Darwin

Darwin

The road from Litchfield to Darwin was a little  bumpy but before long we were on the magnificent Stuart Highway with a 70 km to drive to Darwin.   One of the interesting sights on the way to  Darwin  is the World War Two airstrips that were used for fighter planes defending Darwin from the Japanese bombers in1942.   There are about 6 in total every 10km or so alongside the highway, each with a rundown of it’s role in Darwin’ Defence. 

On arriving in Darwin we found our way to the Free Spirit Caravan Park about 20 minutes from the city.   We sorted out the site then headed into town for some lunch.  We went down to Stokes Hill Wharf for some fish and chips.   The Wharf precinct has undergone a massive transformation from 1988 when Jim was here for 7 months.   It has panoramic views of the harbour and surrounds and Darwin is a real boomtown at the moment and the development is clear to see.

                             

                                                    Stokes Hill Wharf  fish and chips.

After lunch it was time for our first visit to the Palmerston Water Park.   A free water park,  open for anyone to enjoy with some great water slides. As you would expect,  very popular with the Morcom boys.

                                                              

                                               Palmerston Water Park and yes it's free!

Saturday saw a bit of a slow start but it was soon time for lunch and that means the Parap Markets! This market runs all year round with a variety of stalls but most of all,  unbelievable food. The mostly Asian stall holders have a wide range of food from yummy satays to mindblowing laksas.  The sights and smells of the market were very exciting for all!

From there we  visited the Wave pool in the wharf precinct.  At only $12 for an afternoon per family, the councils are making a huge effort to have places for families and visitors to cool off.   You need to remember that huge tides, seasonal jellyfish and crocs make Darwin beaches not that desirable for much of the year.

                               
                                                            Will enjoying the Wave Pool

                                                                               

Sunday in Darwin means the Mindil Beach Markets,  but first you need to fill in the day until 4.00pm. We visited the Aviation Museum with it’s very own B-52 bomber as well as lots of other planes and information on both the war and Cyclone Tracey.   On the whole it was quite interesting  as are the many civil and defence aircraft seen landing in Darwin daily.  Once again off to the water park before getting ready for the markets. The markets attract up to 10 000 people and have lots of groovy stalls, great food and  street theatre.  Will came away with a whip to accompany his Akubra hat and Jordy mastered the diablo with the generosity of a helpful coach.  Meeting up with Chrissy’s nephew Micheal (Jordy, Kurt and Will’s cousin) topped off a great evening.   We had waited a long time to visit the markets and they are awesome, better stay until next Thursday.......

                                
                                                                 Now that's a B-52

 

The boys enjoying dinner .

                                                    Chrissy and her Nephew Michael

                                                                           

Crocosaurus Cove

Tuesday morning involved a visit to Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile aquarium in the heart of the city. The place is very well run with talks and feeding  going on all of the time.  The big crocs are in huge enclosures that can be viewed from above and below the waterline and unlike other croc parks everything is clean, even the crocodile’s teeth?  The kids had a busy few hours swimming with the crocs as well as feeding them 9no at the same time)   and holding reptiles. Well worth the visit.

  

                                                   Jordy and Will feeding the two year olds

         
                                                               And they jump too!

                     
                                                                 Kurt with the Crocs

                                                                        Fearless Will

                                                     Will and a Northern Blue tongue

                                                        Kurt and a Stimsons Python

                                  

                                                                     Jordy and friend

Corroboree Billabong.

On Wednesday Jim went on a guided fishing tour to Corroboree Billabong 120km from Darwin. The aim was to catch a barra but that wasn’t to be.   He did however  see lots and lots of crocs as well as some stunning  birdlife and the amazing lilly  pads.   A big day out  with lots of casts, a few lost fish but a great experience.

                                             Top of the food chain at Corroboree Billabong

                                                 Approximately 3-4 metres long.

                                      
                                                           Jim on the casting platform.

Just when we thought we had seen all of the great free/cheap  Water Parks in Darwin, we discovered the  Leanyer Water Park – the King of all water parks and slides, and giant buckets of water.......   A great way to end our stay in Darwin, along with another visit to the Mindil Beach Markets of course .

               
                                                                   Here it comes!

                                               Now that's a council wasting it's money properly.

                                                                         
                                                                        The Drover

                                                        The Fireman warming up!

   A final message for those following us from Albany and colder climates. Darwin has nothing much to do, we did not enjoy ourselves and the kids are busting to leave!