Council has 19 public ovals across Darwin, available to use for a range of sports, community events and informal physical activity.
Booking an Oval
Casual Bookings
All special events and casual bookings must be applied for.
This applies to sporting clubs even if they have a Seasonal Oval Allocation and a home ground, and includes but is not limited to sign-on days, fundraisers, pre-season training, etc.
It also applies to all other organised events on City of Darwin ovals.
To Apply
Please contact Customer Services on 8930 0300 or complete the Event Application/Permit
Seasonal and Pre-Season Oval Allocations
Dry Season April – September
Wet Season October – March
Pre-Season the 6 weeks before the start of each season
To Apply
1. Read the Seasonal Oval Allocation Guide and the Conditions of Seasonal Oval Allocation thoroughly.
2. Complete the Oval Allocation Application Form and submit as per the Seasonal Application Process.
Hire Fees
Hire fees apply to use an oval for any organised activity. Please refer to the Sporting Ovals section of the 2023-24 Fees and Charges (p37-40).
Sports Field Lights
Sport Field Lights are available at Bagot Oval, Gardens Oval One, Malak Oval and Nightcliff Oval.
You are required to have an oval allocation (seasonal or casual) before arranging access to the Sports Field Lights. There is an additional fee to use the lights, depending on the lux level. These fees can be found in the Fees and Charges (see link above).
Hours of operation for Sports Field Lights
Light Level |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
100lux & cricket |
4 - 9 pm |
4 - 9 pm |
4 - 9 pm |
4 - 9 pm |
4 - 9 pm |
4 - 10 pm |
4 - 10 pm |
200lux & above |
4 - 9 pm |
Not Permitted |
Not Permitted |
Not Permitted |
4 - 9 pm |
4 - 10 pm |
4 - 10 pm |