Caravan of Courage 2011: Darwin – weather to die for

Darwin – weather to love.

Our last morning in Kakadu found us very organized packed and ready to head to Darwin. We picked up some croc shirts for the boys before we left and said goodbye to our new found fellow travellers Tracey, Toni, Charlie & Mathew . We also met another family before we left Sue & Phil, after exchanging details we hit the road for our next adventure. The drive was enjoyable as we took in the bush scenery of Pandanas and Coolabah trees, we were amazed by the size of the termite mounds and finally found one close to the edge of the road (so we could avoid the snakes) and took the tourist photo for our records.

We entered Trippe St, Humpty Doo on the GPS and followed the burning off to Aunt Robbin’s house (Bells Auntie). We dropped of the caravan (Glen and Robin were out) then headed into Darwin (35 min drive) to orientate ourselves. We drove straight in and parked in the city centre...........right next to the visitors centre, there it was without even trying! We soon learned that Darwin is really easy to navigate and everyone seems so laid back, it was a joy on the roads.

Boys just having fun

Our first day we started with some shopping and schoolwork, then it was time to hit the free (yes free!) Leanyer Recreation Park Water slides. As we arrived Riley said ‘I am so excited’ (it is his first time on a water slide), Aiden just wanted to take his toy jet ski and the boys loved it! unfortunately Aiden was an inch to short to go on the slides but Riley made the most of it and dragged us both up the stairs over 20 times! how Riley has so much energy we have no idea and soon became such an expert that he hit the slides in all angles going in and coming out.

Day two found us heading to Stolks working wharf, there were 3 navy ships in dock and a huge tug boat. We then visited the WWII oil storage tunnels, Aiden ran wild while Riley played it more cautious and stayed with mum. With the day warming up we headed to the amazing wave pool, only $16 for the day and every 10 min there is a 20min burst of waves, it was a blast and wore us all out. Towards the end of the day we had to make the most of the Thursday night Mindle markets, what an atmosphere with a vast array of foods, crafts and entertainment we all had a great time. Riley did some rock climbing for the first time and loved getting to the top on several occasions. He also let the instructor know all about himself and how he was travelling around Australia. Aiden was not so keen but of course had to make the most of the enormous bouncy castle. We then brought some dinner and sat on the beach to watch the sunset along with about a thousand other people…true the beach was packed! After a huge day we only managed to only spend $60 (go Darwin!) we were all exhausted and headed back to Humpty Doo around 8pm.

See photo - Aiden with no fear.

Day three we had a slow start but managed to get to the Territory Wildlife park for the day, some of the highlights were the bat flying lessons in the Nocturnal house and the little echidna who came up to the glass and say hello to the boys. The yellow faced turtles were just as inquisitive as we watched them swimming around through the glass and of course the aquarium section was a hit with each section revealing a new critter with every turn. The main highlight for Aiden was the train ride back to the main station, he was so quiet and seemed to be mesmerised. With the temperature warming up it was time to cool of at Berry Springs National Park (just around the corner) what a magical place. It was only reopened a week ago (closed because of crocs! ) and the water temp was just divine and the boys were able to swim from one end of the spring (over 30m ) without our help. They were amazing, both the boys would flip on their backs when they needed a little rest along the way and then continue until reaching the other end. After a couple hours we headed home and along the way stopped at the Didgeridoo Hut & Gallery, where they had a pink and grey who would sit on your hand, a black pig and the boys also got to hold a Python for the first time. The boys are really becoming great explores and are now not scared to try almost anything.

See photo - The family.

Day 4 was a little less planned with a trip out to the Coolalinga & Parap Markets then the Smith’s Street Mall. We then took a visit to the Botanic Gardens and headed back to go out to dinner at Phil & Tracey’s House (Bells Cousin). We had a blast and it was the latest the boys had stayed up to ever!….10pm. We could have stayed later but thought we should be responsible ..heheh. It was really great to finally meet Tracey, Phil and Jasmine (Tracey’s daughter). The boys hit it off with Jaz and we had a great evening getting to know each other for the first time (and it will not be the last).

Day 5 found us waking up at 8am! Phew .. thank goodness the boys slept in (they were amazingly good last night). We slowly got ready then headed into Darwin with Robin and Glen for the Glenti Festival (Greek), Riley again spied the rock climbing wall and had to do it over all the other rides on offer, and Aiden's eye caught the motorbike rides.......they were off!. We had our eye on all the food and took the opportunity to have some traditional Greek food for lunch. The boys got to meet Diago and Dora and watch some Greek dancing followed by the Diago show. After lunch we took a scooter ride with the boys along Fannie Bay and then drove to East point and admired the beautiful homes along the way.

See photo - First aeroplane Chris worked on.

Interesting start to day 6. Riley was not in the mood to do school work so we didn't finish until lunch time so our planned trip to Litchfield national park has now been postponed until later. In the end we decided to go to the aviation museum where the home of the B52 is. We couldn't stop the boys yelling with excitement so we just let them go for it. Not only did they have all the aircraft on display but also outside they had some taking off and landing from the nearby airport. We all had a blast.

Day 8 We went to the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery and saw Sweetheart the 17ft monster salty weighing over 700kg, a great place just a shame they have not made the most of the lovely view to the beach with an outdoor area, although the ski club next door has, with a bar overlooking the bay! We then went to the town beach and watch the boys swim in the cool water, Riley had a great chat with the lifeguard whilst we enjoyed the lovely warm sun. Oh yeah and by the way did we tell you that Darwin is going through a cold snap (10 at night and 28 daytime)? You can pick the locals as they are all wearing winter clothes...haha. For us it is just perfect. We were then off to the huge shopping centre at Casurina (a good place to go if you like to place that has everything)

See photo - Chris, Uncle Glenn, Aiden,
Aunty Robin & Riley watching the
noisy trucks.

Day 9 we headed into Darwin to watch the truck convoy with A Robin and U Glenn. The boys spent most it covering their ears as the trucks blew their horns continuously as they went down the main street. On the way home there were more bush fires, as we have learnt that at this time of the year they do a lot of back burning through the bush and this week has made for some interesting views of enormous fires! That evening we went out for dinner to Hogs Breath Café with Robin & Glenn.

On the Friday (day 10) we got up early 7am! said our goodbyes and headed to Hidden Valley for the V8 super cars. We could write another novel about the boys first experience on the track and in the pits, but we'll try and keep it short and sweet ........