Dundee Beach Tavern had its busiest weekend ever at Easter

A new Top End pub had its busiest weekend yet with the help of its splash park – as Territory hospitality gears up for the dry season. Read what happened.

One of the Territory’s newest pubs has had its biggest weekend yet – with the Easter break drawing locals to some of the Top End’s favourite getaway spots.

High on the must-visit list was Dundee Beach, with the new tavern filled with visitors escaping Darwin and Palmerston for the long weekend.

Dundee Beach Tavern business owner Shannon Pope summed up the weekend in two words: “Absolutely crazy”.

The venue was an immediate hit when it opened on December 1, replacing the old Lodge of Dundee which had been a community magnet for decades and had reached its use-by date.

The new splash pool at Dundee Beach Tavern

Shannon and husband Andrew have continued to develop the tavern, last week opening a splash park built with a $100,000 co-contribution through the NT government’s Visitor Enhancement Experience Program.

The family-friendly addition was a response to the large number of families who regularly make their way to Dundee Beach.

“It was a great weekend,” Shannon said.

“There was a great atmosphere, great fishing, the weather was good and there were lots of boats about. It was the busiest weekend we’ve ever had with the new premises, now we can now cater for more people.

“We were so busy we actually ran out of some supplies and had to do a run into town. Now we’ve opened up a splash park it’s becoming a more family friendly venue. Parents can come and have a feed and a few beers while the kids play safely in the fenced-off splash park area.”

Shannon and Andrew Pope at Dundee Beach.

The proximity of the tavern and adjoining Dundee Beach Holiday Park provide the perfect double for visitors – food and refreshment with accommodation a casual 90-minute drive from the two cities.

The nearest alternative food is a further half an hour drive either at Crab Claw or Sand Palms.

“Facilities at the holiday park are the best I’ve seen in the Territory,” she said.

“There’s cabins, ensuite sites and people love to camp. Dundee’s always been popular with locals.”

The tavern has total seating for 240 people inside and out and the turnover during Easter meant thousands passed through the venue over the long weekend.

It’s a precursor to what Shannon hopes will be a bumper dry season.

Before then, they are preparing the venue for Anzac Day, where they have a two-up license to complement the Dawn Service staged each year by the local RSL.

Given the venue’s popularity, Shannon’s urging visitors who want a meal to book in advance. “We don’t want to turn people away so if you want to eat here, based on the weekend people would be well advised to book.”