Celebrate safely this Territory Day

With Territorians preparing to celebrate the anniversary of Self-Government on Wednesday, NT WorkSafe reminds those intending to purchase fireworks to comply with all relevant requirements and always prioritise safety.

2026 approved periods

The approved periods for 2026 are:

• Sale of fireworks –Wednesday 1 July, 9 am to 9 pm
• Use of fireworks – Wednesday 1 July, 6 pm to 11 pm
• Possession of fireworks – Wednesday 1 July, 9 am to Thursday 2 July, 12 noon

If you buy, use or have fireworks outside the approved times, you can be fined $1,940 for each offence.

Where to buy and use fireworks legally

Only buy fireworks from licensed retailer and only buy as many as you can safely use during the allowed period. You can see the full list of licensed retailers here.

You can use fireworks on both private and public property, except at:

• Mindil Beach; and
• Official Territory Day community events

If you live in an apartment or unit complex, check with your body corporate or strata manager first to make sure fireworks are allowed on the property.

Fireworks safety tips

Fireworks can cause serious injury if not used correctly. Follow the following safety tips:

• Read the safety labels on each firework.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Closely supervise children and never give fireworks to children under 12.
• Never attempt to relight duds or misfires.

More safety tips are available on the NT WorkSafe website.

Dispose of used fireworks safely

• Soak used fireworks, such as empty cardboard tubes and cakes, in water for a few minutes to make sure any remaining embers are fully extinguished, and any remaining heat is removed.
  • Do not place used fireworks directly into a bin, as hot embers could start a fire.
• Place the water-logged fireworks in a rubbish bag and put the bag in your general waste bin. Do not place them in the recycling bin. Treat any dud fireworks (e.g. misfires) and unused ones in the same way.
• Recycle the cardboard packaging and any plastic packaging that is marked as recyclable.

What to do with unused and defective fireworks

It is illegal to keep fireworks after 12 noon on Thursday 2 July. Call NT WorkSafe on 1800 019 115 to organise handing in of fireworks for safe disposal.

• Do not store unused fireworks for future use as they can deteriorate over time and become unsafe.
• Do not throw them in the bin or dump them as it may become safety risk to others.

Interstate visitors – do not take fireworks home

The public sale, use and possession of fireworks without a permit is illegal all year round in other jurisdictions. If you’re a visitor from interstate on Territory Day, don’t attempt to take fireworks back to your home state or territory.

Interstate authorities have previously setup checkpoints to stop fireworks crossing the border.