Australia Day Ute Run 2026

25th Annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run

Proudly raising funds for Variety – the Children’s Charity NT

What are you doing for Australia Day?
Get ready for one of the Territory’s most loved traditions — the Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run is back in 2026!

Join an epic parade of utes, flags and fun-loving legends as we cruise from Hidden Valley Raceway to the ultimate Australia Day party at Noonamah Tavern & Rodeo.

This iconic event is proudly supported by Hot 100, with all proceeds helping Variety – the Children’s Charity NT support local children who are facing sickness, disadvantage or living with disability.

Registration & Merchandise

Ute Registration – $30 per ute
Includes up to 5 people per ute
All proceeds support Variety NT kids

Merchandise Bundle – $60
Includes:

• Event singlet

• Stubby cooler

• Sticker pack
  (Bundle includes General Ute Admission)

Tickets and merchandise are non-refundable but can be transferred to another ute or participant if required.

👉 Register by 15 January to go in the draw to win one of 5 exclusive starting grid spots at Hidden Valley!

Event Timeline

6:00am – Hidden Valley TOP Gates Open to allow vehicles to go to the next gate
7:00am – Australia Day Official Gate open, access to the sheds, food and drinks.
Please follow directions from Parking Marshals

9.00am - Welcome, winners are announced and Police safety briefing

9:30am – Official Flag Off from Hidden Valley
• Parade through Darwin Northern Suburbs, Palmerston and rural areas

10:30am – Arrive at Noonamah Tavern

🎉 OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY
Live music, prize announcements, food, drinks and a bloody great day out with your mates

The Top 100 Experience

First utes through the gate will join our Sponsors and Variety Bash cars to make up the 100 spots on the starting grid.

• Line up on the official starting grid at Hidden Valley

• Join Hot 100, Sponsors and Variety Bash cars

• Enjoy green lights all the way in the police-escorted convoy to Noonamah Tavern

Decorate your ute, dress up, wave to the crowds and be part of a truly Territory-style celebration.

About This Rippa Event

The Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run is a street parade that entertains thousands of spectators as it winds through Darwin’s Northern Suburbs, Palmerston and rural areas, finishing with a big community celebration at Noonamah.

Everyone is encouraged to:

• Go all out with decorations

• Dress up your ute and yourself

• Join in the fun and community spirit

🏆 Prizes awarded for:

• Best Themed Ute

• Best Individual Costume

(Flags available from National Flags – 0418 835 644)

Food, Music & After Party

Food and drinks available for purchase at:

• Hidden Valley Raceway

• Noonamah Tavern
  (No BYO alcohol)

At Noonamah Tavern:

• Live music

• Prize presentations

• Lunch, cold drinks and great vibes

• Check out all the incredible utes on display

• Pie eating Comp
  

Important Reminders

• Utes must be roadworthy and registered

• Please arrange a Sober Bob or plan to camp at Noonamah

• Let’s keep this a safe, inclusive and family-friendly event

❤️ Supporting NT Kids

If you’d like to make an additional donation to Variety – the Children’s Charity NT, or have any questions about the event: please call our office on 08 8981 2544 or email events@varietynt.org.au and make sure to follow the event on our Facebook page.

Thanks for supporting this long running event and local charity Variety NT