DARWIN WATER PARK IN THE WORKS
24 May 2018
In order to increase tourism and create jobs for the Northern Territory, the government has released big plans to develop a giant $100 million water theme park in Darwin’s CBD that will revitalise the harbour-side community and create a leisure venue for family and friends to enjoy.
The site is currently planned to be constructed in Strokes Hill Wharf, which features spectacular water views and a thriving community. The park will include a range of eateries, retail outlets, public spaces, residential and communal accommodation, entertainment precincts and recreational spaces and activities. Artist's impressions also show the possibility of the installation of a large flying fox, strung up across the entire park.
Expected to receive up to 300,000 visitors each year, the park will have a natural theme to it, inspired by the landscape of the Australian outback, which is occupied by a significant portion of the Northern Territory. The waterfalls, pools, "beaches", landmarks, and overall aesthetic of the park, are planned to closely resemble a Bali-style resort, nestled in the natural Australian landscape.
Elena Gomatos, Darwin City and Waterfront Retailers Association president, stated that “It will bring people to the city if it takes on Bali’s Waterbom-style park and it is great we are seeing this type of tourism infrastructure being encouraged but for locals, if there is a cost, it might be a once a year thing”.
In addition to the water park, the development will include a set of public walkways that offer uninterrupted communal access to the shore of Darwin’s harbourfront precinct.
“Done well, an international standard water theme park will encourage tourists to visit the Territory and stay longer, as well as improve the liveability of Darwin for locals,” commented Chief Minister, Michael Gunner.
The development comes in response to a plan to revitalise Darwin’s CBD and turn it into an international “tourism mecca”. 
“By investing in social and tourism infrastructure we will grow the Territory’s population, boosting the economy and creating jobs,” said Gunner.
The water park represents the government’s ambition to grow Darwin’s CBD and increase its liveability. By providing a large, exciting event and family destination, not only will tourist interest increase, but the local community will be revitalised. A key goal is to provide a significant point of interest for tourists to visit Darwin and increase their stay throughout the Northern Territory. In addition, it will create a wide range of investment and employment opportunities as well as provide a boost to the local economy.
As the plans for the park are still in the works, no opening date has been released.
