There are many places to stay in Darwin, from caravan parks to motels. However, accommodation is at a peak in the winter months, so we highly recommend that you consider booking as early as possible. Further information will be available soon, so keep your eye on this page.
The wonderful people at Aurora Kakadu Hotel in Kakadu are offering Square Dancers accommodation for $111 a night for two people. The normal price is $225 per night, so this is quite a saving! To book your accommodation, please telephone them on 08 8979 0166 or email them at : kakadu@auroraresorts.com.au and mention that you are a National Square Dance Convention Delegate. Their website is : www.auroraresorts.com.au We are very grateful to them for giving us such a large saving at a very special park, so if you have the time, it is worth the trip. It is only two hours from Darwin, so it is not a huge distance to travel.
We have been in touch with Northern Gateway, who are keen to help dancers with all aspects of their stay in Northern Territory. Please have a look at their website to see what they are offering. If you choose to contact them, don't forget to mention that you are travelling to Darwin for the Convention. Their details are:
"Top End Escapes" manager, Kim Holt, has been in touch with us, she is keen to help dancers with all aspects of their holiday - from finding accommodation to organising tours. ://www.TopEndEscapes.com.au. Kim knows all about the Convention, so don't forget to tell her that you are coming over to square dance. If you want to email her directly, you can email her at: kim.holt@topendescapes.com.au Don't forget to say that you are a square dancer going to Darwin.
For those who prefer to stay in apartments or houses, have a look at the Stayz website: www.stayz.com.au. You will find that Stayz don't take bookings for 2011. Their automated system seems to stop in 2010. Don't worry about that. We have found that if we put in a booking for 2009 and send an email with the booking explaining about the Convention, we receive a return email from the property owners. That way you can deal directly with them and make your booking.
The Cavenagh is a backpackers hotel that caters for all types. Their rates are as follows:
Hotel accommodation:
Double/Single room: $140 per room per night
one queen size bed, ensuite bathroom and toilet, T.V, Mini bar
fridge, airconditioning, tea and coffee facilities
Triple/Twin room: $160 per room per night
one queen size bed, one single bed, ensuite bathroom and
toilet, T.V, Mini bar fridge, airconditioning, tea and coffee facilities.
Dormitory accommodation:
4 share: $30 per person per night
2 sets of bunks that make 4 beds, ensuite bathroom and toilet,
airconditioning and mini fridge.
6 share: $30 per person per night
3 sets of bunks that make 6 beds, ensuite bathroom and
toilet, airconditioning and mini fridge.
12share: $25 per person per night
6 sets of bunks that make 12 beds, 2x
ensuite bathroom and toilets and airconditioning.
Call Catherine Carter, who is the Accommodation manager at the Cavenagh Hotel. Her email is catherine@thecavenagh.com
and her phone number is (08) 8941 6383
For the lucky people who will be travelling to Darwin with their caravans, don't forget to contact Mal and Chris Parrington and the TAWS group. They will keep you informed of dances along the way and let you know who else is travelling to Darwin, so you may be able to link up with other Square Dancers along the way.
These parks are with 8 - 10 km of the venue, so they are convenient. There are other Caravan Parks, but they are not so keen to take bookings for 2011. We will put their details up as soon as we know they are open for bookings.
Hire Cars We have been in touch with Thrifty Cars, which is the largest dealership in Darwin. The manager, Letch, will offer all dancers 10% discount on car hire. Don't ring the Thrifty National telephone number, ring the local number, which is (08) 8924 0000. Please quote the code NTCD0010 when making the booking, to ensure your discount. He assures us that he has quite a large number of cars, so they should have enough to cover our requirements. This offer is valid only in Darwin and we are allowed only 5 days either side of the convention with this special offer, so book as soon as you can, to avoid disappointment.
