Darwin/Garramilla, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia
Where to go in Darwin/Garramilla
We spoke with Darwin business events expert, Rebecca McCaig, on the best places and experiences to include in your next incentive program.
In a career spanning more than 20 years across the globe, Rebecca revealed to us it is the opportunity to share the profound stories around the iconic landscapes, nature-based experiences and enriching Aboriginal culture that sustain her enduring connection to Darwin and the Northern Territory. “Promoting Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) in my role as Director of Northern Territory Business Events is a pure privilege”, she says. Rebecca shares new accommodation and experiences for your next Darwin incentive program.
What’s new in accommodation in Darwin?
voco Darwin Suites © IHG Hotels and Resorts
A planned hotel development, connected to the world-class Darwin Convention Centre and overlooking Darwin’s beautiful harbour, will provide a new, upscale accommodation offering for incentive groups. The recent launch of Darwin’s first Marriott property along with a brand new voco hotel from IHG will enhance Darwin’s offering of globally branded hotels.
When you want to book out the restaurant…
Located within Darwin’s picturesque East Point Nature Reserve, is Pee Wee’s at the Point. This iconic and breathtaking venue features award winning local produce and is set within four acres of lush tropical gardens on absolute waterfrontage ensuring a world class dining experience.
Where do you go for arts and culture?
Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience, Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory © Jason Ierace
For an authentic arts and culture experience, I take a short flight, or a relaxing 2.5-hour ferry ride, to the Tiwi islands for a truly authentic art and cultural immersion. Connect with the local culture through one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia and engage with artists while they paint and carve authentic Tiwi pieces.
When you want to get out on the water…
00Seven Jet Ski Adventures offer exhilarating experiences on Darwin Harbour, showcasing the city's coastal beauty and history from a unique vantage point, while drifting alongside diverse marine wildlife and cruising over historical shipwrecks. Or, trust the tide with Sea Darwin Sea Tiwi and create core memories with a barefoot experience on Darwin’s rarest natural enigma, the Sandbar.
When you want to connect with Country…
Saltwater Ceremony, Darwin, Northern Territory © Jason Ierace
Saltwater Cultural Tours provide an immersive, on-Country experience that introduces traditional Indigenous culture in a genuine and meaningful way. While surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes, Trent Lee will share stories that have been passed down from generations providing a deep cultural connection to the Larrakia land, sea and spirit.
An experience no incentive group visiting Darwin should miss?
Heli-Foraging at Finniss River Lodge is a unique, luxury experience combining helicopter travel with the art of gin-making using native Indigenous ingredients. Spanning two locations, the world-first tour includes foraging for native botanicals through wetlands and paperbark forests on an airboat, with the handpicked ingredients then crafted to create a bottle of one’s very own bespoke gin at Charlie’s of Darwin.
What’s your insider’s tip for incentive planners?
Incentive planners may like to consider supporting and/or engaging with a local social enterprise to deliver an incentive program with purpose and leave a legacy in the local community. NT Business Events can align planners, and facilitate introductions, to local organisations with a shared ethos ensuring an enriching and meaningful outcome for both organisations.
Where to go to explore beyond the city?
Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory ©Tourism Australia
Immerse your attendees in nature with a refreshing swim at Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park, just over an hour’s drive from Darwin. A little further afield, experience the award-winning Katherine Outback Experience featuring horse whisperer and accomplished musician, Tom Curtain who entertains with engaging and authentic storytelling and songs.
How do groups experience Darwin and beyond on The Ghan?
The Ghan, Northern Territory © Journey Beyond
Groups experience luxurious Platinum cabins and service on board The Ghan’s 3 nights/4 days journey, to or from Darwin. Witness nature’s scale through the dramatic changes in the Australian landscape including lush tropical flora, red desert and verdant river valleys. Private, curated tours can be woven into the journey or on arrival in Darwin to reward, inspire, and connect attendees.
What can planners look forward to in Darwin for 2026?
The Larrakia Cultural Centre will open at Stokes Hill Wharf in the city’s waterfront precinct, adjacent to a sacred Larrakia site holding deep cultural and spiritual significance. The Centre’s design is inspired by Larrakia culture and evokes lush landscapes with dramatic rooflines resembling an ancestral bird in flight. Incentive groups will be able to engage in private gallery tours and cultural talks with local artists and elders.
