The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is undergoing a major transformation, with the addition of the multi-million-dollar Larrakia Cultural Centre and a 236-room hotel, with both projects slated for completion in 2026.

The A$250-million (US$168 million) redevelopment will also include Australia’s first saltwater surf, a snorkelling lagoon, 2.8 hectares of additional public parklands, a range of multipurpose spaces, and enhanced F&B offerings. These will join existing accommodation, restaurants, bars, shops, wave pool, and public spaces that currently make up the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

Rebecca McCaig, director of Northern Territory Business Events, stated: “The redevelopment will provide business events visitors with access to accommodation located adjacent to the convention centre, along with new cultural experiences, dining and event space options at the nearby Larrakia Cultural Centre.

“There will also be an enhanced range of social programme and leisure activity choices at the Waterfront Precinct, all within easy walking distance of the convention centre and accommodation providers.”

The new Larrakia Cultural Centre, located directly opposite the Darwin Convention Centre, will feature the rich heritage and culture of The Larrakia People, traditional custodians of the Darwin region. Corporate groups will be able to partake in Larrakia cultural ceremonies, view artworks or make their own Larrakia art, such as a weaving or painting. The centre will boast several function spaces including four meeting rooms, an outdoor amphitheatre for up to 150 people, and a restaurant for up to 120 diners.

Also under construction a five-minute walk from the Darwin Waterfront Precinct is the three-storey Northern Territory Art Gallery. The building – to be completed by end-2025 – will house four exhibition spaces showcasing Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and South-east Asian artworks, a grand foyer, dedicated community spaces, a retail shop, and café. The gallery will host a rotating calendar of national and international exhibitions, offering opportunities for business event groups to participate in art programmes, special events, and festivals.

When asked about the target markets for Northern Territory, McCaig told TTGmice: “NT Business Events continues to engage with key markets in the Asia Pacific, with the Northern Territory’s close proximity and aviation access to this region playing a key role in attracting targeted business events.

“With the daily direct Singapore Airlines services to be joined in late March 2025 by Qantas flights five times per week, increased Singapore to Darwin capacity is expected to attract marketplace attention. The Singapore aviation hub also provides one-stop access to a wide range of destinations across South-east Asia and beyond.”