Darwin to Katherine

We had heard quite a few stories about Katherine but we have found it an interesting town and the people very friendly. On the way down we stopped at Adelaide River for lunch and met a French couple who were touring in an van. They were having a great time but I didn't envy them not having air-conditioning. The war memorial was very beautiful but sad-so many young lives. The next stop was Pine Creek, an old gold mining town-not much to see but a good view from the lookout. We found a nice motel and had a refreshing dip in the pool.

The next day we set off for the Gorge and a 2 hour river cruise. The water had dropped so we were able to get up into the top part of the river. The scenery was impressive and this should be a must see for all Aussies. It makes you aware of how beautiful our country is and what treasures we have to preserve. A great morning and in the afternoon (after checking out the Ghan which was in town) we went to the Museum and several Art Exhibitions (very expensive). Guess its time for another swim-hot here in the top end!

Thursday to Monday

Our friend we were staying with had to have some unexpected surgery so instead of going to Kakadu we stayed in Darwin and had a look around at some more of the attractions. Lots to see and but not much in the way of old historical buildings-to be expected after Tracey. We visited Kathy every day and while I didn't expect to see Royal Darwin Hospital it was interesting. We saw more of the local indigenous people here than anywhere else in Darwin! Off to Katherine and Kakadu on Monday

Darwin

What strikes you about Darwin is how new it is, most of the buildings have been built since Tracey in 1975 so everything seems new and fresh. There some old buildings near the harbour but not many. I don't think I have been to a city that is so new, it reminds me a little of Canberra. The roads are great and the park lands well cared for and at the moment very green and lush. The actual city is quite small but has a charm and it is easy to get around. The convention centre is very impressive and what they have done with that area looks great. There is the wave pool, new apartment buildings and the area is inviting. We walked the city streets today, looking at Aboriginal Art (Robert wouldn't let me buy the $6000 painting) so had to contend with some beer coolers with aboriginal art. There were tourists from a cruise ship that was docked at the harbour, they are on a 42 day cruise from Sydney to South East Asia and back. Also quite a few Americans, they do stand out with their accent. A quite evening tonight.

Litchfield Park and Darwin Wharf

Litchfield Park is about 1 1/2 hours from Darwin and is well worth a visit. The day was hot with a clear blue sky and the road down was excellent. The termite mounds are very spectacular and a feat of adaptability. We then moved onto Florence Falls which were very beautiful as was the surrounding hinterland. A bus load of tourists were swimming in the waterhole. We decided to wait until we got to Wangi Falls-a mistake because the swimming hole was closed because of the wet and the likelihood of crocodiles! Wangi Falls were very impressive and the surrounding waterways and flora beautiful. We had lunch and a walk to the falls-the spray from the falls was very cooling. It was starting to heat up, shimmering heat but bearable. Tolmer Falls were also beautiful.

We returned to Kathy's and had a spar to cool off then headed to Darwin Wharf for dinner. Just charming with a storm brewing in the background. The sky was impressive. People were also feeding the fish with leftovers-big fish! We enjoyed a lovely meal of Barramundi and chips and a few glasses of white wine. A lovey day, I am starting to feel the charm of Darwin and the top end.

Day 2 the Museums

The Museum and Art Museum was intriguing with a large exhibition of indigenous art which was interesting with detailed explanations of the different types etc. The displays of NT animals, bird life and so on were also worth seeing and taking the time to read. Cyclone Tracey was an eerie exhibition with lots of visual displays. We spent abut 2 1/2hours there and then had a great burger at the Sailing Club overlooking Fannie Bay. The next stop was the Military Museum. Not a lot to look at but the video was interesting-the Japanese were so close! Starting to get our bearings but Tom Tom is helping!

Darwin City and lunch@Casino

After a lovely evening with Katy we slept well and set off to explore Darwin. Kathy drove around the city and the harbour. very impressive and lovely scenery. We then headed for some airconditioning and lunch at the casino. It was a very nice meal and we were overlooking the ocean. the afternoon was hot so we headed home for a rest and a dip in the spar.

Darwin 2010

We are going to Darwin in 2010 to explore the top end for the first time. This visit is Robert's 60 birthday present and I get to share it with him. We will be staying with our friend Cathy and exploring the city, Katerine and Kakadu.

Things to do in Darwin.