Host a Business Event Like No Other in the Northern Territory
Authentic, awe-inspiring and full of character – we turn events into experiences your guests will always remember
Why Businesses & Event Planners Choose Katherine Outback Experience in the NT
Business events are evolving—and so are expectations Today’s delegates crave connection, meaning, and memorable moments that go beyond four walls. We deliver immersive, authentic experiences that engage, inspire, educate, and leave a lasting impact—without compromising your event’s business objectives.
Whether you’re recognising top performers, building team culture or adding a standout entertainment element, we’ll help you create an unforgettable experience that celebrates the spirit of the Australian outback and elevates your event to something truly extraordinary.
Unique Venue
Unforgettable Corporate Event Experiences
Flexible Options
What We Offer
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience for your guests, there truly is no better way to experience the real Australian outback than with the multiple award-winning Katherine Outback Experience.
We blend country warmth with professional delivery—creating events that connect, inspire and stay with your guests long after the last applause.
Versatile Event Spaces In Katherine
Our Katherine venue offers a mix of undercover and open-air spaces just 7 kilometres from the centre of town, perfect for everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
Entertainment That Leaves A Lasting Impression
Our immersive performances offer an unforgettable glimpse into life on the land in the Australian Outback and can be tailored to meet your objectives and time and space constraints.
Team-Building The Outback Way
This immersive live demonstration uses horse and working dog training to highlight the foundations of strong, harmonious teams. Through real-time interactions, we explore trust, body language, leadership, and the power of adapting to individual strengths.
Tailored Experiences, Seamless Delivery
Our experienced team works closely with organisers to deliver smooth, high-impact events. We can assist with itinerary planning, catering coordination, and entertainment programming, all tailored to your objectives.
Tom Curtain — Keynote Speaker
Tom Curtain is not your typical keynote speaker. He’s a humble horseman from the outback, a devoted family man, an entrepreneur who built something from nothing—and a nationally acclaimed, multiple Golden Guitar-winning singer
songwriter.
Celebrate Local Flavours
Your guests will enjoy high-quality Australian food infused with regional flavours. From gourmet barbecues to elegant plated meals, our catering partners create menus that showcase the best of the Territory, with options for all dietary requirements.
Case Studies
Real stories. Shared tables. Unforgettable moments.
An Evening At Katherine Outback Experience
Overview
Imagine arriving at a working outback property just as the sun dips behind the trees, casting golden light across the paddocks. Your guests are welcomed with sunset drinks and canapés in a relaxed setting, the scent of eucalyptus in the air and the distant sounds of livestock settling in for the evening. It’s a true Territory welcome—warm, authentic, and unlike anything they’ve experienced before.
As the sky deepens to dusk, the group moves into the undercover arena for a private one-hour Outback Show—a captivating, real time demonstration of horse training, working dogs, and station life. Guests watch as a young horse is started under saddle for the very first time, guided by subtle body language and a deep understanding of animal psychology. It’s a powerful display of trust, patience and communication—drawing clear parallels to leadership, relationships and teamwork.
Next, the audience meets some of the iconic characters of the outback, including Brahman cattle, buffalo, and cheeky donkeys, before moving into the next arena where a team of working dogs showcases their instinctive brilliance in mustering livestock. Each dog has its own personality and style, and guests are introduced to the philosophy behind working with individual strengths, not against them.
The show closes with a breathtaking display of liberty-trained horses performing in harmony with their handlers—proof of what can be achieved when a strong foundation of trust and consistency is laid.
From there, guests are invited to gather under the stars for a long-table dinner set in a relaxed, atmospheric space. Dinner is served share-plate style—just like meals on a cattle station— encouraging conversation, connection, and storytelling. It’s a nod to the timeless outback tradition of coming together over a good meal after a hard day’s work.
The menu celebrates the flavours of the Top End, crafted by local caterers who know the region and its produce. All dietary needs are thoughtfully catered for.
This is more than a dinner or a show—it’s a fully immersive outback experience that brings people together in a setting that is equal parts inspiring, grounding and unforgettable.
Highlights
- Authentic, interactive, national award-winning Outback Show with live animal demonstrations
- Sunset drinks and canapés on arrival
- Sharing-plate dinner under the stars
- Regionally inspired menu with dietary flexibility
- Unique storytelling and entertainment that encourages connection
Why it Works:
This experience is perfect for corporate groups seeking something meaningful and memorable. It’s a celebration of culture, character and country—designed to bring people closer, start conversations, and leave a lasting impression.
Team Building Exercise At Katherine
Overview
Set against the red dirt backdrop of a working outback property, this unique experience challenges the way teams think, interact, and lead—by observing and engaging in real-time animal training.
Your delegates will witness the first-time training of a young horse—unscripted, unrehearsed, and entirely authentic. As the trainer works with the horse, we unpack the psychology behind the process: how to read subtle body language, build trust without force, and adjust communication to suit different personalities.
Much like people, no two horses are the same. We don’t know the animal’s past, but through careful observation and calm leadership, we learn how to work with—not against—it. Using the principle of pressure and release, the horse is rewarded for positive choices, leaving the arena feeling confident and respected. It’s a powerful metaphor for how we engage with others in the workplace.
Next, we introduce the working dog team—each with distinct traits and drives. Some are assertive, others reserved. Some lead, some follow. Rather than force them into roles that don’t fit, we focus on understanding what makes each dog tick and placing them where they can thrive.
Throughout the session, participants are encouraged to reflect on their own leadership styles, team dynamics, and the value of adaptability, empathy and mutual respect.
This isn’t just a demonstration—it’s a deeply human experience, delivered in a way that’s raw, relatable, and rooted in the wisdom of the land.
Highlights
- Live, unscripted horse training session demonstrating trust, leadership, and communication
- Insight into team dynamics through the training of working dogs
- Practical, real-time metaphors for workplace relationships and people management
- Facilitated discussion opportunities for further reflection and application
- Memorable, grounded learning in an authentic outback setting
Why it Works:
This experience strips back the layers of theory and delivers a clear, visual reminder of what effective leadership really looks like. By observing how trainers work with animals—each with their own backstory and behavioural cues—delegates gain deeper insight into how to lead, support and bring out the best in others. It’s a transformative experience that resonates long after the event is over.
Bringing The Outback to The City – Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Overview
Picture a manicured lawn overlooking the ocean, palm trees swaying, and the sun setting over the Arafura Sea. Suddenly, the unmistakable sounds of the outback rolls in — and the crowd turns to witness something truly unexpected.
In this powerful Outback Experience, we bring the essence of the bush to your event—complete with working dogs, horses, music, and heart. Hosted on the lawns of Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach Casino Resort, this tailored performance delivers a high-energy showcase designed to entertain, engage, and impress.
The show kicks off with a working dog demonstration, where crowd participation is encouraged—guests may even assist in directing a young dog through its training session. It’s interactive, humorous, and filled with teachable moments. From there, we move into a horse training demonstration where we share insights into how we build trust and connection through body language, patience and calm leadership.
Audiences are introduced to liberty-trained horses, performing without any form of physical constraint—including the standout moment where Tom Curtain rides a horse without a bridle. The experience builds to an unforgettable finale: Tom standing atop his horse, guitar in hand, singing one of his original songs as the crowd watches in awe.
Woven throughout the performance is the deeper message of kindness, resilience, and rural connection, including our proud support of Dolly’s Dream, a charity focused on bullying prevention and mental health awareness in the bush.
This isn’t just entertainment—it’s a WOW moment that surprises and delights, and leaves guests talking long after the final note.
Highlights
- Portable 20-minute to 1-hour Outback Show tailored for event venues
- Interactive elements, including crowd participation in dog training
- Horse and dog demonstrations showcasing skill, trust, and humour
- Underlying themes of resilience, connection, and community support via Dolly’s Dream
- Capacity: No limit
Why it Works:
Perfect for gala dinners, networking events or corporate functions, this experience injects the raw beauty of the outback into a city setting—without losing authenticity. It’s fast-paced, inspiring, and visually spectacular. Whether your guests are local or international, they’ll walk away entertained, moved, and with a genuine connection to the Territory.
Testimonials
Customers Experience
“With sunscreen on our noses and chilled bottles in our hands, the delegation congregated in the hotel lobby for a transfer to the Darwin Convention Centre.
Now, we were a little late for its 10th birthday celebration which took place in June… but the world-class venue didn’t hold it against us, pulling out all the stops for a harbour-side breakfast on the 200-pax Frangipani Plaza. With tums full of fritters we wandered inside for a quick business session, where the CEO of the department of tourism and culture Andrew Hopper enlightened us about the five-star Westin hotel opening by the centre in 2021, and Golden Guitar winning singer-songwriter Tom Curtain delivered a mesmerising keynote.
With an Akubra on his head and guitar in his arms, Tom relayed his inspirational path towards developing the Katherine Outback Experience: a bona fide NT attraction equipped with humorous bush yarns, saddle-back musical performances and a host of animal-centric team-building options. I don’t like to play favourites, but of all the local suppliers, Tom and his wife Annabel were definitely the most engaging, with innumerable delegates indicating their intention to bring the team up north for their own events”
- Laura Bradley
“We’ve had the pleasure of hosting Tom Curtain and Katherine Outback Experience multiple times on the lawns of Mindil Beach Casino Resort, and each event has been nothing short of exceptional. From the very first conversation, the team at KOE was professional, organised, and a dream to work with. Communication in the lead-up to each event was clear, timely, and collaborative—making the planning process smooth and enjoyable.
Tom’s performances are always a standout. His natural connection with the crowd, the authentic storytelling, and the energy he brings to the stage consistently receive glowing feedback from attendees. Guests have described the shows as “unforgettable,” “uniquely Territorian,” and “a highlight of the Darwin events calendar.”
Katherine Outback Experience not only met but exceeded every expectation. Their ability to engage a diverse audience, deliver a high-quality production, and work so seamlessly with our venue, makes them a preferred partner for future events. We can’t recommend them highly enough.”
- Felicity Lolias
“Katherine Outback Experience delivered one of the most memorable moments of the YPO retreat. In just 45 minutes, Tom and the team created something raw, real and truly engaging. Guests were completely absorbed — laughing one minute, tearing up the next.
The spontaneous $25,000 raised for Dolly’s Dream says everything about the emotional impact of their performance. It wasn’t planned, but it was deeply felt, and became one of the most talked-about moments of the whole retreat.
Professional, easy to work with and full of heart — I’d bring them in again in a heartbeat.”
- Emma Cameron
“Melbourne Football Club had the most remarkable time at Katherine Outback Experience.
Not only everything was perfect, but we felt, in every instance that Annabel & Tom truly cared about us!
They did the best to make this trip memorable. For our welltravelled sponsors this definitely has become the most fun, eye-opening & memorable adventure.
The show was beyond our expectations all customised just for our group. The planning details were perfect and the lunch was absolutely superb & delicious.
There is nothing we would have changed. No one should miss Katherine Outback Experience. Just an outstanding experience Melbourne Football Club will always remember!”
- Event Organiser
‘Thank you so much for creating a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for our guests in Darwin in October.
I am not sure if I mentioned that our organisation send a questionnaire after all of their events to rate the event and get feedback on all aspects of it.
A rating of 4.5 out of 5 is excellent and our event rated 4.9 which is unprecedented!
This rating is in no small part due to your show blowing them out of the water! Thank you for accommodating our guests in a fabulous location with a show that is truly one of a kind and which was able to bring the outback to life for them.
- Event Organiser
Related Blogs
Event Stories
Plan Your Next Business Event with Katherine Outback Experience
Our team is ready to help you deliver something unforgettable. Whether you’re starting with a clear brief or a blank page, we’ll shape an experience that reflects your goals and celebrates the Territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Katherine Outback Experience from town and the airport?
Do you have a minimum group size?
Can you suggest ideas for our business event?
Absolutely. Whether you’ve got a clear brief or you’re starting with a blank page, we’ll help shape an unforgettable Territory-style experience for your team or delegates. Get inspired by reading about some of our past business events here.
Can you partner with other local experiences?
We often do. From Nitmilik gorge cruises to Indigenous-led cultural activities, we’re happy to connect you with trusted local operators and help plan a full itinerary
Why are you only open from April to October?
That’s the dry season in the Top End — perfect for outdoor shows and events. But if you’re planning something outside those months, talk to us. We may have options.
Can you bring the show to our location?
Yes! We regularly take the show on the road across Australia. We’ll work with you to make sure the setup suits your venue and audience.
Do you offer keynote speaking or team-building sessions?
Yes. Tom Curtain regularly presents on resilience, leadership and life in the bush — and we offer unique team-building sessions using horses and working dogs.
Can the show be tailored to our corporate group?
Definitely. Every event is customised — whether you’re planning a business event, an incentive reward, or something in between.
