With its relaxed lifestyle, close proximity to the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and state-of-the-art convention centre, Darwin has become an attractive option for event organisers in Asia.

Darwin is just two hours’ flight from several Asian destinations, with regular flight connections to Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as major cities within Australia. “Being only two hours away from its nearest Asian neighbour, it’s logical for the Territory to look to the north to grow its marketshare,” says Northern Territory Convention Bureau manager, Lynn Fairbrass.

Fairbrass says the Northern Territory Convention Bureau has made a significant investment in the Asian market. The key selling point is its convenient location, offering the Australian experience without the long-haul flight.

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
She says: “Our activities are building strong relationships in the Asian marketplace and these will stand us in good stead as stronger economic times return, when Asian event planners will look further afield for fresh, new destination options.”

A young, modern city with more than 50 nationalities, including the area’s traditional Aboriginal landowners, Darwin has a booming economy, serving as a regional centre for the energy, minerals, fishing, livestock and tourism industries.

The city’s potential as a conference destination received a significant boost in 2008 with the opening of Darwin Convention Centre, which has since hosted more than 200 events and nearly 60,000 people. Set on the harbour, the convention centre is part of a US$1 billion waterfront development spanning nearly 23,000 sqm, offering conference, exhibition and function facilities able to accommodate up to 4,000 delegates.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
Darwin’s proximity to significant natural attractions is also a major drawcard. “Many events include pre and post as well as full-day touring, in order to maximise the Territory experience,” Fairbrass says. “World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is very popular and groups have even travelled as far afield as the Tiwi Islands to the north and iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the south.”

Popular with incentive groups, Darwin offers a range of options that take advantage of its location, including deep-sea fishing off Darwin Harbour, diving with deadly saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, watching didgeridoo bands at Mindil Beach Sunset Market, a hands-on experience with native wildlife at the Territory Wildlife Park and helicopter flights over the spectacular Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park.

Accommodation options include the beachside five-star SkyCity resort and the new Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront apartments, next to the convention centre.