Casuarina Aquatic & Leisure Centre

The $26.8 million revamp of Casuarina Aquatics & Leisure Centre has transformed one of Darwin’s most popular recreational destinations into a modern, vibrant and family-friendly community hub. Opened in mid-2024, the upgrade breathes new life into the 47-year-old facility, delivering expanded aquatic and leisure amenities for residents across northern Darwin.

Made possible through the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, together with a $19.3 million contribution from the City of Darwin, the new centre includes an eight-lane 50-metre pool, a 25m learn to swim pool, a resort-style lagoon pool with shaded wet play, a shaded dry playground, open ball games area, half court basketball court and barbecue facilities all with a strong commitment to accessibility. The facility has proven highly popular with locals, including lead landscape architect Marisa Fontes on the project, President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NT Branch.

“It’s been a great success. I go swimming there three times a week, so I’m very familiar with the setup and how people are using the facilities,” says Fontes.

Fontes chose the Aria modular Seating System, using the angled layouts for its simplicity and flexibility, to provide clear views across the facility. The modular configuration allows parents to watch their little swimmers from multiple angles.

“The simple seat backrests and armrests are streamlined, with nothing ornate that draws your attention away from supervising your child,” says Fontes.

Bondi Blue frames paired with Curly Birch aluminium woodgrain battens complement the aquatic centre’s cool blue palette. Pedestal legs were selected to minimise trip hazards and prevent barefoot swimmers from stubbing their toes.

Aria Table Settings located in the picnic shelters within the grassed areas provide places to gather and enjoy a barbecue. Fontes designed these spaces to be accessible to wheelchair users while allowing people to move easily around the settings, creating small, intimate places to meet in the provided shade. The use of bright Bistro Orange frames punch through the greens and blues of the aquatic centre and clearly define these shelters as destinations within the landscape.

“The picnic tables get heavily used over the weekend,” says Clare Black, Senior Coordinator Recreation & Leisure at City of Darwin Council. “The request  for more seating around the place shows that it’s been well received.”

With Darwin’s harsh tropical climate, durability and strength were important considerations in selecting furniture and fixtures for the pool. Escola Bins fitted with solid hoods provide rain cover during the wet season, while the side-by-side waste and recycling stations encourage visitors to take responsibility for their own rubbish. Arqua Fountains and Drink stations were selected for their elegance, low maintenance and durability.

Fontes says, “In Darwin, Street Furniture Australia’s furniture lasts the distance and that was definitely a selection factor. This is probably the only opportunity to redevelop this facility, and we wanted something that’s going to look good, be robust and last for the entire life of the facility.”