A free Darwin Waterfront shuttle bus will commence operations today.

The bus will operate at peak lunch and dinner times; from 11.30 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.

The new service will improve connectivity around the precinct, linking Stokes Hill Wharf, the Cruise Ship Terminal, residential apartments, hotels and various other precinct attractions.

“As the Darwin Waterfront Precinct continues to grow, it’s important that we make it as easy as possible for people to move around the area and access all the services available,” Samuel Burke, General Manager of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation said.

“Improving connectivity is an important priority for the Waterfront and broader Darwin CBD, the Corporation has found efficiencies within its existing operational budget to provide this new service in response to the needs of our visitors and stakeholders.”

“The Darwin Waterfront has previously trialled a ‘park and ride’ service to Stokes Hill Wharf which carried over 23,000 passengers from July to December 2016.”

“Given the success and uptake of this service in the past, we are excited to provide an all-encompassing route which will properly connect the Waterfront precinct during peak times in comfort and ensure we remain one of the best places for locals and tourist to visit and enjoy all year.”

Eight bus stops are clearly identified with yellow signage at locations around the precinct.

Everyone is welcome to use the service. The rules to ride are the same as the rules on public transport.

“The NT Government is committed to a vibrant CBD and is continuing to listen to the needs of businesses and patrons who have requested better connectivity in and around the Waterfront precinct,” Local Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby said.

“Initiatives such as this make a visit to the Waterfront much more comfortable and easy, particularly in the hotter and wetter months of the year.” 

“The ‘park and ride’ concept is one which has been successfully used around the world and allows connectivity over large areas, as well as transport convenience for visitors including cruise ship passengers.”

“Residents, hotel guests and those in short-stay apartments can now catch the bus to the wharf or Deckchair Cinema and return home safe as well as continue to catch public bus routes into the CBD and beyond. For those in the CBD, it’s a five-minute walk over the sky bridge and you can catch the new shuttle at the pick-up point on Kitchener Drive (near the Coffee Club).”

To find view the bus schedule and for more information about the Darwin Waterfront visit waterfront.nt.gov.au 

Media contact: Paola McCarthy, Events and Marketing Manager, 0437 621 433