I have and it’s beautiful!
I traveled up there the week before last and was very impressed.
Especially with the Wharf precinct. That’s where you’ll find the Darwin Convention Centre.
I was there to attend the “Housing 2030” Conference.
I was taken back by how beautiful this area has turned out.
I remember visiting the Wharf Precinct in the past and being disappointed. Construction going on everywhere and the place was a mess. And, it seemed like it was taking a long time to complete. I was beginning to think it would just be an ongoing project; never ending.
But, I was wrong. It’s completed and they’ve done a masterful job.
The convention center looks out over an open area comprising of water and greenery.
The water portions are two fold. First is an ocean inlet sectioned off by a evenly stacked rock wall with a walkway on top. Next, is the modern wave pool that’s a big hit for tourists and locals alike. Both water features add huge value to the attractiveness of the setting.
The greenery consists of simple but very beautiful grass and tree combinations. The green grass offers an inviting setting. With cleverly and aesthetically designed tables and benches for people to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. The trees are varied and appropriately placed to provide beauty but not clutter the area.
The other buildings surrounding the precinct are very well positioned as well as attractively designed. A large multi-story hotel sits right behind the wave pool. On the ground floor is a series of retail venues including a coffee shop, travel agency and restaurant.
Then there are modern apartement complexes following a pathway out to the water edge. Again, on the ground floor are more retail shops adding a very cosmopolitan and upmarket feeling. As I walked along this ground floor pathway, I had a sense of excitement about what it would be like to live here. To have this lifestyle on a daily basis. To get to know the shop owners. Maybe get a local discount? Maybe enter into some profitable business partnerships? Maybe just make some great friends? It just seems like a great place to make things – good things – happen.
If I had to use one word to describe the Darwin Wharf Precinct is would be this … LIFESTYLE! The place has it. It’s captured the essence of lifestyle – good lifestyle.
Congratulations to all who contributed to the development of the Wharf Area. You’ve done a great job. The list would include everyone from the city planners to the building designers; from the developers to the investors and owner occupiers; to the grounds keepers and the maintenance workers; to the shop owners.
My hat’s off to you all. You’ve done it. You’ve created an awesome lifestyle area. Thanks.