A group of Darwin’s newest hospitality faces has had the chance to experience Kakadu in a single memorable day, thanks to a collaboration between AAT Kings, Kakadu Air, Parks Australia, Hospitality NT and Kakadu Tourism.
Although Kakadu National Park lies just three hours from the Northern Territory capital, many locals in the tourism and hospitality scene are yet to see its dramatic escarpments, wetlands and ancient cultural sites for themselves. This special familiarisation tour aimed to change that giving 24 participants a taste of what makes Kakadu such a compelling destination to recommend to Top End visitors.
The group began their journey aboard an AAT Kings coach, heading east through lush countryside glowing green from recent rains. Their first bird’s eye view came courtesy of a Kakadu Air scenic flight over the escarpment and surrounding floodplains, where the contrast between sandstone cliffs and emerald bushland proved unforgettable.
Lunch followed at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, sponsored by Parks Australia. Alongside dishes celebrating local produce such as barramundi and kangaroo, participants explored the hotel’s Ochre Gallery, which features the works of Aboriginal artists from the region.
The experience deepened at the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where an exhibition highlighted Kakadu’s extraordinary 65,000 years of continuous Indigenous settlement – the oldest in the world. The day’s ‘snappy’ theme continued as the group joined a Yellow Water Cruise, spotting saltwater crocodiles basking along the riverbanks while birdlife wheeled above the wetlands.
An afternoon tea inspired by the Taste of Kakadu festival at Cooinda Lodge rounded off the adventure before the travellers returned to Darwin in comfort aboard their AAT Kings coach.
Kakadu Tourism’s Sam Waldron said the tour was designed to change perceptions. “We are so close to Darwin and yet perceived as being so far – a myth that AAT Kings was able to dispel with their seamless tour,” he said.
“Even during the wet season, Kakadu is breathtaking from the air, on the ground and on the water. The idea is to help these workers encourage visitors to experience it for themselves, whether for a day or, ideally, a few days to truly immerse in the culture and landscape.”
With its mix of natural drama, deep cultural roots and laid-back tropical hospitality, Kakadu remains one of Australia’s most remarkable national parks – and now, a few more Darwin locals are ready to share its story with the world.
