THE Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru – or ‘The Croc’ as it is known locally – is celebrating its 30th anniversary in style next month.
The anniversary will involve a gala dinner on October 26, with dinner and accommodation packages released for the event.
Often said to be “the only croc you want to end up inside”, the hotel’s unique design was selected because of the crocodile’s cultural significance to Kakadu’s Gagudju people. Ginga, the giant crocodile, is a spirit ancestor of the Gagudju people.
Located in the township of Jabiru, The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel’s debut in 1988 opened up the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park to modern tourism. The hotel quickly built on the success of Crocodile Dundee (1986), which put Kakadu and its crocodiles on the international tourist map.
The hotel is built as a 250-metre long, 30-metre wide giant crocodile. The circular parking areas represent crocodile eggs; the hotel entrance is its gaping jaws with menacing teeth. Ventilation units are housed within the crocodile's slatted yellow eyes, which glow red at night. The head section of the hotel incorporates reception, an expansive marble foyer – a cool green oasis – the Escarpment Restaurant and Bar, gift shop, internet kiosk and the renowned Ochre Aboriginal art gallery.
Anniversary packages include:
· Gala Dinner: inclusive of canapes and welcome drinks, a five-course degustation menu, premium drinks package, live entertainment - $199 per person;
· Gala Dinner & overnight accommodation package: one night’s accommodation on October 26, Gala Dinner tickets and buffet breakfast - $562 for two (double/twin share), $343 for one person (single)
· Gala Dinner and a Kakadu Weekend accommodation package: two nights’ accommodation (October 26 and 27), Gala Dinner tickets, buffet breakfast on both mornings, and Yellow Water Cruise - $849 for two (double/twin share), $549 for one (single).
The Croc has been a champion of Indigenous art over the past three decades, with Kakadu artists working onsite to create works of art for sale in the Ochre Gallery which will offer 30 per cent off artworks over the weekend.
Fully indigenous-owned, the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is part of the Kakadu Tourism group and is managed by AccorHotels.
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