Within a few short years the Northern Territory has transformed itself into an attractive destination for Asian business events groups. Its close proximity, recent infrastructure development and wealth of natural resources mean Australia’s north now caters for top regional events. Some of these include Harvey World Travel Frontliners Conference in Darwin with 400 delegates, CAT Trucks in Uluru (310) and Nutricia, Ulura (50).
 
“There is a great business reason to be here, and while you’re doing business, come and see some of the world famous sites,” says Scott Lovett, director of business tourism, Northern Territory Convention Bureau (NTCB).
 
Tropical incentives
NTCB has identified five sectors highlighting the territory’s significance and potential as a business and conference destination. Expertise in oil and gas, minerals, renewable energy, health and desert knowledge mean event planners have both local know-how and global best practice at their fingertips.
 
NTCB can also organise site-inspection programmes for prospective clients looking to host events throughout the Northern Territory. “We will liaise with suppliers to ensure all destination and logistics matters are easily handled,” says Lovett.
 
Steven Wang from New Asia Pacific Travel, which offers Chinese language tours in the Northern Territory, says the territory’s major selling points are its natural attributes and proximity to Asia. “The adventurous landscape and unique outdoor activities are really good for incentive groups to challenge themselves, to build team spirit and foster unity, friendship and cooperation,” he says.
 
Wild experiences
Barrier Air Charter (www.barrieraviation.com) offers scenic flights over Kakadu National Park and other top-end sights. They can take up to 20 people in four separate planes. “We take care of everything, there is no need to get up early, and on most of our options we can have you back to Darwin in time for a couple of afternoon drinks,” says Thijs Bors from Barrier Air Charter. Prices start at $US100 per person.
 
Bask in a tropical sunset on the traditional 1950s Anniki Pearl Lugger (www.darwinharbourcruises.com.au), which its owner, Grant Rubock from Darwin Harbour Cruises, describes as a “floating museum of the pearling days”. The lugger can be hired for private lunch and dinner functions for groups of up to 40 persons.
 
Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris (www.arnhemland-safaris.com) at Mount Borradaile is a sacred site set against the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Accommodation options range from tents to deluxe cabins and the maximum group size is 36 people. Other experiences on offer include lessons on bush food and medicine, flora and fauna excursions and visits to galleries of ancient rock art. Arnhem Land is a one-hour flight from Darwin and a prearranged permit is required to gain access into the area.
 
Litchfield National Park is about 130km southwest of Darwin and a good day-trip option. It is popular for its waterfalls, swimming holes, giant termite mounds and native wildlife. Northern Territory Indigenous Tours’ (www.ntindigenoustours.com) guide Tess Atie presents expert natural and cultural interpretations on the area. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and caters for up to seven people.
 
Off-site venues and experiences
Wildman Wilderness Lodge (www.wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au)is a new meeting and incentive venue only two hours by car from Darwin. Located on the Mary River Wetlands, it caters for up to 50 guests in either eco-style cabins or fan-cooled luxury safari tents. The adjacent pavilion can hold up to 20 people boardroom style. Recreational activities include touring, fly-fishing or catch-and-release style two-hour barramundi fishing safaris. A 4WD Quad Tour is also on offer for the adventurous. “Guests will be able to do business but at the same time immerse themselves in the spectacular beauty of this region,” says Alison Conroy of Wildman Wilderness Lodge.
 
Gagudju Dreaming (www.gagudju-dreaming.com) is a collection of indigenous-owned experiences and accommodation options. Its Crocodile Holiday Inn is in the heart of Kakadu National Park, 230km from Darwin. It offers deluxe accommodation as well as catering for up to 240 people in its Escarpment restaurant. This is the departure point for unforgettable journeys into Kakadu.
 
Yellow Water Cruise will take visitors on the mysterious and beautiful Yellow Water Billabong, home to abundant flora and fauna. Its Kakadu tour can take up to 48 people off the beaten track to destinations such as the world famous Jim Jim and Twin Falls, with extras including Aboriginal guides and cultural experiences.
 
Complete the day with an open-air dining experience with Nourlangie Rock as a backdrop. Iain Ganner of Gagudju Dreaming, says: “When the sun hits Nourlangie Rock on sunset, the colours on the rock just explode and you’ve got this beautiful set-up and an aboriginal cultural experience.”
 
Meetings and accommodation
Darwin Convention Centre (www.darwinconvention.com.au) was built in 2008 as part of a 15-year Darwin Waterfront Precinct Development plan. It offers 23,000 sqm of floor space and can host up to 4,000 people. Facilities include Italian restaurant Il Lido, which seats up to 350 and the Irish Fiddlers Green, with room for 250. The wave and recreation lagoons, sprawling lawns, shops and eateries also provide plenty of options for fun activities.
 
The 235-room Crowne Plaza Darwin (www.crowneplaza.com.au) features seven conference rooms and a ballroom that holds 250 theatre-style.
 
Skycity Darwin (www.skycitydarwin.com.au) is the city’s only five-star beachfront resort. The hotel is also near the city centre and Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. It offers 120 rooms, including deluxe, superior spa and suites. It has four function and conference venues, including an outside area that can host 5,000 people for receptions. The resort will open 36 new guestrooms and villas, a spa, tropical lagoon, private beach, lagoon-side restaurant and a swim-up cocktail bar in 2012.
 
The Darwin Turf Club (www.darwinturfclub.org.au), host to the Darwin Cup each August, has added a new pavilion that can be used for multiple purposes. Glass doors lead out onto a balcony overlooking the racecourse. The Turf Club is a 10-minute drive from the city centre and has a capacity of 800 people for banquets.