When a group of high-profile business leaders from the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) came to the Northern Territory for a private retreat, they weren’t after your standard corporate itinerary. They were looking for something different — something real. The kind of experience you can’t find in a boardroom or brochure.
The group, made up of around 60–70 members and their partners, were hosted over several days by Emma Cameron from Eventique, a Perth-based event planner known for creating immersive experiences. One of the standout moments of the retreat was an outback-themed evening brought to life at Barramundi Adventures — and Katherine Outback Experience was proud to be part of it.
Who it was for
The Young Presidents’ Organisation is a global community of young chief executives, aged under 45, who come together to share ideas, grow personally and professionally, and connect with like-minded leaders. This group travelled from across Australia for a Territory-style retreat filled with authentic local flavour, adventure and connection.
Why it was created
The brief was to get people out of the usual setting and into something completely different. This wasn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake — it was about curated experiences, storytelling, and seeing a side of the Northern Territory many had never encountered.
Emma from Eventique pulled together a lineup of local operators and creatives to make that vision a reality — and every detail was considered.
What was created
The event took place at Barramundi Adventures in Berry Springs, about 45 minutes from Darwin. Guests arrived by coach (with Grand Touring) and were welcomed with Humpty Doo jerky for bus snacks. Everyone leaned into the theme, dressing in outback gear for a night of hands-on Territory culture.
The setting came alive with:
- Theming by All About Party Hire, which transformed the space into an immersive outback venue
- A custom NT menu from The Shredded Chef via James Hospitality Group
- Wildlife experiences with Top End Critters (snakes, baby crocodiles)
- Interactive stations like barramundi fishing, spear throwing, and golf tee-offs into a boat
Katherine Outback Experience delivered a 45-minute Outback Show that blended working dogs, horses, music and stories. Chris Matthews opened the show, setting the tone, and Tom Curtain closed it with original music and Aussie favourites.
The most moving moment of the evening came when guests spontaneously passed around a hat after hearing about Dolly’s Dream. Without any prompting, they raised $25,000 — a heartfelt gesture that no one saw coming.
Who we worked with
The event was the result of collaboration between a brilliant mix of Territory operators:
- Eventique (Emma Seymour) – Event design and management
- Grand Touring – Transport
- Humpty Doo Jerky – Bus snacks
- All About Party Hire – Theming and atmosphere
- The Shredded Chef / James Hospitality Group – Catering
- Top End Critters – Wildlife experience
- Pink Tank Creative – Photography
- Chris Matthews & Tom Curtain – Music & performance
- Dolly’s Dream Foundation – Charity partner (unplanned, but deeply felt)
What made it special
This wasn’t just a themed dinner — it was a fully immersive experience, grounded in the Territory and brought to life by people who live and breathe it.
Many of the collaborators had never worked together before, and yet the event felt cohesive, polished and real. Guests danced, laughed, learned, and got hands-on with NT culture — all in a setting that felt curated without being commercial.
The attention to detail — from eco mozzie repellent care packs to a fully themed space — gave the evening depth. It was more than a night out. It was a moment that will be remembered.
What Katherine Outback Experience brought to the table
For our part, Katherine Outback Experience was honoured to bring the spirit of the Territory to life through our signature outback show. In front of an audience seeing the Top End in a new way, we were able to share our story — with horses, dogs, music and a whole lot of heart.
The ripple effects
- Several guests booked return holidays to the NT with their families
- Discussions have begun about taking the Katherine Outback Experience show to Western Australia
- The incredible donation to Dolly’s Dream will fund real impact in schools
- And the night strengthened connections between local operators who are now exploring ways to work together again
A moment that showed what’s possible
This event was more than a one-off — it was a glimpse of what’s possible when people come together with care, creativity and a shared respect for place.
It showcased the power of the Northern Territory as a setting for meaningful connection — not just between business leaders, but between guests and locals, culture and country, story and experience.
For everyone involved — from the guests to the operators — it was a night that reminded us why we do what we do. Not just to entertain, but to create moments that stay with people long after the dust settles.
