Improvements will be made at Stokes Hill Wharf’s car park to increase car parking from 88 to 150 spaces for patrons to continue enjoy this iconic tourist and dining attraction.

Large buses and coaches will continue to be able to access the wharf following the improvements.

Works will commence next Tuesday 20 June and finish Friday 23 June during which time the wharf car park will be closed but all businesses will remain open.

Contractors will work for extended periods to complete all required works within a short four day period to ensure disruption is as brief as possible during the peak season.

A free shuttle bus will operate between Indo Pacific Marine and the wharf from 9.45 am to 10 pm daily; and free all day parking will be provided at all Stokes Hill Road off-street parking during the works.

Following the improvements parking at the wharf will remain free, but limited to a maximum of 3 hours and further limited to 2 hours (between 4 pm to 9 pm), including public holidays.

To facilitate harbour cruise passengers and longer-stay customers, paid parking along Stokes Hill Road (off the wharf) will cease an hour earlier at 4 pm, to provide additional free parking options.

The Corporation will also introduce a daily free Waterfront Shuttle to regularly connect visitors between the hotels, Waterfront precinct businesses, residents and Stokes Hill Wharf.

“Last year the Corporation redesigned access to the wharf as a trial to allow for large coach buses and larger car parking spaces. This was successful with the likes of the Big Bus Darwin (Double Decker Bus) now servicing this iconic attraction, carrying 40 000 visitors per annum,” General Manager, Samuel Burke said.

“The wharf is incredibly popular with tourists and locals, the feedback received is that more carparks are critical for local retailers and some parking time limitations are needed to ensure availability of car parks during peak times.”

“We have listened and responded with a new car park design to meet the changing needs of our stakeholders including food retailers, harbour cruises, tour operators and attractions who operate from the wharf.”

The Corporation is committed to retaining the Waterfront’s position as the destination of choice for visitors and will continue to work with all stakeholders to make it the best place in Darwin to meet, dine, enjoy, stay and experience.

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