Darwin City Friday 19th August 2011

Jennifer and Heath have moved from caravan park cabin to an apartment on the 6th floor in the city that they are sharing with friends. After buying delish food from Mindil markets, we sat on the balcony eating and looking at the great view of the city and surrounds. I think they'll enjoy their stay here.

Heath waving from 6th floor

Like everyone else this morning, we heard about the helicopter crash that took the lives of 3 ABC members. Whilst many people die in tragic accidents every day, we were both sad to here about Paul Lockyer who has become such a familiar face on ABC over many years. 



Before arriving in Darwin, we detoured to visit Charles Darwin National Park where some WW2 storage depots are spotted throughout this area. I was a bit worried when a large sign told us to beware of biting insects. 

looking towards Darwin from Charles Darwin National Park

The maps on display really show the spread of the Japanese as they invaded many countries on their way south. 

Further along the road is a lovely area for picnics (as long as you protected yourself from biters) and a lookout that explains why there are so many mossies and other biting insects here. The city is almost surrounded by mangrove forests that go on forever. They look healthy and lush but they provide a good habitat for many other creatures. I'm sure there would be some crocodiles down there. With the tide rising several metres  twice a day, the mangroves would be well-covered in salt water which they thrive on. 

Today, Robert and I used the car park where you get the first 2 hours for free. Don't think this happens in Adelaide but I could be wrong. It's only a short walk from there to the mall or the swimming lagoon and wave pool.

Lots of public art provides interest as well as information and inspiration. Charles Darwin is celebrated along with others who influenced the creation of Darwin. A long line of purple and green structures representing pandanas palms line the side of a main street - I'd like to visit at night when it's lit up. There's also an over-sized tawny frogmouth sculpture that sits at the beginning of this pathway.

We'd heard about Crocodilus Cave from my youngest brother so we thought we'd check it out. Seeing crocodiles in the wild is a different experience to watching them in large aquaria (aquariums) they glide along the surface or sit at the bottom. Several were over 5 metres long and one was at least 80 years old (Burt starred in Crocodile Dundee). 

You can get quite close to these ancient reptiles and you can really see the different physical features through the clear water. I don't know if it's OK to have these creatures in captivity - they are not endangered so there's no need for a breeding program. On the other hand, it's interesting to see what they look like up close and personal. 

Salties and freshwater crocs are kept here but in separate aquaria. The number of freshwater crocs is considerable. They range from a metre to 4 metres in length and they are not in individual aquarium as are the large salties. More than 20 swim about or laze in the sun. 

Another area has glass-like domes for a person to stand and look at the freshies at their level. Luckily, they're not too big or threatening. I had a close look but Robert decided to watch from a higher point.

Turtles and other reptiles are on display and the descriptions and explanations are clear and easy to understand. I was able to hold a lizard that was a bit like the sleepy lizards we have in Adelaide except the colouring was different. I also held a dragon which was really 'cool'. It's skin was like sandpaper but it didn't mind being held. There was also the opportunity to hold a snake but I chose not to. A freshwater croc was also available to hold providing you bought a photograph. 

Aptly named pig-nosed turtles swam in another pond. Very different to other turtles we've seen. There were many varieties of snakes on display in an area that was like the nocturnal house in Adelaide Zoo. The lack of lighting made them even more mysterious and something to be wary of. Don't like snakes!

freshwater crocodile

Exit was through the shop where a variety of kitsh souvenirs were for sale along with products made from farmed crocodiles skins. Brightly coloured handbags, belts, wallets and other items with price tags hidden from view were available for purchase. We did see a very small coin purse for $300. No wonder the handbag price tags weren't on display. I guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

We left the main shopping precinct and headed towards the esplanade. Most of the war memorials are located in this area which has many tall leafy shade trees dotted along the pathways and in the gardens. It's quite a nice walk. 


Government House is located just above the shore line of the bay and it was an open afternoon. The home is still used by the Chief Administrator and it is stunning. Surrounding the brick building is a large verandah which has white shutters that have been there since 1937. Robert remarked on how much time it would take to paint them. 

The gardens are well-maintained and are terraced from the shore to the building. The palms, ferns and other tropical plants are just beautiful. From the verandah, doors open into the different rooms that have very, very high ceilings. The dining room was set for a lavish dinner with polished silver,  crystal glasses, especially made crockery on a table that could seat 20 with ease. It could also be shortened to seat 8.

I think my favourite place would be the verandah with little nooks and comfortable seating. It would be lovely to sit here and read or paint (not the shutters) or watch the world go by.