Mindil Beach Sunset Markets set to re-open within ‘two to three weeks‘ as Sunday-only event

DARWIN’S iconic Mindil Beach markets are set to return in ‘two to three weeks’ time ... but there’s likely to be a big change

Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach markets are set to return in ‘two to three weeks’. Picture: Glenn Campbell

DARWIN’S iconic Mindil Beach markets are set to return in ‘two to three weeks’ time, but they’re likely to return on Sundays only at this stage.

Speaking on ABC radio, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets general manager Peter Ayre said the lack of tourists meant a Sunday only-event was more viable.

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Asked when they would reopen Mr Ayr answered, “Two to three weeks, possibly before”. “We’re just basically trying to overcome all the restrictions that are in place to ensure we can comply and the Health Department are (sic) helping us out with that,” he said.

“We’ve decided to do Sunday only

“As you’re probably aware we rely quite heavily on tourists for the numbers for the market. “This year will be locals only so it’ll be the perfect opportunity for locals to re-acquaint themselves with Mindil.

“I’ll be releasing a definite date hopefully within the next week.”

Mr Ayre said 2020 would be the perfect opportunity for locals to enjoy the markets.

“We know that people don’t like huge crowds so much, that’s why they live in Darwin so it’ll be a bit quieter this year and the perfect opportunity to take advantage,” he said.

“Sunday tends to (have) more locals down there and Thursdays tend to be more tourist focussed

“We thought Sunday would probably be more successful from a financial side.”

Mr Ayre said there would also be less stalls.

“There are casual stalls. Tthey are people who come up for the Dry season … some of them won’t be there,” he said.

“There will be lots of stalls but the market will take a bit of a different form. As you can imagine we have to comply with social distancing and all of that.

“The stalls will be spread a little further apart.

“Busier stalls will be directed out of that main area. It’ll be a different thing but it will still be an amazing experience.

“The stallholders have been excellent. They’ve been very understanding.

“They all have to take a certain amount of responsibility as well.”

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“It’s in the process at the moment and it’s being reviewed by the Chief of Police, Darwin city council and the Health Department.

“We’ll do a bit of back and forth but they were all really supportive and we’re hoping to get something in place really quite soon.”