Well we have really enjoyed Darwin and its history. Tangled and captivating in equal measure, the Aboriginal history of Darwin and the Tiwi Islands dates back tens of thousands of years.
Darwin and the Tiwi Islands felt the full force of World War II and in 1942 much of Darwin was destroyed by the Japanese. Having been rebuilt after the war, Darwin was devastated again in 1974 when Cyclone Tracy struck, killing 71 people and wiping out most of the city’s buildings.
We have been amazed at the resilence of this city and the tributes to the city’s history.
Day 43 – Exploring Downtown Darwin
We spent today wandering around Darwin CBD. The “city” is so laid back and spread out. There are no huge shopping complexes in the CBD just small arcades, shops and lots of office blocks.
Tribute to bombing of Darwin in 1942 
Day 44 – Catch up Day
We spent Day 44 mostly catching up on paperwork, washing, paying bills and yes, I finally got a haircut after 8 weeks since my last one!
Day 45 – Lee Point, Nightcliff Beach and Fannie Bay
Rather than taking tours, we decided we would do a self drive of the outer beaches of Darwin and to look at the Defence of Darwin Experience. This museum is the story of Darwin’s role in World War II and is dedicated to the period 1932 to 1945. The museum includes a gallery with a short movie recreated from people’s first hand experience of the bombing, stories which have been recorded by people who survived the bombing, artifacts of the Darwin Military Museum, artillery pieces, vehicles, uniforms, firearms, models and paintings and much more. It was really a great insight on that part of Darwin’s history.
Whilst roaming the grounds we caught up with Joe and Margaret from Ingham and spent a lovely time under the big fig trees catching up on each other’s movements.
We then had lunch at the Darwin Ski Club, like Gold Coast Surf Clubs, right on the beach.
Day 46 – Birthday Celebrations
Oh yes. 61!!! Really still think I am 25. Well the day started well with George making my coffee. Yep that was it! I then washed, scrubed the van and re-arranged the car. George finally decided I deserved coffee and lunch and took me to the Coffee Club. Luckily he was building up to my wish for a seafood dinner and no he did not buy me fish and chips, he took me into Cullen Bay and after a drink at Lola’s he shouted dinner at the Seafood Buffet (all you can eat for $40.00). Ha they hadn’t met me!! Prawns, oysters, crab, scallops and sadly dessert!! A great night and a wonderful 61st.
Day 47 – Darwin to Wagait Beach – 120.3klms
So after a week near Darwin we decided to re-locate to the west side of the Darwin Harbour, Wagait Beach.
Wagait Beach is a small friendly community (approx 450 people) and an easy 90 minute drive from Darwin. Their are endless miles of native bushland and remote beaches.
On arrival we were welcomed by some fellow campers who had been left in charge whilst Jenny the owner was out. It turned out that one of these groups was Geoff and Barb who we had met at Banka Banka. They had been here for two days and had been very successful with their fishing expeditions catching Queenies, Flathead and some other strange fish. After setting up we took a short drive to look at some magnetic termite mounds and then took the courtesy bus to the Cox Country Club.
The Cox Country Club is an outback community supported bar and restaurant at Wagait Beach. We joined the other campers and the owners at the Club for a great night of good food, drink and a game of darts!!
Day 48 – Wagait Beach to Territory Wildlife Park
As we all took a little more omph to start the engine this morning, we relaxed around the pool and then took a drive down to the Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs. The Park is a mix of zoo-type exhibits and natural bush, with attractions spread out around a 4km loop road linked with free shuttle trains and natural walking paths. We were enterained with a display of how the park train their birds for shows. I really enjoyed learning about how they train the wild birds and how positive reinforcement can work.
Day 49 – Wagait Beach to Cullen Bay (Darwin) by Ferry
Today we decided to treat ourselves to a wind down day at Lola’s Bar at Cullen Bay. We took the ferry in from Mandorah and then sat ourselves down for a quiet drink and lunch. We took the ferry back to Mandorah in the late afternoon and managed to have a face time call with Lee and Kerry and then Jay.
Well Week 7 down. Caitlin sent us a photo of our beautiful Tilly. She looks happy.
So onto Week 8. Thinking of you all with all the weather and COVID goings on. Stay safe and well.
PS Jay and Ty still staying well and safe in Melbourne.
