Darwin

We arrived in Darwin to be welcomed by a thunderstorm - fairly familiar theme. Luckily this was the only rain that we saw for the 3 days in Darwin.

Our first full day in Darwin was spent on an open topped double decker bus very like the one I used to go to school on (obviously not open topped - bit cold for Mow Cop). We saw the sights of Darwin including the gaol, the Museum (cyclone Tracy and Sweetheart the croc) and all the other highlights. Darwin's a fairly small place but has the most expensive real estate in Australia outside Sydney!!

On our second day we went to the Kakadu World Heritage Site. Kakadu is 220km outside Darwin. We did get to see some fantastic scenery and Aboriginal rock art. We also cruised on the Yellow Billabong where we saw crocodiles. Although the boat was flat bottomed and never going to capsize Lucy was terrified (given recent events) of the boat capsizing leaving the Massons as croc food. We also saw kingfishers, sea eagles and jabirus (Australian storks).

On our third day we headed for the Litchfield National Park. This time we went on a croc jumping cruise. They bait the crocs & get them to jump for the food. We were asked to keep the children in the middle of the boat as well as our hands & heads within the confines of the boat. After the croc cruise we headed into the park where we went swimming in crystal clear rock pools at Wangi Falls & Florence Falls. In the photo you can see Gary, Annabelle & Lucy swimming in the pool at Wangi Falls. The swimmimng was blissful and refreshing.

We left Darwin having had a hectic but interesting few days. Onward & upward to Broome....