Variety NT

Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run

Hidden Valley, Northern Territory, Australia
26 Jan 2027 | 07:00-2:30pm
What are you doing for Australia Day?
The iconic 25th annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run is back in 2026, and we are revving up for an awesome display of utes, flags, dogs and fun-lovin’ characters as we wind our way from Hidden Valley Raceway to the awesome party spot – Noonamah Tavern & Rodeo!

REGO’S NOW OPEN – Get your online entry before 15th January to be in the draw for one of 5 spots in the convoy!!! Winners will be notified and issued with their very own pass to start on the grid!

First utes through the gates will join our sponsors and Bash cars on the starting grid to make up the “First 100” police lead, green light all the way to Noony, convoy.

ABOUT THIS RIPPA EVENT:

The annual Australia Day Ute Run is a street parade that entertains spectators as it winds its way through Darwin, culminating in a community celebration. We encourage all to go overboard and deck out your ute, yourselves, your dogs and join in.

We encourage all to go overboard and deck out your ute, yourselves, your dogs and join in.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at Hidden Valley Raceway and Noonamah Tavern. Darwin Rotary will fire up the BBQ for your breaky and we’ll have a coffee van to get you buzzing. Make sure to grab some food and drinks, merch and raffle tickets!

What is Australia Day without a good ol’ raffle, come and get your tickets to go in to win rad prizes. Cash or card will do the trick.

Great prizes up for grabs for Best Themed Utes and Best Dressed bloke/sheila/boy/girl/dog. Dress yourself, your ute and your dog up to win! (National Flags – 0418 835 644)

Sign up to have a crack at the PIE EATING COMPETITION, grab some icy cold drinks and enjoy awesome live music by Coffin Fitz and take a look at all the amazing utes on display!
We encourage you all to decorate your utes in celebration but make sure your beast is fully road worthy condition and registered (or complete the special event R07 exemption form from MVR). Don’t drink and drive, make sure you arrange a Sober Bob, or take advantage of the free camping at the Noonamah Tavern. Please no BYO drinks at Noonamah Tavern, let’s support our awesome local businesses.

IT’S NOT JUST FOR UTES!
We have been able to gain permits for those who have utes or other vehicles that are not normally able to be registered. Utes, muscle cars, corporates, you name it!

Look the part with a ute run singlet, stubby cooler and sticker pack.

How does it work?

egister your vehicle, decorate it with plenty of Australia Day spirit, then join hundreds of colourful vehicles for an unforgettable convoy through Darwin—all while helping raise funds for Territory kids in need.

Register

Secure your place in the convoy by registering your vehicle online. Your registration includes entry for your ute and helps support Variety – the Children's Charity NT.

Raise Funds (optional)

Take your impact even further by creating your own fundraising page. Every dollar you raise helps Variety provide practical support to Territory kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.

Join the Convoy

Arrive at Hidden Valley Raceway, soak up the atmosphere and roll out with hundreds of decorated vehicles before finishing at the official after party at Noonamah Tavern & Rodeo.

The difference you will make

Variety – the Children’s Charity supports kids and families who are facing many challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with a disability.

Our work allows kids to gain mobility, to get out and about in the community, to communicate, achieve independence and increase their self-esteem. We make sure the kids who miss out, can always join in.

What does it cost?

Joining the Ute Run is simple and affordable. Your registration helps support Variety – the Children's Charity NT while giving you a fun-filled Australia Day alongside hundreds of decorated vehicles and thousands of spectators.

Your registration includes entry into the Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run convoy from Hidden Valley Raceway to Noonamah Tavern & Rodeo. Every registration helps support Variety – the Children's Charity NT.

Upgrade your registration to include a Ute Run singlet, stubby cooler and event sticker so you can look the part on Australia Day.

While there is no minimum fundraising requirement, participants are encouraged to raise additional funds for Variety – the Children's Charity NT to help Territory kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.

Remember to run all fundraisers past us by calling or emailing through your details.  Check out the current FUNdraisers

Event Timeline

Get ready for one of the Territory's biggest Australia Day celebrations!

“First 100”: utes only to accompany sponsors and Bash cars onto the Hidden Valley starting grid – first in best dressed. Please follow the Parking Marshalls Directions

Ute Award winners announced (Best Ute, Hottest Ute, Best Chicks Ute, Most Feral Ute)

Parade through the main roads of the northern suburbs, Palmerston and rural area

OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY with live bands, competition winners, thong throwing comps, awesome food and icy cold drinks.

What to Expect on the day

Expect live entertainment, great food, competitions, prizes and plenty of Aussie spirit—all while helping Variety support local kids in need.

Get ready for an unforgettable Australia Day! Arrive at Hidden Valley Raceway, soak up the atmosphere as hundreds of decorated vehicles gather, then join the iconic convoy through Darwin before celebrating at the official after party at Noonamah Tavern & Rodeo. With live entertainment, great food, competitions and plenty of Aussie spirit, it's a day you'll be talking about long after the convoy ends.

This is your chance to show off your Australia Day spirit! Decorate your ute with flags, costumes and creative displays, and don't forget to dress yourself, your passengers and even your furry friends. The more fun and colourful your setup, the better your chances of taking home one of the event prizes.

There's plenty to get involved in throughout the day! Show off your creativity for a chance to win awards for the best decorated utes, themed costumes and more. From fun competitions to crowd favourites, there's something for everyone—so bring your Aussie spirit and join in the celebrations.

Help us make the Australia Day Ute Run safe and enjoyable for everyone. Ensure your vehicle is registered and roadworthy, follow all event and traffic directions, and arrange a safe way home if you're planning to celebrate at the after party. Police may conduct random breath testing and vehicle checks throughout the day, so please drive responsibly and look out for your fellow participants.

Key Sponsors

Join as a Corporate Sponsor! Help us make this an incredible event for these fundraising teams. We are looking for Companies to support the event, be in goods in kind, monetary, support crew, you name it we’ll take it. Every bit counts. Talk to us about joining as a Variety NT Sponsor!
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