A Look Inside The Reimagined Darwin Airport Resort

Airport hotels these days aren’t forgettable like they used to be, with properties like the revitalised Darwin Airport Resort boasting luxurious amenities and artwork highlighting the Top End’s rich Aboriginal heritage.

From the Olympic-sized swimming pool lined with chic cabanas to the Indigenous training academy, Darwin Airport Resort offers so much more than a convenient crash pad en route to Dili or Denpasar. This tropical oasis, like many of the new airport hotels popping up around the globe, puts not only convenience, but hospitality and local culture at the forefront too.

History

Owned by one of Darwin’s largest private landowners, the Airport Development Group (ADG), the resort has been created out of the $30 million integration and facelift of the Novotel and Mercure airport hotels.

Starting with a vision by ADG in 2021, the massive project has resulted in one sprawling 423-room resort with a single reception area. The centrepiece is the huge new pool (think slick Bali resort), which at 61 metres in length and holding one million litres of water it is one of the largest hotel swimming pools in any Australian State or Territory capital city.

an aerial view of the pool at Darwin Airport Resort — You’ll find the new swimming pool at the centre of Darwin Airport Resort.

The location

Located on the traditional lands of the Larrakia people (the traditional owners of the Darwin region) the resort is smack bang on the doorstep of Darwin airport – just follow the directional signage for 300 metres or call the 24-hour shuttle service.

And don’t forget – at just 15-minutes’ drive from the Darwin CBD, the resort also offers visitors a luxury and spacious base for city-based sightseeing. It also serves as a convenient jumping off point for day drives to those Top End bucket list destinations, such as Litchfield National Park (100 kilometres south) and Kakadu National Park (150 kilometres southeast). It’s also very convenient for flights to the Tiwi Islands.

the view of the pool at night in Darwin Airport Resort — This tropical oasis sits right next to Darwin Airport.

First impressions

Local stories unfold from the moment I enter the grand open-air reception, where I spot Aboriginal art everywhere I look. I am awed by the 41-metre water tower, featuring an elaborate mural by Larrakia artist Tony Lee. Officially called Mamilima, the soaring mural tells three distinct local Dreaming stories, including the Rainbow Serpent and the creation of the stars.

an Indigenous mural at the facade of Darwin Airport Resort — An Indigenous mural greets you by the entrance.

Next, I spot a beautiful mural on the hotel building by Joanne Nasir called Journey of Travellers, depicting travellers from the Dreamtime. Nasir writes in her description: “Like the Nygabaya we travel on our journeys where we meet others, make new friends, experience, share and encourage others to visit. Sometimes, there is a deeper feeling, and we are inspired to stay".

the new Mercure pool at Darwin Airport Resort — The murals decorate the facade of the hotel.

A strong focus on connection to Larrakia Country continues throughout, with each villa named after a leading Aboriginal Territorian, such as: Billiamook, one of the first Larrakia to interact with white people; Robert Shepherd, a member of the 11th Light Horse Regiment (who served in the First World War); and Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM, who has been honoured for her many contributions to education and to the general community.

A priority of the hotel operation is to employ as many Indigenous staff as possible, and to achieve that goal ADG has set up an Indigenous Training Academy to deliver nationally recognised qualifications.

The Darwin Airport Resort will also launch the Gurambai Cultural Experience – a one-hour guided walk curated by Larrakia guides. Gurambai is the Larrakia name for the area known as Rapid Creek, just a short walk from the resort.

the Indigenous trainees at Darwin Airport Resort — Darwin Airport Resort hires as many Indigenous staff as possible.

The rooms

The resort’s 423 rooms come in 12 types, from standard to two-bedroom apartments and 14 luxury tropical villas with their own plunge pools – like the one I am lucky to occupy for the night.

a luxury tropical villa with a plunge pool — Settle into one of the luxe tropical villas.

Up in my private pool villa surrounded by tropical bushland, it’s impossible not to relax amongst the Scandinavian-inspired furniture featuring muted tones creating a serene canvas.

the pool villa interior at Darwin Airport Resort — Relax in your villa with your private pool waiting just outside.

Kicking back on the plush king-sized bed, captivated by the view of the plunge pool outside and visiting tropical birds, I pop the champagne and settle in for the afternoon.

a woman floating by the pool at Darwin Airport Resort — Soak up the tropical oasis.

Food and beverage

The new poolside dining option Splash Café joins the existing Cossies restaurant, which offers tropical cocktails, local barramundi and grills, salads, pizzas and burgers.

friends enjoying tropical cocktails at Darwin Airport Resort — Enjoy tropical cocktails by the pool.

During the day Splash Café serves up gourmet sandwiches, such as the bush tacker sandwich with lemon myrtle spiced grilled chicken and quandong mango chutney. Come nightfall the menu focuses on indulgent grazing boards and Australian seafood, including banana prawns and South Australian oysters.

Breakfast options are a la carte or the full buffet experience with barista-made coffee or if you’re in a rush there’s a grab-and-go breakfast assortment at Splash Cafe.

kids eating at Darwin Airport Resort — There’s also a kid-friendly menu for your children to enjoy.

Amenities available

The hub of the resort is the enormous new pool, where you can grab a cabana and chill out for the day. If you’re travelling with kids, next door there’s an aquatic play area with fountains, slides and other features where children can safely cool off in the tropical heat.

a woman swimming in the pool at Darwin Airport Resort — Cool off at one of the pools.

The laundry and barbeques are perfect for big families and travellers looking to save.

a family splashing around the fountain at the aquatic play area in Darwin Airport Resort — Go splashing around the aquatic play area.

Price of the room and packages

Guest rooms start from around $274 per night in a Deluxe Queen room including breakfast. Tropical Pool Villas, featuring a king bed, start from around $564 per night including breakfast.

kids enjoying at the new pool in Darwin Airport Resort — Spend time with your kids in the pool.

The verdict

Darwin Airport Resort has elevated Darwin’s luxury hotel scene. Its strong emphasis on Indigenous art, culture and history reverberates throughout the property, highlighting the rich Larrakia culture that might be unknown to the first-time visitor to the Northern Territory.

an aerial view of the Mercure pool at Darwin Airport Resort — The Olympic-sized swimming pool is not to be missed.

Score: 4/5

We rated: The friendly service, the mesmerising swimming pool and the strong sense of place.

We’d change: Speed up the refurbishment of all the rooms (scheduled to be complete by early 2025).

Address: 1 Sir Norman Brearly Drive, Darwin

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

A look inside Darwin’s reimagined airport resort