Lodge of Dundee forges ahead with mega $9 million three-stage expansion

A TOURISM business in a Top End seaside hamlet is bucking the coronavirus downturn trend, lodging plans for a $9 million expansion that will turn it into a one-stop shop for travellers

A TOURISM business in a Top End seaside hamlet is bucking the coronavirus downturn trend, lodging plans for a $9 million expansion that will turn it into a one-stop shop for travellers.

Lodge of Dundee, a tourist spot southwest of Darwin, is planning to completely refurbish its existing caravan park, add more cabins, replace the existing shop and hotel and upgrade its carparking and landscaping.

Owner Doug Sallis said the three-staged project would create 10 to 15 construction jobs and 20 to 25 ongoing jobs across all its different parts.

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The pandemic disruption had made Mr Sallis realise the tourism industry into the future would likely pivot heavily to domestic tourism.

“We hope to begin construction of Phase 1 by the end of the dry season so that we are ready for 2021 (tourism season),” he said.

Recently lodged development plans show the project would double the number of bungalow cabins at Lodge of Dundee from nine to 18, provide 84 separate caravan and camping sites, and include the construction of a new amenities block.

Lodge of Dundee development plans

Three more two-bedroom self-contained units will be built, bringing the total to five.

The new amenities block, situated in the centre of the caravan park, would include a new swimming pool, complete with shade sail, and an outdoor dining area.

“The design and location of the hotel seeks to take full advantage of the coastal outlook of the western portion of this site, with the deck area enabling views and access to prevailing breezes for hotel patrons,” planning documents state.

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“The proposal will increase the range of accommodation, recreation and convenience shopping facilities available within the Dundee locality, and enable an increase in employment through the operation of the caravan park, hotel and shop.”

A revamp of the Lodge of Dundee will also feature a new shop building adjacent to existing fuel bowsers and will have a small supermarket with a combined convenience store, cafe and small kitchen area, a post office space and two separate tenancies for something like a souvenir or fishing tackle shop.

The public can make submissions regarding the Lodge of Dundee’s plans until midnight on June 19.