ROOM WITH A POO
Territory dunnies take out top international awards
TWO Northern Territory dunnies have been named among the best in the world at the inaugural Toilet Tourism awards.
A picturesque toilet perched over a cliff on the Cobourg Peninsula in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park took out the award for best loo with a view and the Kathleen Buzzacott Art Studio in Alice Springs was the joint winner of best design.
Judge Bronwyn White said a good public toilet had a “trickle-down effect” into the local economy, by enticing tourists to stop and look around.
She said the Cobourg toilet was a clear standout.
“To be able to sit on the toilet and be able to watch the crocodiles and nature — there’s no other toilet like it,” Ms White said.
“Someone said it’s like watching a live National Geographic show from the toilet.”
The “waterless, odourless and environmentally friendly” bog converts waste into organic humus.
Guests can watch tch crocs basking on sands nds below and see blacktip tip reef sharks hunting for prey.
The Alice Springs loos oos were built in 2016 and nd painted by the art stutudio’s owner.
The designs tell the story of the culture and feature Central Desert dot painting designs.
Ms White said a great bog didn’t need bells and whistles.
“We’re looking for a good, clean toilet that provides a reason for travellers to stop and go to the dunny,” she said.
Sh She said by winning two of six awards out of a global entry pool, the NT was punching well above its weight.
But there was some room for improvement — Ms White suggested taking some dunnies hi-tech by providing free Wi-Fi and turning them into “mini visitor information mation centres” centres”.
She said she spurned hitech hand-drying devices. Her preferred method of hand drying was “the good old wash and shake”.
Tourism Minister Lauren Moss refused to comment.