‘Crocodile Dundee’ moment for mega Chinese famil in Kakadu
A powerful boost for the Top End as China Southern Airline’s first direct Guangzhou–Darwin flight in years delivers a large Chinese famil into Kakadu, showcasing everything from culture to crocodile encounters
Northern Australia’s international tourism revival gained fresh momentum this month when a large-scale Chinese famil group touched down in Darwin on the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou and headed straight for the heart of the Top End to experience Kakadu.
The new three-times-weekly service marks Darwin’s first direct connection to mainland China in years and is tipped to deliver more than 52,000 seats annually between the two cities, unlocking strong new inbound potential through China Southern’s extensive domestic and international network.
To showcase the Northern Territory’s iconic tourism offering, Kakadu Tourism supported Tourism NT in hosting a high-profile famil of Chinese trade, media and airline delegates in Kakadu National Park. The group included representatives from leading travel brands such as Trip.com, China Youth Travel Service, Guangzhou Newstar International and Zuzuche Guangdong, with ground transport provided by Down Under Safaris.
Read more about Kakadu’s ‘unique’ Crocodile Hotel HERE
The ‘Crocodile Dundee’ themed itinerary began with a memorable arrival at the distinctive Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, where the group dined at Manjmukmuk Restaurant and explored the Ochre Art Gallery showcasing works by local Bininj/Mungguy artists.
From there, delegates enjoyed a scenic flight over Kakadu’s waterfalls with Kakadu Air before landing at Cooinda for an overnight stay at Cooinda Lodge. Cultural immersion followed at the Warradjan Cultural Centre, where Traditional Owners shared 65,000 years of Aboriginal history and connection to Country.
A Yellow Water Cruise delivered close-up encounters with Kakadu’s abundant wildlife, including towering five-metre crocodiles, while Mimi’s Restaurant at Cooinda Lodge introduced the group to Northern Territory produce, with crocodile on the menu.
The famil wrapped up at one of Kakadu’s most recognisable landscapes, Nourlangie (Burrungkuy), famed for its ancient rock art and sweeping escarpment views featured in the Crocodile Dundee films.
Kakadu Tourism Director of Sales and Marketing Sam Waldron said the visit demonstrated the park’s powerful appeal for international visitors and its ease of access from Darwin.
“China Southern Airlines is the sixth new direct service introduced to Darwin in the past year, and with Kakadu so close to the city and offering such unique experiences, we believe there is enormous potential to build our inbound market over the coming years,” Ms Waldron said.
“Next year also marks the 40th anniversary of Crocodile Dundee, which first put Kakadu on the world tourism map. Today the destination is even more compelling, with improved access, enhanced accommodation at Cooinda and the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and a broader range of touring options than ever before.”
With direct air links returning and international interest rising, Kakadu is once again stepping confidently onto the global tourism stage.
