Kakadu’s iconic Crocodile Dundee croc-shaped hotel hits the market – leaving employees facing an uncertain future

The Northern Territory’s famed ‘Crocodile’ Dundee-inspired hotel has hit the market.

Built to resemble a crocodile, the 3.5-star accommodation is located at Jabiru in the Kakadu National Park, 254 km south east of the capital city of Darwin.

Opening in 1988 as the Gagudju Crocodile Hotel, the 110-room property is now operating as the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.

Expressions of interest for a leasehold are now underway and will close on April 17, reported the NT News on Friday. 

The operational staff are expected to continue in their jobs for at least six months. 

However, the publication says once the Mercure’s lease on the hotel ends in September it is not certain the company will renew their management deal with new owners – leaving staff in limbo.

Construction of the hotel came in the wake of a surge of tourists to the heritage protected Kakadu after Paul Hogan’s 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee became a world wide hit

 Expressions of interest for a leasehold are now underway, reported the NT News on Friday. The operational staff are expected to continue in their jobs for at least six months but after September their job security is uncertain

It is unclear what the owners of the new lease would do to the property which has been listed as an ‘upgrade’ opportunity to potential buyers.

Owned by the Indigenous Kakadu Tourism Group the unique design pays respect to the giant Ginga saltwater crocodile, which is spiritually significant to the local Gagudju people.

Construction of the hotel came in the wake of a surge of tourists to the heritage protected Kakadu after Paul Hogan’s 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee became a world wide hit, grossing over $300m on a $9m budget.

Partly filmed in Kakadu, Hogan’s blockbuster showed off the spectacular scenery of the park and surrounding wildlife.

After the Crocodile Hotel celebrated its 30th anniversary Kakadu Tourism said ‘Crocodile Dundee [put] both Kakadu and its crocodiles on the international tourist map.’

The hotel is 250 metres long and 30 metres wide and its design cleverly creates the impression of a giant crocodile, including typical features such as a snout and nostrils. 

The parking areas, meanwhile, are built to suggest crocodile eggs while the hotel entrance have design features like gaping jaws and teeth.

According to the Kakadu Tourism blurb the ‘ventilation units are housed within the crocodile’s slatted yellow eyes, which glow red at night.’

Owned by the Indigenous Kakadu Tourism Group the unique design pays respect to the giant crocodile, which is significant to the local Gagudju people

After the Crocodile Hotel celebrated its 30th anniversary Kakadu Tourism said ‘Crocodile Dundee [put] both Kakadu and its crocodiles on the international tourist map’

The hotel’s features include the Ochre Aboriginal art gallery, an internet kiosk, and the Escarpment Restaurant and Bar

The hotel’s features include the Ochre Aboriginal art gallery, a stunning swimming pool and a restaurant and bar. 

There’s also a landscaped swimming pool, business facilities and conference space for 250 delegates.

It comes after an iconic star from the smash hit movie tragically died in December.

Burt, the 5.1-metre 700kg monster crocodile from the comedy adventure film, who starred alongside Paul Hogan, died in captivity in Darwin.

He was thought to have been over 90 years old. 

Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile herpetarium and aquarium attraction which had kept Burt in captivity since 2008, announced the reptile’s death.

‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,’ the facility posted on its Facebook page.

‘Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.’