The Northern Territory not only features some of Australia’s most inspiring landscapes, it delivers truly unique experiences and enables unforgettable and meaningful cultural interaction – all ideal elements for creating a spectacularly successful incentive trip for high achievers.

Creative inclusions are Territory-wide, with the NT’s portfolio further enhanced by a range of new products, attractions and experiences. A number of one-off activities and milestones are also being celebrated this year, providing added impetus to consider the NT in 2019.

Celebrating milestones

Spectacular Kakadu National Park is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonder is home to the world’s oldest indigenous rock art galleries and is marking this year’s milestone with a jam-packed calendar of events.

An example is the Mahbilil Festival which runs from 30 August to 7 September. This annual event celebrates both traditional and contemporary Kakadu culture and includes activities, displays, Indigenous art exhibitions, demonstrations of weaving, painting and other crafts, plus performances by local traditional dance groups.

Another celebration in 2019 sees the 90-year anniversary of the debut journey in 1929 of the famed Ghan train from Adelaide to Alice Springs. Since 2004, this journey extends to Darwin and the luxury train continues to inspire and deliver iconic incentive experiences.  Ninety days of celebrations will take place through June, July and August, culminating in a special anniversary journey on 4 August.

Escape to island luxury

In Arnhem Land, luxurious Banubanu Wilderness Retreat on Bremer Island, located in the Arafura Sea approximately 3.4 kilometres off the northeast coastline, is set to re-open on 1 July.  The suite of upgrades includes a new-look restaurant, plunge pool and six eco-safari tents.

The island is renowned for its untouched beaches, lush tropical surrounds and abundant sea life and provides a boutique incentive retreat experience, with a specialisation in fishing excursions.

Experience the lights

In Darwin, world-renowned artist Bruce Munro is to open another spectacular installation, which will be his largest-ever Australian exhibition. To be launched in late October, ‘Bruce Munro: Tropical Light’ will feature eight immersive, large-scale light installations which will illuminate Darwin’s vibrant CBD and waterfront precincts from October 2019 till April 2020. The display will reflect Darwin’s natural beauty, spectacular sunsets, welcoming locals and the NT’s distinctive wildlife.

Enjoy luxury accommodation

Also in Darwin, construction of Marriott International’s new $200 million Westin Darwin hotel has begun. Scheduled to open in 2022, the eight-story luxury property will enjoy extensive water and city views and will offer easy access to the nearby Darwin Convention Centre and Waterfront Precinct.

The hotel will have 240 guest rooms including 14 suites, three dining venues, a bar and 1100 square metres of meeting and event space. An Executive Lounge and leisure facilities such as a fitness studio, resort-style swimming pool and spa will ensure the property provides an appealing new option for high-end incentives.

Glamping like you’ve never seen before

Another new ‘glamping’ experience has been added to the NT’s offering for small group incentives.  Kings Canyon Resort in the Red Centre is now home to luxurious camping.  Six premium canvas tents are now available, with three tents designed specifically for couples, while the remaining three feature a king bed plus two king single beds.

Each tent features premium linen, a modern lounge area, dining space, outdoor deck with seating, split air-conditioning system, and a private ensuite bathroom stocked with Australian-made skincare products. Kings Canyon is located approximately half way between Uluru and Alice Springs.

Opera at Uluru

For incentive planners considering Uluru, there can be no better time to visit than November 2019. In addition to the spectacular ‘Field of Light’ installation and the renowned Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru dinners under the stars, Uluru will play host to Opera Australia for an exclusive concert on Saturday 2 November. The special gala performance will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, combining art and culture in a uniquely Australian setting. The performance will include pieces from Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma”, the “Habanera” from Carmen and Bizet’s “The Pearlfishers”, all accompanied by a chamber orchestra.

For further information on business events in Australia’s Northern Territory, visit www.ntconventions.com

Or contact:

Esther Almendros
Marketing and industry engagement executive
NT Convention Bureau
Phone: (08) 8999 3827
Mobile: (0438) 140 273
Email: esther.almendros@nt.gov.au