Two Northern Territory tourism drawcards are set to benefit from significant media exposure this week.

Journalists from media outlets including Vogue Living, news.com.au, Escape SA Weekend and the West Australian will join five social media influencers for the trip of a lifetime when they take the Ghan from Darwin to Alice Springs to attend the 2021 Parrtjima Festival.

The Ghan has been transformed into a spectacular piece of moving art with the help of Aboriginal Central Desert artist Chantelle Mulladad’s stunning design project Crossroads.

In partnership with Tourism NT, NT Major Events Company, Journey Beyond and AGB Events, the magnificent Crossroads design will wrap around three carriages on the world famous train.

Mulladad’s work is precise and detailed, using pattern, colour shape and structure to create paintings depicting her sense of country, culture and self.

To complement the external wrap, an immersive light installation will come to life and provide an engaging visual display.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light will run from 9 to 18 April in Alice Springs.

The 2021 Ranges Show at Parrtjima will be an inspiring and enriching experience called ‘Spirit Kultcha’ – which for the first time is a collaboration with renowned Aboriginal electronic music duo ‘Electric Fields’.

For more information on the program visit https://www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/

Quotes from Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles:

“Chantelle Mulladad’s masterful artwork will boost the Ghan’s reputation as a world class tourism attraction in the Northern Territory.

“This project has successfully integrated the essence of Parrtjima into one of our unique holiday experiences, delivering on the Northern Territory’s promise of being different.

“Parrtjima continues to attract thousands of interstate visitors to the Territory five years on from the inaugural festival.”

 Quotes from AGB Events CEO Anthony Bastic:

“We are always looking for new ways to expand the reach of the annual Parrtjima program. This year we are really excited to work with Tourism NT and the Ghan to provide a ‘taste of Parrtjima’ installation on the train.

“This is a new initiative and particularly significant given the Ghan’s importance to Central Australia. There’s also a great synergy with the artwork Crossroads by Chantelle Mulladad which we’ve utilised in this installation and also the Merging Kultcha installation at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

“In developing creative concepts like this it reminds us of the importance in connecting people. On this occasion, by involving the Ghan with Parrtjima, we’re highlighting pathways and moving forward which ties in with the ‘Future Kultcha’ theme for Parrtjima 2021. The Ghan connects people and Parrtjima connects people through light.”

Quotes from Journey Beyond Chief Commercial Officer Peter Egglestone:

“Travelling on The Ghan provides a true appreciation for the breadth and diversity of the Northern Territory and allows travellers to learn and immerse themselves in the culture and stories of the regions we travel through.

“We take great pride in supporting local communities and curating unique experiences, and without hesitation, we were thrilled at the opportunity to support Parrtjima and collaborate for the event. We're excited to be involved and look forward to sharing this experience with our guests.”