DARWIN’S ICONIC EXPERIENCES

With its dedicated convention centre already taking shape, Darwin is looking forward to becoming an even better meeting destination of consequence.

It’s a busy time in the Northern Territory Top End. The expansion of the Defence Force in the area, the regular tourist train operating from Adelaide through to Darwin and the growing trade with countries to Australia’s north are all breathing life into this most singular of Australian cities.

Meetings & Events Australia held a highly successful National Conference in Darwin a few years ago, when several hundred meeting planners discovered the vitality and unique atmosphere of the town.

One of Darwin’s signature events is the Mindil Markets, held on the lawns above Mindil Beach on a Thursday evening through most of the “dry” months, finishing in late October.

>> Conference & meeting venues DARWIN, NT

Mindil Beach Markets boasts up to 60 food stalls featuring cuisine from Turkey, Greece, Sri Lanka, South America, North Africa, India and all over South-East Asia. It’s a distinctly Australian version of the night markets of South-East Asia.

The market is known for the huge range and quality of its art and craftwork, including crocodile, kangaroo and barramundi products, indigenous and bush art, clothing, sculpture, pottery, puppets, soaps and didgeridoos.

The terrific thing about the Mindil Markets is that they are so well patronised by local residents and there’s no sense that it’s being put on as yet another tourist “product”. If your event does not coincide with the markets, you can arrange to have a “mini-Mindil Market” especially for your group.

Darwin has a thriving restaurant sector and there any number of venues which can cater for conference dinners. The locals swear by the wet “green season” (October to April) as the best time to visit.

From Darwin tours leave for those iconic Top End attractions such as Kakadu National Park, Litchfield Park and Katherine Gorge.