City of Darwin’s Street Food Program brings great food to great places, activating public spaces and creating lively, welcoming destinations for locals and visitors. The program offers approved vendors the opportunity to trade across a network of locations, supporting Darwin’s vibrant street food scene while maintaining high standards for safety, amenity and compliance.  

Objectives of the street food vending program  

• Activate and revitalise public places, encourage social interaction and enhance the community sense of safety and wellbeing  

• Encourage novel and creative entrepreneurial activities or start-up businesses, stimulating the local economy  

• Encourage street food in areas that are suited to the purpose, including appropriate areas of the city centre  

• Provide a unique outdoor experience  

• Ensure equity of access to public spaces.

Application guidelines

The following guidelines outlines objectives of the Commercial Outdoor Activities Policy  and assists the online application process.  We encourage all applicants to read the Policy and Guidelines prior to submitting an application.  

Eligibility  

To be eligible for City of Darwin’s Street Food Program, vendors must meet the following minimum requirements. These are mandatory and apply in addition to all relevant bi-laws, regulations and City of Darwin guidelines.  

Vendors must:  

• A completed street food application form and all supporting information   

• Hold a valid business registration certificate  

• Hold a valid food business registration certificate   

• Maintain $20 million public liability insurance, with City of Darwin noted as an interested party on the policy  

• Waste management plan that prioritises reuse and recycling, and encourages the use of reusables   

• Operate from a self-contained mobile food cart, truck or trailer  
  (fixed stalls, pop-up marquees or table-only set-ups are not permitted under the Street Food Program)  

All vendors are also required to comply with City of Darwin’s Commercial Outdoor Activities Guidelines, bi-laws and relevant legislation, permit conditions and any site-specific requirements.  

Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee site allocation. All applications are assessed through the Expression of Interest (EOI) process to support a safe, diverse and well-managed street food program.  

Apply now

One-month trial permits for new applications  

Aspiring entrepreneurs can enter the program through a new one-month trial permit at a discounted rate. This provides valuable opportunity to test market viability, refine product offerings, and identify suitable trading locations before committing to a longer-term permit.  

Enquiries can be made at 8930 0423 or streetfoodbookings@darwin.nt.gov.au.  

Locations  

The Street Food Program includes a set of fixed trading locations listed below. City of Darwin also welcomes proactive proposals from vendors for new trading locations on Council-owned land. All proposed locations are assessed by the City of Darwin team to ensure they are safe, suitable and appropriate for public trading. Where a location meets the required criteria, a permit may be issued subject to assessment outcomes and compliance with all relevant guidelines and conditions.  

More information

Please read the FAQs or contact our customer services team:

Tel: 08 8930 0300

FAQs

What are permit fees?

Permit fees (2024/2025) are:​

• Monday - Thursday $20/day
• Friday - Sunday $40/day
• Access to power $5.00

Please see City of Darwin Fees and Charges for further details

Can more than one vendor operate at a specific location?

Yes (depending on hours of operation). We encourage multiple use of each location to reflect the diversity of experience.

What are the hours of operation?

Permits in residential areas will be restricted to hours of operation that preserve neighbourhood amenity and do not cause a general disturbance.

Can I sell alcohol?

No.

Who can apply?

Casual street food businesses who can work with us to activate public space and offer a unique culinary experience are encouraged to apply. We are looking for innovative and creative businesses who seek to revitalise Darwin's outdoor spaces.

In line with the Street Food Policy, prospective businesses must offer a mobile-based, street food operation - that is, from a vehicle or mobile facility.

When can I apply?

Expressions of Interest for permits starting 1 April will be sought in February each year. Applications will also be considered throughout the year on a case by case basis. City of Darwin may seek expression of interest at other times during the season.

How do I apply?

Applications can be submitted online via the website.

What information will I need to have before I apply?

In preparation for your application, you will need the following documentation:

• Proof of business registration with Australian Securities and Investments Commission
• Proof of registration of a Food Business with the Northern Territory Department of Health Public and product liability insurance (this can be provided upon successful application)
• Proposed menu
• A detailed site plan showing your food vehicle (include a photograph) and proposed layout, including weight, dimensions, service window, counter and required amount of power (ie. 2 x 15 AMP)
• Images or proposed design of branding and decal/wrap of the food vehicle
• Details of your marketing plan, including online or tangible advertising, signage, etc
• A cleaning and waste management plan.

Can I apply for more than one location?

Yes, multiple locations can be included in a permit.

How are the applications assessed?

Street food business applications will be considered on their individual merits and assessed by a panel against the selection criteria details in the Street Food Policy. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment and successful applicants will be requested to provide any outstanding registration documentation. Upon payment of the applicable fees, the permit will be authorised by the designated Responsible Officer as per the Street Food Policy.

Can City of Darwin cancel my permit?

City of Darwin will review the program regularly to ensure the program objectives are being met and may determine to cancel a permit. Permit fees may not be refunded.

Who should you contact?

Should you wish to discuss this further, please contact Customer Services on 08 8930 0300.