illoomanations: September 2011

Darwin has proven to be a costly destination for us... We have bought 2 new batteries for the caravan, 4 new tyres for the car, had a major service done and bought some artwork!! To top it off, our darling dog Noodle had a stint at the vet suffering from a paralysis tick. We had a very anxious time waiting for the all-clear.
Apart from all that, Darwin is a beautiful city. It is nestled amongst a meandering coastline with views to the sea from many different vantage points. It's not difficult to find a spot overlooking any one of a number of bays to watch the spectacular sunsets while sipping a chilled, refreshing ale or eating fresh local barramundi and beer battered chips...

One of the highlights was a visit to The Jumping Crocodile Tour on the Adelaide River. We chose a small operator so that we could be near the action! Brutus ( star of the Crocodile Dundee movies ) and a much larger crocodile called The Dominator rewarded our decision with a very impressive up close and personal view of their back teeth...After being safely delivered back to the jetty, our tour operator showed us teeth marks and bent handrails from previous trips when the crocs had misjudged the distance!! Exciting stuff indeed!!

Another highlight was fish feeding at Doctors Gully. Anyone has passed through Darwin in the last 50 years has probably experienced the masses of wild fish ( mainly milk fish ) swirling around their ankles as they stand on the ramp tossing in pieces of bread. Tiger and shovel-nosed stingrays also come for the free feed as has the occasional croc; hence the " no deeper than your knees " rule.

We managed to find a couple of croc-free places to swim in Darwin. Behind the harbour is a lovely development with restaurants and apartments not dissimilar to Southbank. In the centre is a wave pool and for those who prefer still water, a lagoon filled with sea water but with the biteys left outside where they belong.The other spot was a mini wet and wild with slides, pools and the big tipping bucket all managed by the YMCA and funded by the council.

Mindil Beach sunset markets are quite iconic in Darwin. They are open on Sunday and Thurs nights during the dry season and boast a variety of different food stalls reflecting the vast array of cultures that make up Darwin's population. Mick managed to get roped into assisting a street performer which was entertaining for the kids to watch. I was lucky to meet Kenny Hopkins, the artist of a painting I bought. ( Remember his name; he's going to be famous... and my painting's going to be worth heaps!! ) The lure of tasty Indonesion and Thai food ensured that we went both nights to have dinner.

Next door to the markets is an impressive museum and art gallery. The museum is divided into different sections including indigenous art and crafts, a maritime section, an area about Darwin's bombing by the Japanese in WW11, Cyclone Tracey and much more.. Also on display is an enormous crocodile called Sweetheart. He was tranquillised in an attempt at relocation but unfortunately drowned during the process...

While the car was serviced we spent the day at Mandorah, a 15 min boat trip across the harbour. There we met a delightful Indonesion lady who was fishing from the jetty.She caught some bait fish for us and we spent a couple of happy hours together. Her philosophy on life deserves sharing..." Don't worry about the bills...they follow you to the grave. You can buy fish but you can't buy the pleasure of fishing..." She truly was a joy to be near; so calm and peaceful.