Farewell Darwin

The last few days in Darwin were spent revisiting some favourite spots such as Stokes Hill Wharf, exploring the city, and visiting the military museum, parks, markets and harbours.

We had a fun afternoon at Sky City Casino.

We also went to Aquascene to feed the fishies.

It all started in the 1950's when a resident threw some scraps into the water for the fish.

Apparently fish like a free meal just as much as us humans do, and word got around.  Now, at every high tide hundreds of fish turn up hoping to get a feed.

It was incredible watching the water come alive with fish, as though they'd all heard a dinner bell ring. It was good fun throwing bits of bread in the water and watching them gulp it down, sometimes jumping and soaking us as they vied for the biggest piece.

Eventually I decided to have a go at hand feeding them, which was great except for the one cheeky fish that nibbled my finger.  Luckily they didn't have teeth!

Who knew you could pet a fish?

Although we both loved Darwin, after two weeks we were ready to move on. The heat was really starting to take it's toll on us. The hot days weren't bad when they were dry, but the hot humid nights made sleeping difficult. Leave it to us to visit during an unseasonably humid dry season!  More and more we found ourselves choosing air-conditioned places to visit and seeking refuge in the pool.  Back when we were complaining about the cold in Alice Springs I knew it wouldn't be long before we'd be complaining about the heat. :)

The locals explained that the humidity we were feeling was more like the wet season "build up", and that they seemed to have skipped the dry season which is the best time to visit the area.

From here we are heading to Kakadu National Park which has similar hot temperatures but hopefully won't be as humid.

Off to Kakadu!

Mandorah Cruise

We had a lovely day trip visiting Mandorah, just a short ride on the sea-cat ferry across the harbour from Cullen Bay, another nice spot that we'll have to revisit before we move on.

Mandorah is a small NT settlement on the West side of the harbour with stunning views of Darwin, pristine beaches, and a beachside resort and pub. We enjoyed an afternoon of barra, wine and awesome views. Although we didn't bring our rods, the fishing is said to be spectacular too. Not surprising, as we could easily them swimming through the clear blue water.

Leaving Cullen Bay

Ahoy Matey!

Arriving at Mandorah

Mike wasn't keen on climbing the tree to get that coconut for me. :)

On the pier to catch the ferry back to Darwin, with a view of the city in the distance.

Here comes the ferry!

Enjoying the sea breeze.

An Australian Customs vessel heading out as we approach Cullen Bay

Back at Cullen Bay.  How nice it must be to have a house with a boat at your doorstep.

Boats moored at Cullen Bay Marina

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is just a short drive from Darwin and easily accessible via bitumen roads. It's a small park (when compared to Kakadu NP), with attractions that are closer together, making Litchfield perfect for a day trip.

Of course you could easily spend days going on walks, swimming in the plunge pools, barbecuing and camping in the park.  This past Monday we set out to see some of what Litchfield NP has to offer.

A HUGE termite mound!  This is an example of a "cathedral termite mound" which can be up to six meters tall!

Florence Falls

The base of the falls.  What a beautiful spot for a swim!

Tolmer Falls - Swimming is not allowed here.  It's been closed to the public to protect the colonies of rare ghost bats and horseshoe bats that live in the caves.

Wangi Falls are the most popular falls in the park, and for good reason.  It's a beautiful spot with barbeques, picnic facilities, a restroom, a kiosk, and the only campground in Litchfield National Park that allows caravans.  There's a boardwark to a viewing platform, and a walk to the top of the falls.  Plus, there's a huge clear plunge pool at the bottom of the falls.

The plunge pool closes at certain times of the year (after rains make the water levels dangerous due to an increased risk of  saltwater crocs),  and unfortunately it was closed to swimming for our visit.

As we were returning to the car we noticed hundereds of bats up in the trees.  Can you spot them?

And now come's the part of the day that we've filed under "it's all part of the adventure".  We decided to take the shorter route home, via a dirt track.  It wasn't a difficult track, and could easily be driven by a two wheel drive vehicle.  The last thing we expected was to run into trouble.

We were driving along when out of nowhere we heard a helicopter.  That is, we wish we had heard a helicopter!  What we were actually hearing was our left rear flat tire flapping.  Ugh!

We had to clear out heaps of crap from the car to get to the tool kit that was "conveniently" located under the back seat.  Poor Mike had to crawl around in the dust to change the tyre.  I'm sure he appreciated me snapping photos while he fumbled around under the car.  Some shortcut!

Stokes Hill Wharf

Should you be lucky enough to visit Darwin, be sure not to miss Stokes Hill Wharf.  Built in the 1800's the wharf was severely damaged in a Japanese attack in 1942, and then again by cyclone Tracy in 1974.

Today Stokes Hill Wharf is a working wharf  and a delightful place to spend an afternoon.  In the evening it's magic.  We visited the wharf one afternoon and came back several days later to enjoy a dinner and evening there.  There are various shops and food vendors along the wharf, but I'd suggest the best spot is at the very end where you'll find Crustaceans restaurant.

As we ate our seafood platter (yum!) and drank a glass or two of wine, we watched the boats go by and were treated to a beautiful sunset and wonderfully cooling sea breezes.  It was a beautiful way to end a sultry day.  This is one spot we'll definitely be returning to before we leave Darwin!

Strange Shops and Jumping Crocs!

After spending the day at Crocodylus Park on Thursday we decided to head for more urban pursuits on Friday, spending most of the day in Darwin.  Since it was my turn to choose the day's activity we went shopping (surprise surprise).   We had already been to the Mindil Beach Market the prior evening, which was fun but also hot and humid.  We decided that air conditioning was a must, and headed over to Casuarina Square, the largest shopping center in the Northern Territory.

Due to the heat, we were after some warm-weather clothing, and we both could use a couple of extra pairs of shorts.  Being in the Northen Territory we fully expected there to be racks of shorts, thongs, bathers, t-shirts, singlets, etc.  Oh how wrong we were. 

We were shocked to find that they were selling sweaters, heavy jeans, jackets, and various other cold weather garments that made me sweat just looking at them.  What were they thinking?  I understand that people get acclimatised, but are they really wearing woollen jumpers in 33 degree temps?  In some of the chain stores I saw some of the exact same clothes being sold for a Territory winter as they're selling in Geelong!

Being the pro shopper that I am, I of course managed to find a few things.  Poor Mike only found one pair of shorts, but was happy to get them.  The shopping center was indeed big and impressive, but the experience as a whole was .. well, a funny kind of weird.

When we got "home" that evening Mike rang the "Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise" to book us in for a cruise on the "Adelaide Queen" the following day.  He was warned that it was "a little cool" down there today but should be warm for our cruise.  Do these people not own thermometers?

Since we're crocodile pros after our trip to Crocodylus Park the other day (My sister has been calling me Crocodile Blondee!!), we were looking forward to seeing crocs in their natural habitat.  The cruise lasted for about an hour and a half, and in that short time we were able to see plenty of good reasons not to swim in the river.  The cruise guide suggested following the "tile rule" to determine the safe places to swim in the NT.  If it's tiled, it's safe (swimming pool, bathtub, ...).

Crocodile Blondee strikes again!

A lovely cruise down the Adelaide River.  Who knew what dangers lurked beneath these picturesque waterways?

Cue Jaws music...

Crocs really love their chops!

Hey there good looking...

How about a kiss?

Keeping the "tile rule" in mind, we headed back to the park for a swim.  Aren't the pools lovely?

Darwin - Crocodylus Park

We reached Darwin on Wednesday and spent the rest of the day setting up the camper and screened annex, and swimming in the pools. The resort-style pools are gorgeous with their waterfalls and cool spas. I must remember to take a couple of photos to share with you.

I started the following day with a morning water aerobics class, and then we headed for a visit to Crocodylus Park and zoo.

It wasn't long before we came across the "stars" of the park, the saltwater crocs.  These big boys can reach 7 meters (23 feet) in length, and can jump their body length.  They are aggressive, and will stalk and attack humans if given the chance, unlike the freshwater crocs, or alligators who will only attack if provoked.

In true Australian fashion, Australia is home to the largest and most deadly crocs in the world.

Below is one of the breeding pens.  When asked why some pens held only one croc it was explained that there was the occasional male croc who killed his mate when she got between him and his food.  One in particular bit the female in half, and is now destined to live the rest of his days as a bachelor.

We went on a feeding tour and watched the crocs jump up to grab some meat dangled from the end of a pole.  They close their jaws around the meat with a loud snap.  Guess who's on the other end of the pole?

Yours truly!

They only ask for a couple of volunteers.  I figured we drove all this way, I may as well go for it!

Lot's of baby crocs.  Don't they look cuddly?

I didn't think so either.  But they were.

Kind of..

After all of that action anyone hungry?

Mike figures that the best strategy is to eat them before they eat you!  Here he is enjoying a croc burger.  I even worked up the courage to have a taste of his.  It was surprisingly good.  Yes, it did taste like chicken, but softer and moister.

There were other animals at the park as well.  Below are a few of  our favourites.

Haha!

This was a fantastic park, and a great experience.  We both loved it!

After the park we went for a look around Darwin and found a few spots we plan on spending some more time in as the next week or two progresses.