Territory’s iconic Kings Canyon Resort sold by Darwin casino owners during $60m buying spree

THE Territory’s iconic Kings Canyon Resort has been sold by Delaware North — the owners of Darwin’s Mindil Beach Casino resort — during a $60m buying spree

Kings Canyon ... the iconic Kings Canyon Resort has been sole by the owners of Darwin’s Mindil Beach Casino resort, Delaware North

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AUSTRALIA’S largest regional accommodation provider has gone on a $60m buying spree snapping up the iconic Kings Canyon Resort and the exclusive Kimberley resort El Questro from the US owners of Darwin’s Mindil Beach Casino resort, Delaware North.

New owners, the G’Day Group, have announced plans for a $15m upgrade of the Central Australia resort and said the purchase was the “first of a few” in the Territory.

The planned Kings Canyon resort upgrade will create 120 jobs during construction and an additional 60 ongoing positions.

Delaware North has owned and operated Kings Canyon Resort for the past 12 years and managing director Gary Brown said the decision to sell the three properties, including one in NSW, had been a difficult one.

The iconic Kings Canyon Resort has been sold by Delaware North, the owners of Darwin’s Mindil Beach Casino resort

“As Delaware North, along with the broader hospitality industry, continues to rebound from the impact of COVID-19, this strategic divestiture aligns with the company’s decision to refocus on its core business of providing world-class hospitality services at high-profile places such as casinos, sports stadiums, airports, and remote mining locations,” he said.

G’day Group plans to work with the NT government on activating self-drive through the Red Centre and across to WA.

G’day Group chief executive Grant Wilckens, who is also chairman of the Caravan Industry Association and board director of the South Australian Tourism Commission, says he sees huge potential to re-establish Kings Canyon as one of the most exciting resorts in Australia.

“While grand in its heyday, the Resort has aged and is in need of investment,” Mr Wilckens said.

“We have big plans to refurbish the property, helping to attract more visitors to the Red Centre who stay longer and spend more in the local tourism economy.”

Kings Canyon Resort is a 279ha freehold property with two restaurants, BBQ area, bar, two swimming pools, tennis court, general store and petrol station.

The property has 368 accommodation sites comprising lodging, glamping, caravan and tent sites and resort rooms.

Kings Canyon ... the iconic Kings Canyon Resort has been sole by the owners of Darwin’s Mindil Beach Casino resort, Delaware North

Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Minister Chansey Paech said G’Day Group’s plans were a sign of confidence in Territory tourism and would boost the profile of the Red Centre.

“This is a major tourism investment that will create jobs, increase visitation and boost economic growth in the Gwoja region,” he said.

“The Kings Canyon Resort is set on the edge of the Watarrka National Park, a stunning ancient landscape that is one of Australia’s jewels. This new ownership, from a highly regarded tourism entity in the national drive market sector, will be instrumental in rebuilding Central Australia as a premium visitor destination.

“It will bring confidence and new energy to a bank of properties that are crucial for Central Australian tourism experiences.”

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G’day reached $1bn company status in 2020. It has 300 properties across Australia and is home to three brands; Discovery Parks (owned and managed parks), G’day Parks (independently owned licensed parks) and G’day Rewards (membership program).