Fireworks in Northern Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The Northern Territory is the only Australian jurisdiction where the public may buy and use fireworks, and only on 1 July (Territory Day). Buyers must be over 18, and fireworks may be lit only between 6 pm and 11 pm that day.

RuleWhat applies
Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2)Yes [1]
Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2)18 years [2]
Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2)Shopgoods fireworks may be bought only on 1 July (Territory Day) each year. In 2026 sales were between 9 am and 9 pm on that day. [3]
When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)Shopgoods fireworks may be used only on 1 July each year (Territory Day). It is an offence to possess or use fireworks outside the approved period. [1]
Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)Mindil Beach is the only exclusion zone in the Northern Territory where members of the public may not ignite their own Shopgoods fireworks. [2]
Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2)Shopgoods fireworks are fireworks with a pyrotechnic content of 100 g or less that are suitable for use by members of the public. Since 2014 the sale of shopgoods fireworks with a sound level over 115 decibels, including "salutes", has been banned. [1]
Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2)Private fireworks are not permitted at Territory Day community events. [3]
Hours when they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)Shopgoods fireworks can only be ignited between 6 pm and 11 pm on 1 July. [2]

Notes

  • Fireworks are legal for the public only on Territory Day (1 July). The NT WorkSafe snapshot of 26 February 2026 gives the possession period as ending at 12 noon on 3 July; a 2025 NT WorkSafe bulletin and the 2026 Territory Day pages give 12 noon on 2 July, so the end time is not stated here.

Sources

  1. NT WorkSafe: Shopgoods fireworks (Internet Archive snapshot of 26 February 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. NT WorkSafe: Consumer frequently asked questions (Internet Archive snapshot of 26 February 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Territory Day (Tourism and Events NT): Safe Celebrations Guide - Territory Day (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Northern Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Hire e-scooters only (Beam) · Minimum age: 18 (hire e-scooters)
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; up to 50 g may get an infringement notice · Growing at home: Banned; up to 2 plants may get a notice
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 60 km/h (many towns 50 km/h or less) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 years 6 months (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prohibited drug in body is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, for up to 3 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Transfer within 3 months of living in the NT
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or approval
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick, butterfly and sheath-concealed knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 16 · Licence: Class R (VM: moped only)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hand-held banned; L/P: any phone
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (low range) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.