Darwin Waterfront

Darwin has constructed an extensive waterfront area, with a lagoon and beach, an artificial wave beach, and many apartment blocks, shops and restaurants.  There is a large grassed area by the beach popular with families and sunbathers.  The little beach fronts onto the man-made lagoon which is separated and raised from the ocean but connected by pumps with filters to keep the sharks, crocodiles and stinging jellyfish out.  Some little jellyfish do get in, so they also maintain a population of big fish to eat them and keep them under control.

Sue heading down to the beach.

There is a second "beach" near this one which is supplied with waves by some hidden machine.  You have to pay to get into that area, but it was filled with people when we saw it.

The artificial wave lagoon.

 

Frolicking in the waves

An ibis

Looking down on the lawn and beach, with the harbour beyond.

It is a very nice area to sit and eat your lunch, or your fish and chips in the evening.  There is also a large convention centre, and a long pier with restaurants out on the end.  A small driverless bus is operating to take people out along the pier and back.

The driverless bus undergoing trials along the waterfront.

In evening it was still calm and warm, so very pleasant sitting by the beach.