Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon

A palm-fringed swimming pool turns into a tube-riding, boogie-boarding bucket of fun when the siren signals the start of the swell.

Relax on banana lounges under enormous beach umbrellas, or spread out on the lawn in the shade. There are wading pools and fountains to keep the kids entertained, and a kiosk to keep the whole family in supply of cold drinks, snacks and floating fun.

Covering an area of 4,000 square metres, including a shallow water play area for younger children.

The Wave Lagoon rolls out 10 different wave patterns, from gentle swells to waves up to 1.2 metres high, perfect for boogie boarders. There is a 20 minute break in-between each cycle. Ten minute bursts of waves send inflatable tubes bobbing about and boogie boards riding the crests.

The swell here is gentle enough that there's little danger of wiping out and there are red-and-yellow-clad surf lifeguards at the sidelines to keep everyone safe.