Lots of time in Darwin

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 Friday 4 September: Adelaide River- Darwin

As the car has been assessed as non drivable we were again towed, this time an hour's tow to Darwin, staying at Hidden Valley for an indefinite period. Making the best of the situation we set up camp and set off into the city to explore tropical Darwin; with its beautiful sunsets, laid back feel, and melting pot of cultures. 

Our first dinner was spent at Fannie Bay Sailing Club, soaking up the warm, salty air. It feels a while since we have seen the coastline.





There is plenty of maritime history in Darwin, most uniquely the World War II shipwrecks. Below is a view out to the wreck of Warship USS Peary, sunk in Darwin Harbour as a result of the first Japanese air raid in Australia on 19 February 1942.







We have enjoyed some time at the Waterfront, complete with a man-made wave pool, live music, safe beachfront to swim in and delicious ice-cream.


We are staying very close to the Darwin Motorsports Club, so the big kid and little kids were excited to watch some go kart racing.

Father's day was pretty fun- the boys made Tim some breakfast before heading off to Leanyer Waterpark for the morning. Darwin has some beautiful playgrounds and free waterparks.




On Sunday night we hit Mindil Beach Markets- a mix of local food, art, crafts, and entertainment capped off with a spectacular Darwin sunset over the ocean. These markets are the heart of Darwin's cultural mix and truly epitomize multiculturalism.





Darwin Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is an Art Gallery, Museum, Cyclone Tracy exhibit all in one. It was really interesting to learn more about the formation of NT, and Darwin's story. The kids particularly liked the Cyclone Tracy exhibit. Such a defining moment in Darwin's history, where on the 24 December 1974 a category 4 cyclone wiped out the city. 


The museum houses a range of sailing vessels and outlines the history of refugees attempting to sail to Darwin, particularly following the Vietnam War.



Darwin is well known for its annoying insects- especially the midges! They are pesky and the kids are covered in bites. The locals have made their own potions to take the sting out!




There has been plenty of downtime back at camp, catching up on school work and spending time together. Just what this trip is about.



Not to mention a trip to hospital for Luca- struck down by a virus causing delirium. Scared us all for a moment when he couldn't tell us his own name or ours, but he's now getting back on track.


The 'build up' to the wet season  is fast approaching, with some rain today. We have just had the brilliant news of an offer from the Insurance Company which will cover the total costs of new engine, plus all our expenses.

 All being well we can hit the road again 5 October, hopefully before too much more wet! 



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