The Venue Zone Blog

Darwin has grown, despite much adversity, from a pioneer outpost into one of Australia’s most modern cities having been almost entirely rebuilt twice, once after World War II and again in 1974 following the devastation of Cyclone Tracy. Darwin has a tropical climate, with a distinct wet season and a dry season and is known for its spectacular lightening displays. Along with its importance as a gateway to Asia, the city also acts as an access point for the breath-taking Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land  and certainly offers a unique and thrilling experience to visitors in the ‘top end’. Along with their professional attention to your event requirements in state of the art facilities, conference centres in Darwin are well-versed in the many exhilarating adventures to be had in the surrounding outback wonderland.

The city itself is built on a low bluff overlooking the harbour and along with older south-western suburbs, forms one corner of the triangular shape of Darwin and its suburbs. Newer northern suburbs form another corner and the eastern suburbs, progressing towards the fast growing satellite city of Palmerston, forming the third. Darwin International Airport and Royal Australian Air Force Base separates the older part of Darwin from the newer northern suburbs. The airport has some resort style accommodation close by, as well as some very basic transit accommodation.

Darwin’s central business district is bounded by Daly Street, McMinn Street, Mitchell Street and Bennett Street. Mitchell Street is the entertainment hub of the CBD and is lined with nightclubs, bars and cinema’s including The Deck-Chair Cinema where you can enjoy a movie while relaxing in the balmy, great outdoors. Mitchell Street is only 1 street over from Bicentennial Park which runs alongside the coast and provides a lovely outlook over the ocean. The CBD is also close to the Gardens Park Golf Course, Darwin Botanical Gardens and The Gardens which forms a backdrop to beautiful Mindil Beach. Be sure to visit the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market which is an absolute feast for the senses. Many colourful stalls with their vast array of exciting merchandise set a chaotic but joyful scene as you indulge in your favourite Asian , seafood, curries, spit roast or wood fire oven Pizza. The CBD has been the focus of a number of major projects, including the billion dollar redevelopment of the Stokes Hill wharf waterfront area which includes an impressive convention centre with seating for 1500 people and 4,000 square metres of exhibition space. When finished, the development will also include residential apartments, hotels and public space. There are many accommodation options in and around the central business district that are geared towards the corporate and conferencing markets. The venues are part of well known brands and range from 4-5 star venues. The majority of these venues have large amounts of accommodation for large numbers in order to support the FIT markets that frequent the location, but they also have some great mid ranged conferencing space that can be utilised.

The magnificent rugged scenery that surrounds this tropical paradise, combined with thrilling encounters with local wildlife and the legendary lay-back “Top End” hospitality, offers the event organiser a unique opportunity to deliver an unparalleled experience to their delegates. Darwin conference venues welcome the chance to help you design an awe-inspiring adventure that won’t be quickly forgotten. This exciting destination offers a point of difference like no other so be sure to call a conference venue in Darwin for further information.

If you are a little weary of the typical destinations chosen for conferences, then we would encourage you to consider Darwin. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round.  The magical ‘top end’ is a uniquely Australian experience that ironically few Aussies have experienced. This rugged and hauntingly beautiful outback city would make a wonderful backdrop to an unforgettable corporate event. Contact a Darwin conference centre and enquire about the unique experiences that await you.  We have listed a few of the more conventional here.

Darwin has a rich and diverse cultural tale to tell. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory will unlock the city’s rich Aboriginal heritage and allow you to relive the tragic 1974 Cyclone Tracy.  Another museum well worth the visit is East Point Military Museum where you can at watch footage of the World War II air raids on Darwin.

Myilly Point Historical Precinct is home to the remaining 4 cottages displaying unique pre World War II Darwin architecture as it existed prior to the creative talents of a progressive architect B.C.G. Burnett.  Burnett designed a series of homes adapted to the climatic conditions of the Top End, which included the use of lightweight materials and natural ventilation and forever changed the face of Darwin.

Go for a stroll along the palm-lined Mitchell St and experience both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art and craft in the galleries along the way.

Much of the cultural action in Darwin happens outdoors due to the city’s tropical climate.  Listen to powerhouse bands at Bass in the Grass at the Darwin Amphitheatre in late May or enjoy a balmy evening watching art house movies under the stars at the Deckchair Cinema from April to November.

The month of August, sees the George Brown Botanic Gardens come alive with the Darwin Festival – a brilliant 18 days of music, dance, theatre, comedy, cabaret, film and visual art.  The cultural delights keep coming with the Darwin Fringe Festival kicking in this same month for 2 weeks of seminars, aerial acts, Aboriginal films, a poetry cup, musical street jams, burlesque and art exhibitions. Darwin conference venues can enlighten you about the particular acts and timetable for these festivals.

Of course, it almost goes without saying, but some of the most beautiful scenery and rawest glimpses of nature exist right at your doorstep in this region of the world. Consider a visit to Litchfield National Park where, set in a pocket of monsoon forest, you can watch as the spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool. Enjoy a picnic and take a refreshing dip if you like or enjoy a scenic walk to the viewing platform high above the falls where breathtaking panoramic views of the open valley and the waterhole below can be enjoyed. Be sure to ask the staff at the conference venue in Darwin about the thrilling ‘croc’ experiences also available to you. Darwin truly is a unique and unforgettable destination worthy of your consideration if ‘original’ is a key phrase in your vision for your event.

If the vision you have for a successful conference includes magnificent scenery, national history and culture or action packed adventure then make sure you contact a conference centre in Darwin to discuss the unique opportunities that exist in the magnificent ‘top end’. The tropical capital of the Northern Territory has the youngest population of any capital in Australia and has a distinctly optimistic feel. A relaxed outdoor lifestyle and warm weather all year round adds to this positive vibe.
Wildlife and National Parks – Positioned on a peninsula, surrounded by sea, Darwin is a great base to explore the natural attractions of Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Park or the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. The rugged beauty of the Northern Territory is legendry and the parks certainly showcase this beauty with it’s crystal blue waters, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. A trip to the Territory Wildlife Park on 400 hectares of natural bushland, showcases native flora and fauna and is also popular attraction as is the Bachelor Butterfly Farm, where you can explore the colourful butterfly sanctuary, meet the guinea pigs, rabbits and fish.
Looking for some excitement – You have come to the right place with brilliant opportunities to feel the adrenalin rush. Join a fishing charter and experience the thrill of open sea fishing or perhaps the ultimate in sports fishing, landing a Barramundi from the healthy population in Darwin Harbour. If crocodiles are your fascination then you should consider a visit to either Crocodylus with it’s 1000 plus crocodiles up to 16 feet in length, Crocosaurus Cove with an underwater viewing section in a unique two-storey aquarium or The Jumping Crocodiles Cruise where you will encounter up close, these massive reptiles leaping vertically out of the river to grab their supper.
Markets – On the weekend, visit the famous open air markets that are scattered throughout the city. Mindil Markets is the most famous of these with food stalls from more than 30 different countries,200 art and craft stalls and performances by a variety of musicians, artists and bush poets. With a tropical feel and beautiful sunset, a memorable evening is assured.
Culinary Melting Pot – Many nationalities make up Darwin’s 100,000 population, including the area’s traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at Darwin’s weekly markets and variety of restaurants. Annual festivals and other Darwin events also present a rich collaboration of exotic cuisine. Indulge at local restaurants serving dishes from all over the world in addition to the authentic Northern Territory cuisine of Mud Crabs, Barramundi, buffalo, kangaroo and crocodile. From an al fresco meal to silver service fine dining, you can enjoy a balmy evening with spectacular harbour views. Cullen Bay is a very popular spot to dine or for a really casual feel, why not consider a platter of freshly caught local seafood at Stokes Hill Wharf.
Nightlife – Celebrate another day of successful conferencing enjoying the electric atmosphere of the nightclubs and pubs that dominate Darwin’s nightlife hub on Mitchell Street, try your luck at the casino on Mindil Beach or kick back in style under the starry skies at Deck Chair Cinemas. With a canvas deckchair, a drink from the licenced bar, your fish and chips or snacks from the kiosk, you’ll be in ‘Top End’ heaven.
Historical Sightseeing – Be sure to ask the staff at a Darwin conference centre Read the rest of this entry »