** 
*Selected beer and wine redeemable at the bar.
**Food Item TBA
Darwin Cup Carnival Packages
$499per person twin share
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Looking beyond Cup Day?
Cup Day is just the beginning. The Darwin Cup Carnival spans three weeks of racing, fashion and standout social events. From Ladies’ Day to Derby Day and everything in between, enquire now to discover travel packages across the full Carnival lineup.
Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival 2026