New Dock One Bar set for June opening

A new bar currently under construction promises unique views over Darwin Harbour. Read what’s planned.

The idea began as a 20-foot donga with a shadecloth for a roof. It’s now a million-dollar waterfront bar-restaurant development that is set to be an iconic addition to the Territory’s hospitality landscape.

Dock One Bar is the brainchild of Darwin hospitality identity Darren Lynch and his business partners.

With its cantilevered design on the water looking west across Darwin Harbour from Stokes Hill Wharf, excitement is growing ahead of its expected June opening.

Dock One Bar should open in June. Image: Ashford Lamaya Architects

The Lynches own popular restaurants Wharf One and Bella Fresh Pasta as well as The Precinct Tavern and this new venture will consolidate their dominance of Darwin Waterfront’s hospitality scene.

They also own the 00 Seven Jetski Adventures at the Waterfront and the idea for the bar was born out of discussions around a more permanent base for the venture they launched four years ago.

“It was an opportunity to create a new food and beverage experience in the Top End,” Mr Lynch said. We’ve got a few venues now and this is a small bar format.

The view from Dock One Bar. Image: Ashford Lamaya Architects

“We started with the idea of having something small to support the jetski customers when they finish on the skis and having a home base or headquarters for that operation.

“We’d planned to have a small 20-foot container with a basic service, but once the idea got to the architects it grew and now we have two 40-foot containers and a deck overlooking the ocean. We started out small and ended up large, which is what most buildings do.

“When you’re building something on the ocean there’s always things you weren’t expecting.”

Also based on the waterfront just metres from the structure they designed, Ashford Lamaya Architects did the design drawings – unofficially calling the project Shipping Container Bar. Darwin company Aspire was preferred builder.

Dock One Bar developer Darren Lynch

Licensed for up to 100 people, it will have seating for up to 50 as well as standing room. The city end will be the bar with the kitchen and food preparation will take place at the Stokes Hill wharf end.

Likely to have a 10am opening, it will operate seven days a week with about 10 team members sourced from the Lynch’s other operations.

“There’s no other bars in Darwin looking back at the sunset while actually being on the water,” he said. “When the lights of the Waterfront come on – it’s an amazing experience”.

“The architects have done a really beautiful design. It’s going to have a modern fresh ocean feel about it with whitewashed walls, quality furniture and a nice fit-out people will be happy with.”