“Darwin Port is currently undertaking a study regarding the potential expansion of the cruise ship facility at Fort Hill Wharf to be able to accommodate the larger ships that are coming on line,” said Peter Dummett, general manager port development. “If we proceed this will also allow for multiple vessel calls for smaller ships.”

The Northern Territory Government has recently formed a new Cruise Ship Activation Group to arrange entertainment and other activities throughout Darwin on cruise call days.

“Markets are also organized in the nearby Darwin Waterfront Precinct which arranges entertainment activities. These are all within walking distance from the terminal,” Dummett said.

The port is expecting 87 calls this season, up from 73 last year, with the percentage of expedition calls increasing.