Northern Territory Dreaming

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On the conventions scene, all eyes are on Darwin, awaiting the development of the city’s first world-class convention and exhibition centre. The Darwin Convention and Exhibition Centre is a key element of the $1.1 billion Darwin City Waterfront development, and is expected to be completed in 2008.

SKYCITY Darwin has recently completed a $3 million refurbishment, adding 10 new superior rooms, as well as undertaking a major upgrade of the original 97 rooms.

In 2005, SKYCITY took out two of the Northern Territory’s prestigious Brolga Awards – for luxury accommodation and tourism restaurants and catering services. During 2005, SKYCITY’s business included 136 conferences and special events, 95 social functions, 23 weddings, 10 winemakers’ dinners and a ball for more than 2,000 people.

In the Red Centre, Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock) are oases with much appeal for discerning visitors planning meetings, well-earned rewards or post-event touring, with the vast and unspoiled outback as a backdrop.

The heart of the Red Centre, Alice Springs is a modern outback town with a fascinating history, strong Aboriginal culture, and all the comforts of a major city.

Like the Top End, Central Australia has much to offer, from bush barbeques and Harley Davidson rides, to Champagne and canapes under the stars and dawn balloon flights. Other attractions include the historic Telegraph Station, the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum.

The Alice Springs Convention Centre is a multi-purpose venue which can seat up to 1,200 people theatre style and 800 for banquets in the main MacDonnell Room and another 560 guests theatre style or 350 banquet style in the Ellery Room.



Among upcoming major conventions, the centre will host the Australian Health Promotion Association’s 16th National Health Promotion Conference, with 500 delegates, and the National Family Day Care Conference, with 250 delegates.

The centre will also host the Regional Arts Australia Biennial National Arts Conference in September 2008. The three day conference is expected to attract about 600 delegates from around Australia, injecting $640,000 into the local economy.

Northern Territory Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Clare Martin, says convention visitors to the Territory often travel with their families, adding even greater economic value to Territory’s tourism income.