An aerial view shows the Darwin Convention Centre and waterfront precinct in Darwin, Northern Territory, stretching into calm harbour waters under a warm, glowing sunset sky during golden hour. © Darwin Convention Centre

Darwin and the Top End program pitch

Closer to South East Asia in the north than other Australian cities, Darwin is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. During this three-day program, savour the regional flavours of the city’s premium dining experiences, discover Aboriginal culture and explore untouched landscapes on unforgettable outback adventures.

Day 1

An outdoor event setup with tables, teal chairs, floral decorations, and fairy lights on a grassy lawn under palm trees at Mindil Beach Casino Resort in the Northern Territory at sunset. © NT Business Events

Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Northern Territory © NT Business Events

Afternoon

Fly into Darwin and transfer to Mindil Beach Casino Resort, set on 30 acres (12 hectares) of tropical gardens alongside the Arafura Sea. Head straight to your welcome lunch at Hanuman a 5-minute drive from your accommodation. Savour a menu reflective of Darwin’s cultural influences with authentic flavours from Malaysia, Thailand and India, combining traditional Asian ingredients and modern Australian produce. This renowned Darwin restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating areas.

After lunch, meet proud Larrakia man and elder, Trent Lee from Saltwater Cultural Tours. Embark on a three-hour tour to uncover Aboriginal cultural practices and connection to the land. Experience a traditional Welcome to Country, learn some language and the skills of spear throwing, string and fire making. Enjoy light refreshments before you return to Mindil Beach Casino Resort and refresh for dinner.

Evening

Meet on The Lawns and watch the incredible sunset, cocktail in hand. Then, take your seat for dinner and witness a taste of outback life with Tom Curtain from Katherine Outback Experiences. Hear outback tales and watch Tom work with his cattle dogs. Admire his extraordinary horse handling skills, including playing guitar and singing while on horseback. Retire for the night in your spacious Lagoon room.

Day 2

Morning

Meet in the lobby after breakfast overlooking the beach in The Vue. Today you will learn the art of distilling gin with native botanicals on an exhilarating heli-foraging experience. Fly from Darwin on a 30-minute helicopter flight taking in views of the changing landscape below before arriving at Finniss River Lodge, a 50,000 acre (20,234 hectare) outback cattle station. Here, an expert guide will take you on a uniquely Australian foraging journey across the property’s landscapes on a ATV Buggy or Airboat (seasonality dependent) as you forage for native botanicals - searching for Quinine, Ti Tree, Turkey Bush, Paperbark, Waterlilly and more.

After morning tea, return to Darwin to the Darwin Distilling Co. and turn your harvest of native botanicals into a premium gin. Enjoy a gourmet lunch on site at Charlie's of Darwin while your gin distils, finishing the afternoon with a glass of your own blended gin and a 500ml (17 fl. oz) bottle to take home.

Evening

Transfer to Wharf One Food & Wine located along Darwin's waterfront. The restaurant's seasonal menu incorporates fire and smoke to create memorable dishes using local and Australian produce. Return to your accommodation after a full day.

Day 3

An outdoor dining table set for two sits on a sunlit lawn surrounded by lush tropical gardens, looking out over calm ocean waters at Pee Wee's at the Point in Darwin, Northern Territory. © Pee Wee's at the Point

Pee Wee's at the Point, Darwin, Northern Territory © Pee Wee's at the Point

Morning

Fly by helicopter to Litchfield National Park for an aerial tour of stunning untouched escarpments and waterfalls. Overfly Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, Florence Falls and the Cascades.

Afternoon

Touchdown back in Darwin and take a guided walking tour around the streets of Darwin with Outback Gourmet Food & Art Tour. Visit historic landmarks and the colourful murals that adorn the city. On the way, stop at Darwin’s award-winning restaurants for a full degustation meal featuring local, seasonal produce sourced from local producers. Savour local specialties that may include barramundi, crocodile, buffalo, and bush foods. Guests will also learn about local culture, contemporary history, architecture, horticulture and much more.

Evening

Return to the resort to refresh for the gala dinner. Transfer to Pee Wee’s at the Point, a short drive from the city. Immersed in lush tropical surrounds, enjoy sunset views and cocktails on the waterfront lawn. Dine on the lawn, indoors or on the paved area to savour a menu that showcases a feast of local produce including freshly caught prawns and barramundi. A perfect Darwin setting for a gala dinner, with capacity for 800 guests seated or 950 for cocktails. Return to your accommodation for your final night’s rest after a Top End program of unforgettable adventures.