Darwin’s new Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre officially opens

Hundreds of eager residents formed a queue which snaked more than a 100m outside Darwin’s newest leisure centre, with families keen to get a feel of the new-look swimming pool. See the photos.

The Steve family enjoying a day out in the sun at the new Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Picture: Harry Brill.

Hundreds of people queued up to get their first crack at Darwin’s newest swimming pool, with an abundance of food, live entertainment, and games thrown into the mix.

On Saturday morning, the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre was officially opened to the public when Darwin City Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis cut the red tape alongside federal figures Solomon MP Luke Gosling and Local Government and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling, Local Government Minister Catherine King and Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis officially opening the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Picture: Harry Brill.

Under clear, blue skies, Mr Vatskalis hailed the “fantastic” occasion.

“This is what you get for $26.8 million,” he said.

“Look around you – 50 metre pool, 25 metre pool, grass areas, a place to play soccer and half-court basketball, and a beautiful playground.”

The Hellebuyk family enjoying one of new pools.

Ms King said the new facility would be a gathering place for families to share memories.

“Not just is this an aquatic centre, it’s a space for families and for wellness in the community,” she said.

“It’s also a space for people to gather and one of the things that we’ve been talking about is the importance of local government the importance of investing in these facilities and why the federal government does that is that these facilities are actually really important for social inclusion.”

The line to get into the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre nearly wrapped around the front building.

Outside, a huge queue of families started to snake around the building as excited children urged their parents to “move faster” and “get to the front”.

For those who trickled in first, the waterpark was the priority, with kids – and adults – enjoying the chaotic water dumps and slides.

There was also plenty of overhead cover and shade, with families able to roll out their picnic rugs and enjoy the spacious lawns.

For Mr Vatskalis, the highly anticipated opening was worth the wait.

“It’s a place where family can come together, kids and children can get occupied and busy rather than roaming the streets and getting into mischief.”

No one could stop Luke Gosling getting his feet wet.

Sarah and Annie Nguyen enjoying the exciting day.

Darwin residents enjoyed the official opening of Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

Mia Clausen and Lorelai Harding couldn’t keep the smile of their faces.

Chya and Chiarn Baral about to go for swim.

Councillors Samuel Weston, Rebecca Want de Rowe, and Jimmy Bouhoris admiring the new facility.

Moments before dozens of excited kids scrambled over the new kit.

Kay, Evie and Leroy Larson fuelling up before a massive afternoon.

There was plenty of lawn space to relax on.

Young boys making the most of the slide.

A half-court basketball ball court for those who prefer hoops over laps.

David Conlon had his hands busy at reception.

Larkin, Dolby and Sean enjoying the calm before the storm.

Eva Walpole and Aisling Moloney.