The Beach
Enjoy our saltwater recreation lagoon and wriggle your toes in the sand at the Waterfront's man-made beach. Entry is free and the lagoon is patrolled by our friendly lifeguards.
A Mobi-Mat & beach wheelchair is available to help with accessibility.
What to expect
Take a dip in the beach at Darwin Waterfront. It's safe from crocodiles as a seawall separates the beach from the adjacent Darwin Harbour. The beach is continuously replenished with fresh sea water, which is filtered through fine mesh screens.
At the Beach you can enjoy swimming in saltwater, sand play, laying on the provided sun loungers, have a game of beach volleyball or take on the Aqua Park Challenge course and paddle boarding (ticketed).
For patrons with mobility issues or with a disability, the Life Saving team put out the ramp and Mobi-Mat daily to assist with sand and water access.
Weather
Like all outdoor activities, the precinct’s Wave and Recreation lagoons can be affected by the weather.
From October to April in the Top End, wet season storms can pose a danger. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds or less after a lightning flash, lifeguards will evacuate both lagoons.
If that happens, all swimmers and visitors must leave the water and lagoon areas to seek shelter. The lagoons will be re-opened once the storm has passed and thunder is heard 30 seconds or more after a flash of lightning.
For everyone’s safety, please listen to the lifeguards’ instructions and obey them immediately.
There are shady areas at both lagoons. Please be sun smart by wearing hats, using sun cream and drinking plenty of water—you can buy all these things from retail outlets around the precinct, including the Wave Lagoon kiosk.
You are welcome to bring your own temporary, light-weight shade tents, but nothing can be pegged into the ground without the Darwin Waterfront Corporation’s permission.
Pets
- Pets must not be left unattended at any time.
- Pets are not permitted on the beach or in the Recreation Lagoon.
- Pets are not permitted to urinate on hardscapes and infrastructure.
- Pets must be under effective control at all times.
Effective control means pets must be on a leash (restrained), immediately respond to command, and not disruptive or causing nuisance to other precinct users and wildlife.
Pets includes all animals, including assistance dogs.
Notice in accordance with Darwin Waterfront Corporation By-law 17 and relevant policies.
Weather
Like all outdoor activities, the precinct’s Wave and Recreation lagoons can be affected by the weather.
From October to April in the Top End, wet season storms can pose a danger. If thunder is heard within 30 seconds or less after a lightning flash, lifeguards will evacuate both lagoons.
If that happens, all swimmers and visitors must leave the water and lagoon areas to seek shelter. The lagoons will be re-opened once the storm has passed and thunder is heard 30 seconds or more after a flash of lightning.
For everyone’s safety, please listen to the lifeguards’ instructions and obey them immediately.
There are shady areas at both lagoons. Please be sun smart by wearing hats, using sun cream and drinking plenty of water—you can buy all these things from retail outlets around the precinct, including the Wave Lagoon kiosk.
You are welcome to bring your own temporary, light-weight shade tents, but nothing can be pegged into the ground without the Darwin Waterfront Corporation’s permission.
We value water
The Beach water is regularly checked and monitored for marine stingers. The Beach is home to fish, algae, and Cassiopeia jellyfish, which all help maintain a healthy marine environment. Fish have been known to brush up against swimmers occasionally. They eat the jellyfish and are needed to keep their numbers down. Fishing and feeding the fish in The Beach is prohibited.
