Darwin is in the middle of a makeover. The city's Waterfront Precinct project covers 25 hectares of a former industrial site. It will become the city's hub of business, tourism and recreation. We decided to ask Kelly Landry to go to the Top End to see how things are progressing.
The precinct is connected to the CBD by a pedestrian link and will be a public space with all the facilities you would expect in a tropical harbour city with an almost endless summer. Stage one of Darwin's Waterfront Precinct is already home to a conference centre, wave pool, lagoon and hotels.
The Medina Grand and Vibe Hotel have great access to it all. The two chains share common areas — the foyer and pool. The Medina Grand has fully self-serviced apartments and Vibe has hotel-style rooms.
Medina Grand
This snappy hotel has 121 studio rooms and one-bedroom apartments. They are air-conditioned, have fully equipped kitchen, in-room safe, in-house movies and some have balconies. Apartments have separate lounge and dining area, refrigerator/freezer and laundry. It has a pool and gymnasium, restaurant and bar and great outdoor area.
Vibe Hotel
Right next door, Vibe Hotel has 120 air-conditioned rooms, restaurant and bar, pool and gymnasium. Curve Cafe + Bar opens at 6.30am for an early breakfast, brunch and lunch. In the evenings, it's where you start your evening with a fancy cocktail before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Wave Lagoon
The size of three Olympic pools, Wave Lagoon is capable of creating a range of wave types, including one of 1.2m to keep boogie boarders happy. It's 2m at its deepest, sloping to a zero depth which is ideal for wading toddlers.
In a place where the temperature is an average of 30°C in winter, it's no wonder it's already popular — and most importantly it is safe from stingers and crocodiles. Water is chlorinated salt and lifeguards are on patrol.
Location
Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory.
Cost
Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront apartments start at $180 a night.
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront rooms start at $160 a night.
Wave Lagoon admission is $5 for half day and $8 for a full day for adults and $3.50 and $5 for children. Half-day sessions are between 10am and 2pm and 2pm to 6pm. Full-day sessions are from 10am to 6pm.
Virgin Blue has flights to Darwin.
One-way fares from:
- Melbourne $169
- Brisbane $199
- Sydney $235
- Canberra $245
- Adelaide $245
- Perth $279
- Hobart $320
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the Internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at July 23, 2009 and are subject to change.
All prices correct at July 23, 2009.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront
7 Kitchener Drive
Darwin 0800
Ph: (08) 8982 9999
Fax: (08) 8982 9700
www.medina.com.au
mgdw@medina.com.au
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
1 Kitchener Drive
Darwin 0800
Ph: (08) 8982 9998
www.vibehotels.com.au
vhdw@vibehotels.com.au
Waterfront Precinct
www.waterfront.nt.gov.au
