Journey Beyond has confirmed it has completed the acquisition of the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel operations in the Northern Territory, bringing the Australian tourism icon officially into the group’s portfolio.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome the Crocodile Hotel to the group,” said Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent. “This property is more than just a place to stay; it is a gateway to the heart of Kakadu. With significant investment planned for the hotel, we look forward to growing awareness and demand to Kakadu, expanding the operational offering and delivering the exceptional experience that our guests expect.”
The 110-room hotel, uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu’s most famous resident, the saltwater crocodile, is located in the township of Jabiru within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. It features the Manjmukmuk Restaurant and Bar, conference facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site art gallery showcasing local artwork.
The addition complements Journey Beyond’s existing Northern Territory icons, including The Ghan and Ayers Rock Resort, and strengthens the group’s commitment to showcasing the Top End’s Indigenous culture and landscapes.
The hotel sits on land leased from the Mirarr Traditional Owners through Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Jabiru Town (GACJT). Tallent said Journey Beyond “very much looks forward to working with GACJT to further develop opportunities across employment, education and enterprise.”
GACJT, on behalf of the Mirarr Traditional Owners, said the deal was “a positive step in the delivery of the Mirarr Jabiru Masterplan which sees Jabiru as a key North Australian location for ecofriendly tourism, active outdoor tourism and Indigenous cultural tourism.”
Kakadu Tourism director of sales and marketing, Sam Waldron, said the acquisition was “great news for the future of tourism in Kakadu and the Top End,” adding Kakadu Tourism had been “privileged to represent such an iconic property” and looked forward to “watching Journey Beyond breathe new life into the hotel.”
It’s business as usual at the Crocodile Hotel, with the existing management team remaining in place under Journey Beyond’s stewardship.
