Covering approximately 1,352,000 km2, the Northern Territory (NT) is divided into two very diverse main regions. The lush, tropical northern region is home to the world-heritage listed Kakadu, which is Australia’s largest national park, while further south you will find the stunning desert landscape of central Australia and national icons such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Alice Springs. Located at the northernmost tip of the NT is Darwin and lately it has been a hotspot for event venue and accommodation development.

SKYCITY Darwin adds a new event space

Not-for-profit conference planners can now enjoy the option of another great offsite venue at SKYCITY Darwin. The new permanent air conditioned beachside structure known as the Beachside Pavilion opened in July 2013 and provides an all-year, all-weather function facility for up to 500 guests in a banquet-style format.

Hilton arrives in the NT

In other hotel news, the prestigious Hilton worldwide brand arrived in the NT at the beginning of May. Four properties previously managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group have now changed over to Hilton brands. The former Crowne Plaza Darwin has become the Hilton Darwin, while the Holiday Inn Darwin and the Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin have both become DoubleTree by Hilton hotels. DoubleTree is the Hilton’s fastest growing full-service hotel brand and the NT properties are the first in Australia to carry the brand.

H Hotel opens

In other accommodation news, accommodation stocks in Darwin have recently swelled with the opening of the new H Hotel, located on Smith Street in Darwin’s central business district. Just a short distance from the Darwin Convention Centre, the hotel is also close to Darwin’s dining, entertainment and night-life hub. The H Hotel offers 186 standard, deluxe and suite style rooms, many with stunning views over Cullen Bay or the Darwin cityscape.

Hire company expands

Having experienced a 25 per cent increase in event business over the past year, Darwin’s leading exhibition, themed event and equipment hire company Fusion Exhibition & Hire Services is expanding from 16 full-time staff to 30 in the NT’s peak dry season period in order to meet demands. Fusion provides clients with shell schemes, furniture and theming.424955.png