Darwin is exploring the possibility of trialling a new beachside RV park in time for the peak tourist season.
The council is seeking public feedback on the idea of offering a recreational vehicle park at a site at Bundilla Beach, just north of the Darwin Ski Club at Fannie Bay.
“City of Darwin is exploring ideas to develop the local economy, support tourism growth and position Darwin as an attractive tourism destination,” the council said. “By implementing the proposed Bundilla Beach RV park trial, we would be able to provide more accommodation options near the CBD during Darwin’s busy 2023 peak visitor period.”
If supported, the trial would see around 20 RVs accommodated at Bundilla Beach. The trial would end in 2023.
The proposed site of the RV Park trial. PIC: City of Darwin
The council says that, should the proposed trial proceed and be found successful, further assessments will be undertaken to determine whether a long-term RV Park is suitable.
City of Darwin would then seek expressions of interest from prospective operators. All costs would be borne by the successful applicant following the expressions of interest process.
“There will be a dump point installed during the trial period with costs borne by the successful applicant,” the council said. “Recreational vehicles using the space would be self-sufficient regarding water, washing, showering, and cooking needs.”
The site for the proposed trial is City of Darwin land, which is currently being used as a car park has a bitumen surface, and was arrived at following an assessment of locations close to key services and amenities, and that met access, security and traffic management requirements.
The council says no permanent structures will be constructed on the site. A dump point will be installed nearby, and some additional lighting and temporary fencing may be erected for security purposes.
Anyone wishing to make a submission about the proposal can do so here.
The survey closes on May 12, 2023.
All responses received during the engagement period will be compiled in a report and provided to Council for their consideration.
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What a great idea, near the Mindil market, parap markets, museum, Fannie Bay Jaol and many more tourist spots and great eateries. Hope it becomes permanent, can’t wait to go back to visit Darwin
Don’t get your hopes up just yet. This Council is not the best with following through with some of their ideas. Also, any time now a sacred site will be discovered. Aside from my pessimism this is not a bad idea.
We spent two wks around Darwin and the hassles we had left us asking “why bother”. We could not find a space for our self contained motorhome and Rangers were no help. We don’t don’t wish to ever travel over to Darwin at huge costs to get there, then find little of interest in that one horse city.
At long last the DCC has realised that GN’s like to have a location in close proximity to the ocean, shops and markets.
Its about time, and a good decision.
The city businesses will reap rewards from this.
There is enough room along the Darwin foreshore to build an area for the back packer wizz bangers too with toilets…they spend money as well.
Then they will spread the word they’re made to feel welcome instead of fines and hunting them away.
ALL visitors should be made to feel welcome to our cities and towns.
Does this mean that all the overseas backpackers in their Wicked Campers will be able to stay in the new RV Park instead of staying illegally in the Mindle Beach carpark?
Maybe not, “Recreational vehicles using the space would be self-sufficient regarding water, washing, showering, and cooking needs.”
But then again, who knows…..
Unless there is some kind of security gate you will not stop backpackers from getting in and parking They are a resourceful lot
Yep come in late go early save some money
Stayed at several in France, only a dump point and fresh water, cost €5 a night, could be anything from 1/2 dozen RV’s to 100’s. But knowing what ripoffs there are in Australia probably want $50 a night. $10 a night would be a fair fee, $15 tops.
I can’t see why they want an “operator”, all they need is someone in the locality to go around in the morning or evening to collect the fees or a coin in the slot or credit card reader to obtain a code to open the barrier, the code would be changed daily. KISS.
Spot on Alan. Why the hell can’t the councillors and Council staff come up with these ideas. They need to travel more.
I would be concerned about security.
Doesn’t look like the council really want this to go ahead as they expect someone to outlay money to be the operated, without any way of recouping the outlay of money. The trial should be run completely by council. Try checking out how well it runs from the Julia Creek QLD Council. I for 1 would love to be able to stay close to the CBD as we are currently on our way to NT & working out where we can stay that’s not expensive so we can attend the famous Mindle Beach Markets , as well as enjoy Darwin & spend our money in the many businesses, but if we have to pay $50-$70 a night at Caravan parks we won’t have anything left for anything. Come in Darwin Council do the right thing if you want more outside tourist money
Hope they put a time limit on stays. Have seen what happens when no limit.
Fantastic idea! I love Darwin, would love to stay longer, but find the caravan parks so expensive during the dry season….Now I could mix it up between CP’s & RV parking
Sound like a great idea!
I’ve not been to Darwin yet and I’m looking forward to it!
Let’s hope they have sensible rules about grey water. “Fully self contained” is interpreted differently by different land managers and is an almost useless term. If the rule is “no grey water on the ground” thats fine so long as you don’t mandate grey holding tanks and allow grey water totes. These can be emptied daily in the dump point a built in tank can’t.
Also set a time limit for how long people can stay and enforce it!!!!
A no brainer. If water is not being provided expect taps in the area to become popular. Vans do have tanks to be filled. No mention of power, so will the council allow generators?