The Darwin Waterfront Corporation is now seeking Expressions of Interest from transport providers to deliver a free, continuous shuttle service through the Darwin Waterfront precinct and car parks to Stokes Hill Wharf from 4pm to 10pm daily.

In addition, changes will be made to the Stokes Hill Wharf car park layout to soon allow access for large tourist coach buses, and facilitate safe pedestrian access from the car park to Wharf businesses.

“Stokes Hill Wharf is an iconic location for harbour-side dining, fishing and harbour cruises and tours,” Sam Burke, General Manager of Darwin Waterfront Corporation said.

 “Due to its popularity, it is no secret that the car park on the Wharf is under significant pressure; reaching capacity almost nightly during both the Wet and Dry Seasons.”

“These changes will increase the flow of visitors to the wharf which means increased business for retailers and operators.”

“With the new Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility & Bombing of Darwin attraction and new tourist pontoon facility both due to be operational by August 2016, the Corporation is committed to ensuring the visitor infrastructure has as much capacity as possible, particularly for large tourist coaches and buses.”

Strong support has also been received from local tour/transport providers, including the Darwin (Double Decker) Explorer Bus, which will soon be able to incorporate this iconic Darwin destination into the itinerary.

 “We operate our service around Darwin for tourists daily and have done so for the last three years,” Matt O’Reilly from Darwin Explorer Bus said.

“Inclusion of this iconic attraction will provide added value for clients to enjoy the offerings available at Stokes Hill Wharf, with our tours scheduled to include the wharf every 35 minutes in the morning and every 45 minutes in the afternoon.”

Works on the improved car park layout will commence on Monday 27 June 2016 and are expected to take three weeks. Whilst the works occur some delays and interruptions to access are expected however patrons are encouraged to adhere to the changed conditions accordingly.

During the time of works, an interim courtesy shuttle will commence on Monday 27 June, from 4pm to 10pm daily. The free service will operate between Indo Pacific Marine on Stokes Hill Road and Stokes Hill Wharf public car park.

The call for EOI submissions for courtesy shuttle providers will close on Monday 11 July (4pm CST).

For more information email darwinwaterfront@nt.gov.au or call 08 8999 5155.

ENDS

Media Contact: Paola Ciarla, Events & Marketing Manager 0437 621 433