Tourism
Mungo Lodge
Mungo Lodge is 100% owned by IBA and was purchased in October 2003. The Lodge is situated adjacent to Mungo National Park, located within the Willandera Lakes World Heritage Region of NSW. The region was granted World Heritage listing in 1981 in recognition of its Indigenous heritage, archaeological values and natural landscape.
Facilities include 17 cabins, a licensed restaurant and an all-weather airstrip. Since IBA's acquisition, significant refurbishment of the lodge complex has been undertaken to ensure the facility is consistent with AAA Tourism ratings. Mungo Lodge employed both Indigenous and non-Indigenous workers for the refurbishment and endeavours to employ locals to work in the Lodge as resident relief managers, housekeepers and waiting staff.
During late 2007 and early 2008 the Lodge was closed for major refurbishment works. The main Lodge building was expanded and remodelled. Improvements include a new kitchen, dedicated reception area, a retail shop, new bathrooms and new flooring and bar/dining area. The rooms were modified with new flooring, lighting, renovated bathrooms, larger rear decks and new furnishings. Other additions included new power generation, landscaping, greater water catchment and new staff accommodation. Further details at http://mungolodge.com.au/
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort - Shark Bay, Western Australia
In May 2002, IBA and the Yadgalah Corporation collectively acquired Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort; IBA holds 35% equity, Yadgalah Corporation holds 15% and the remaining 50% is held by the Aspen Group. For the Yadgalah people the investment offers a direct involvement in a world renowned and high profile resort.
Monkey Mia is renowned for a pod of visiting dolphins while the region is widely acclaimed for its significant ecological and biological interest. The resort offers visitors 8 beachfront villas, 52 garden villas, 24 beachfront rooms and budget accommodation. Other amenities include a mini supermarket, a tennis court, swimming pool, spa pool, powered caravan bays, camping sites, a 100 person restaurant, a café and bar. The partnership also owns the Shark Bay Airport, which is located 15kms from the Resort. A regional aviation company services the route with 4 scheduled flights per week.
Yadgalah representatives have equal voting rights at the executive level and a direct involvement in the Resort's future direction. IBA and Yadgalah agreed to sell their partnership interest to the Aspen group in late 2007. Settlement is expected to occur by late April 2008.
Fitzroy River Lodge - Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia
The Fitzroy River Lodge was established in 1989. IBA became involved in the business in July 2001, with Leedal Pty Ltd (Leedal). Leedal is made up of 6 family clans from within the wider Fitzroy valley. Leedal owns 70% of the Lodge while IBA holds a 26.4% share in the business.
The Lodge was built in the style of a pastoral homestead and includes 50 acres fronting the Fitzroy River. The Lodge offers travellers 48 motel rooms, 2 self-contained family units, 2 river view suites with spas, 30 safari lodges with ensuites, 110 powered caravan bay and extensive camping sites. Other amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, 2 restaurants, 2 bars and petrol facilities.
In 2006 Leedal acquired 16.4% of IBA's equity.
Kings Canyon Resort
Kings Canyon Resort is located in a loop off the main highway running between Uluru and Alice Springs. The Resort is situated 7 kilometres from the Watarrka National Park, home of Kings Canyon.
Designed to blend in with the environment, the Resort offers guests 36 deluxe spa rooms, 96 standard rooms, 36 budget lodge rooms and a camping ground. Other services include 2 swimming pools, a petrol station, 2 restaurants, and a bar and bistro.
IBA holds 17.23% equity in the Resort with the local Indigenous groups holding 36.58%. Further details at http://www.voyages.com.au/destinations/kingscanyon/
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda
The Gagudju Lodge Cooinda is located in the southern end of Kakadu National Park and operates Yellow Water Cruises. Other services on offer include 48 lodge rooms, 34 budget rooms, 400 powered camp sites, 2 swimming pools, a general store, bar and bistro, a restaurant, petrol facilities and Gorge and Waterfall Tours.
Cooinda completed an expansive capital works programme, including an extension to and sealing of the existing car park and the completion of a ring-road. The capital works programme also included a new 20‑metre billabong-shaped swimming pool (complete with rock features and waterfall), ablutions, tropical gardens and barbecue facilities. The facilitie's building was completely renovated in 2006 to include a new kitchen, ablutions, storage and dining areas.
Cooinda also operates the Warradjan Cultural Centre, which is shaped like a turtle. Warradjan means turtle in Bininji language. The Indigenous Traditional land owners (Bininji) from Murumburr, Mirrar Gundjeihmi, Badmardi, Bunitj, Girrimbitjba, Manilakarr, Wargol and other clans have combined to create an exciting and memorable exhibit. Through the displays, stories and exhibitions, tourists can gain a better understanding of the Bininji and their country, Kakadu.
IBA holds 70% equity and Gagudju Association (which represents the 10 Indigenous clan groups located at Kakadu) holds 30% equity.
Further details at http://www.gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au/
Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn
The Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is a 4 star rated hotel located at Jabiru, situated within the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. The Hotel is designed in the shape of a Crocodile and is 2.5 hours drive from Darwin. The design of the Hotel was chosen by the Gagudju Association because "Ginga" the giant crocodile, is of great cultural significance to the Gagudju people. Facilities include 110 guest rooms, 2 function rooms, restaurant, cocktail bar, art gallery, swimming pool and gift shop.
IBA holds 70% equity and Gagudju Association (which represents the 10 Indigenous clan groups located at Kakadu) holds 30% equity.
Further details at http://www.northernterritory.visitorsbureau.com.au/accommodation/holiday_inn_gagudju/crocodile_hotel.html
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Tjapukai Dance Theatre was the first Indigenous tourist attraction in Australia. Born of a need to portray Indigenous culture with dignity and pride, the operation opened in a Kuranda basement in 1987.
The Park allows visitors to experience every facet of Tjapukai culture, as well as interact and gain a greater understanding about the Tjapukai way of life and traditional practices. Tjapukai also operates an extensive retail outlet and a 250 seat restaurant.
IBA became involved in Tjapukai 1996 when it acquired 19.93% equity in the business. Budadji, representing the local Djabugay people, holds 15.82%, Irukandji representing the Yirrgandyji people holds 10.03% and Ngandjin holds 3.57%.
Tjapukai is one of the largest private employers of Indigenous people in Australia. The Tjapukai Board comprises 3 local Indigenous Directors who are nominated by their respective communities.
Tjapukai has won several state and national industry awards, including being inducted into the Australian Tourism Commission Hall of Fame and in 2004 being named Australia's best tourist attraction by the Australian Tourism Export Council.
Further details at http://www.tjapukai.com.au/
