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GO SLOW event management acknowledge the Larrakia people as the Traditional Owners of all land and waters of Mindil Beach Darwin on which this event is to be held. We recognise their cultural authority, their connection to country, their consultation and partcipation in the Go Slow event.© Campaign Edge Sprout
SAME BEACH. SAME SPIRIT. JUST DONE DIFFERENTLY.
TICKETS GO ON SALE 5 JUNE
Darwin’s most relaxed race day returns to the sand.
Inspired by Mindil Beach’s historic 1918 beach races, Go Slow is a one-of-a-kind dry season experience blending horses, humour, sunset, food, music and Territory personality.
Forget everything you think you know about racing.
This is racing — slowed down.
Saturday 8 August 2026Mindil Beach | 11:30am – 8:00pm
Inspired by Mindil Beach’s historic 1918 beach races, Go Slow is a one-of-a-kind dry season experience blending horses, humour, sunset, food, music and Territory personality.
Forget everything you think you know about racing.
This is racing — slowed down.
Saturday 8 August 2026Mindil Beach | 11:30am – 8:00pm
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Darwin’s most delightfully un-serious race day.
In 1918, locals flocked to the beach for what newspapers called “a most enjoyable and novel entertainment” , complete with slow races, moonlight concerts and community spirit.
Now, that spirit returns.
The Go Slow Mindil Beach Picnic Races reimagines this unique Territory tradition with a modern twist.
Expect:✔ Beach racing✔ Retired racehorses & ponies with personality✔ Live entertainment✔ Food trucks & picnic packs✔ Sunset drinks✔ Territory humour✔ Good vibes over competition
This isn’t about speed. It’s about slowing down.
Now, that spirit returns.
The Go Slow Mindil Beach Picnic Races reimagines this unique Territory tradition with a modern twist.
Expect:✔ Beach racing✔ Retired racehorses & ponies with personality✔ Live entertainment✔ Food trucks & picnic packs✔ Sunset drinks✔ Territory humour✔ Good vibes over competition
This isn’t about speed. It’s about slowing down.
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No pressure. No pretence. No whips.
Go Slow is built differently.
We celebrate:
Equine welfare first
No whips. No prize money. No pressure.
Personality over performance
Some horses are retired. Some are cheeky. Some are mostly here
for snacks.
Community over competition
This is a social day out made for Darwin.
Whether you're here for the horses, the sunset, the picnic or simply an excuse to gather with friends - Go Slow is about having fun.
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Six beach races. One unforgettable Darwin day.
THE RACES
One race every hour from 12pm–5pm, inspired by Darwin’s historic beach racing tradition.
Expect:
Quirky horse personalities - Unpredictable outcomes - Plenty of laughs - Crowd favourites - No one really knows what’s going to happen.
That’s half the fun.
FOOD & DRINK
Food trucks, VIP bars and pre-ordered picnic packs.
Gather your crew, claim your patch of sand and settle in for the day.
ENTERTAINMENT
Music, beach vibes and dry season atmosphere all day long.
Stay for the sunset Dj set with the Potbelleez.
VIP EXPERIENCE (18+)
Take your day up a notch.
Premium viewing, relaxed hospitality and the best seat in the sand.
Because Darwin deserves a race day that feels like Darwin.
A little bit historic.
A little bit cheeky.
A little bit chaotic.
Completely Territory.
Set between the Darwin Cup and opening weekend of Darwin Festival, Go Slow brings together community, culture and good old-fashioned fun in one of Australia’s most iconic beach settings.
No heels sinking in turf.
No racing knowledge required.
Just bring your mates.
GO SLOW MINDIL BEACH PICNIC RACES
Mindil Beach, Darwin
Saturday 8 August 2026
11:30am – 8:00pm
VIP Packages (18+)
Licensed GA (18 +)
Children under 12 FREE in General Admission
Food trucks | Picnic packs | Sunset | Horses | Music
Join us on the sand for one of the most uniquely Territory experiences of the dry season.
Follow the chaos.
Instagram / Facebook: @GoSlowMindilBeachRacesTO
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Includes a 3 hour premium drinks package and catering by Fire and Forage
SEAFOOD PACKAGE
Individual Grazing Picnic Box
Freshly Barnda Bay Shucked Oysters
Premium oysters served chilled with finger lime pearls and green ant mignonette, delivering bright citrus notes and a distinctly Northern Australian flavour.
Skull Island Tiger Prawns
Locally sourced tiger prawns accompanied by bush tomato cocktail sauce and native herb dressing.
Coconut-Cured locally sourced Spanish Mackerel
Lightly cured Spanish mackerel infused with coconut and native aromatics, served on a parmesan crisp with finger lime and native basil.
Paperbark Smoked Barramundi Rillette
Humpty Doo barramundi gently smoked in paperbark, folded through crème fraîche and fresh herbs, served with crisp saltbush lavosh.
Hero Dish
Butter-Poached Lobster Roll
Succulent lobster gently poached in butter and served in a toasted milk bun with Kakadu Plum Aioli, native slaw and fresh herbs.
Dessert
Davidson Plum/Rosella Cheesecake
Creamy cheesecake layered with tart Davidson plum compote.
Wattleseed Caramel Tart
Rich caramel infused with roasted wattleseed in a buttery pastry shell.
VIP includes: Fire and Forage Signature Live Fire Experience
Paperbark Barramundi
Whole barramundi wrapped in traditional paperbark and slowly cooked over ironbark coals. Finished with charred lemon, native herb oil and fresh coastal succulents.
Fire-Grilled Skull Island Banana Prawns
Locally sourced banana prawns cooked over open flame and glazed with bush tomato and native honey.
Half Shell Baked Scallops
With warrigal green pesto, coastal rosemary and saltbush butter.
The ultimate Go Slow experience, combining premium hospitality, race-day entertainment and beachfront comfort.
Includes
Event entry.
Exclusive VIP viewing area and marquee.
Three-hour premium food and beverage package.
Catering by Fire & Forage.
Premium beer, wine and spirits package.
Dedicated VIP facilities and seating.
Shade and premium hospitality environment.
Access to a cash bar featuring cocktails and curated premium beverages by Hanky Panky Lounge.
Signature Live Fire Experience by Fire and Forage
Get up close with the horses
Glam station
Surprise experiences
Important Information
Strictly 18+.
Valid photo identification required upon entry
Limited capacity - This section WILL SELL OUT!
This is not a BYO event.
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Includes a 3 hour premium drinks package and catering by Fire and Forage
VEGETARIAN & CLUTEN FREE
Individual Grazing Picnic Box
Charred Vegetable Antipasto
Fire-roasted pumpkin, sweet potato, beetroot and seasonal vegetables marinated with native herbs.
Saltbush Labneh
Creamy strained yoghurt infused with saltbush and served with native seed crackers.
Bush Tomato Relish
Slow-cooked bush tomatoes blended with native spices and aromatic herbs.
Territory Cheese Selection
Australian artisan cheeses accompanied by native fruit preserves and gluten-free crackers.
Seasonal Tropical Fruits
Fresh local fruits celebrating the flavours of the Top End.
Hero Dish
Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Quinoa, roasted vegetables, toasted seeds, native herbs and finger lime vinaigrette.
Wood-Fired Flatbread
Freshly baked and served with smoked eggplant, bush tomato relish and native herb oil.
Dessert
Lemon Myrtle Pannacotta
Silky pannacotta infused with lemon myrtle and topped with seasonal fruit and green ants
Illawarra Plum Compote
Served alongside fresh tropical fruits.
VIP Experience includes: Fire and Forage Signature Live Fire Experience
Paperbark Barramundi
Whole barramundi wrapped in traditional paperbark and slowly cooked over ironbark coals. Finished with charred lemon, native herb oil and fresh coastal succulents.
Fire-Grilled Skull Island Banana Prawns
Locally sourced banana prawns cooked over open flame and glazed with bush tomato and native honey.
Half Shell Baked Scallops
With warrigal green pesto, coastal rosemary and saltbush butter.
The ultimate Go Slow experience, combining premium hospitality, race-day entertainment and beachfront comfort.
Includes
Event entry.
Exclusive VIP viewing area and marquee.
Three-hour premium food and beverage package.
Catering by Fire & Forage.
Premium beer, wine and spirits package.
Dedicated VIP facilities and seating.
Shade and premium hospitality environment.
Access to a cash bar featuring cocktails and curated premium beverages by Hanky Panky Lounge.
Signature Live Fire Experience by Fire and Forage
Get up close with the horses
Glam station
Surprise experiences
Important Information
Strictly 18+.
Valid photo identification required upon entry
Limited capacity - This section WILL SELL OUT!
This is not a BYO event.
Includes a 3 hour premium drinks package and catering by Fire and Forage
CARNIVORE EXPERIENCE
Individual Grazing Picnic Box
NT Beef Bresaola
House-cured beef seasoned with native spices and thinly sliced.
Buffalo Carpaccio
Thinly sliced buffalo dressed with olive oil, native herbs and finger lime.
Kangaroo & Truffle Salami
A uniquely Australian charcuterie featuring native game and aromatic truffle.
Aged Cheddar
Served with bush tomato chutney and artisan crackers.
Seasonal Tropical Fruits
Fresh-cut local fruits balancing the richness of the meats.
Hero Dish
Smoked Brisket Roll
Tender sliced brisket served in a toasted bun with native slaw and bush tomato barbecue glaze.
Dessert
Wattleseed Sticky Date Pudding
Warm sticky date pudding infused with roasted wattleseed and served with salted caramel sauce.
Fresh NT Mango
Celebrating one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic seasonal fruits.
VIP Experience includes: Fire and Forage Signature Live Fire Experience
Paperbark Barramundi
Whole barramundi wrapped in traditional paperbark and slowly cooked over ironbark coals. Finished with charred lemon, native herb oil and fresh coastal succulents.
Fire-Grilled Skull Island Banana Prawns
Locally sourced banana prawns cooked over open flame and glazed with bush tomato and native honey.
Half Shell Baked Scallops
With warrigal green pesto, coastal rosemary and saltbush butter.
The ultimate Go Slow experience, combining premium hospitality, race-day entertainment and beachfront comfort.
Includes
Event entry.
Exclusive VIP viewing area and marquee.
Three-hour premium food and beverage package.
Catering by Fire & Forage.
Premium beer, wine and spirits package.
Dedicated VIP facilities and seating.
Shade and premium hospitality environment.
Access to a cash bar featuring cocktails and curated premium beverages by Hanky Panky Lounge.
Signature Live Fire Experience by Fire and Forage
Get up close with the horses
Glam station
Surprise experiences
Important Information
Strictly 18+.
Valid photo identification required upon entry
Limited capacity - This section WILL SELL OUT!
This is not a BYO event.
Mindil Beach GO SLOW Races 1918; Percy Brown Collection; PH0155/0081 PictureNT, NT Archives.
Mindil Beach Races 1918; Percy Brown Collection; PH0155/0077 PictureNT, NT Archives.
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