World’s only croc-shaped hotel up for grabs
![Gagudju Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru in Kakadu National Park.
Northern Territory (NT) / Hotels / Resorts Travel](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru in Kakadu National Park back in 1995.
That’s not a hotel, this is a hotel.
The Territory’s most iconic lodgings – a crocodile-shaped hotel in the heart of Kakadu National Park – has hit the market.
The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, the only crocodile-shaped hotel in the world, is being presented by Colliers as a “leasehold interest and business opportunity” offered via expressions of interest closing April 17.
Originally named Gagudju Crocodile Hotel, the property was built by the Gagudju Association in 1988 on Mirarr Country, and is now part of the indigenous-owned Kakadu Tourism group.
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The Crocodile Hotel basked in the spotlight shone on Kakadu by the success of Crocodile Dundee. Picture: Paramount Pictures
You literally step into the belly of the beast swimming in the protected pool at the centre of the hotel.
It’s understood the operational staff at the hotel will remain as is during the transaction and just after.
The shape of the hotel was chosen due to the cultural significance of the crocodile to the local Gagudju people with ‘Ginga’, the giant crocodile, being one of their spirit ancestors.
The hotel was instrumental in opening up Kakadu to tourism after the success of ‘Crocodile Dundee’ put the region – and its resident crocs – on the map.
No doubt at the time it attracted mobs of international tourists just itching to crack out their best “that’s not a knife” impression at every meal and planning their daily “walkabout”.
Long after the Crocodile Dundee spotlight faded, the Croc Hotel went on to star in the 2019 hit ‘Top End Wedding’ alongside fellow Territory icon, Miranda Tapsell.
The hotel featured in ‘Top End Wedding’ alongside Miranda Tapsell. Picture: Supplied.
The pool at the centre of the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. Picture: realcommercial.com.au
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The Colliers listing said the Crocodile Hotel was “privileged to be situated in one of only a handful of UNESCO World Heritage Listed National Parks that is recognised for both its cultural and natural significance”.
“Renowned for the crocodile-shaped design, the hotel is built around a large, landscaped swimming pool and features extensive leisure and business facilities, including conference space for up to 250 delegates and 110 rooms,” the listing said.
“An incoming investor has the opportunity to enhance this iconic Hotel and establish it as the premier choice for hotel accommodation in Kakadu National Park.”
The shape of the hotel was inspired by local Kakadu crocs. Picture: Justin Kennedy
Inside the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. Picture: realcommercial.com.au
The listing suggested possible enhancements such as upgrading the rooms, restaurant and conference facilities, and further developing cultural tourism and the Ochre Art Gallery.
The hotel is 250m long, 30m wide and built around a central swimming pool.
The entrance is through the croc’s jaws while a restaurant, bar and art gallery are situated in the head.
Guests get to sleep in the belly and tail of the beast.
The hotel has been managed by a variety of companies since completion including Accor, IHG, Bass and SPHG.
Tourists are drawn to the stunning national park and the king of the river.
