Northern Territory, Australia
Well we are here! Arrived in Darwin today. We are booked in for 9 nights, but if these midges keep biting me, we won't be here that long! I can't believe it. We sat outside the caravan for a short time yesterday afternoon at about 5.15pm, and we had those tiny little bu....s landing on us and excreting their urine! Yuk! I've been taking Vitamin B too. They just love me! Must have been blogging too much about 'Possum Ssip'! So out on the cupboard is all the 'Stuff' that people told us last year, would help!My plan is to just keep adding days to this Darwin blog. So if you are interested, you can come back and visit and see what we have been up to.Day 1: Mamukala Wetlands...Humpty Doo....Darwin Discovery Caravan Park.When we were at Ubirr, we met a couple from Sydney and we exchanged tourist advice. They told us we should stop at the 'Humpty Doo Pub' on our way to Darwin and have lunch. Their menu suggestion was the three mini burgers and chips for $19.00, which they had shared. They had cut each of the burgers in half. One was a buffalo mini burger, another crocodile and the third barramundi. So we stopped at the iconic 'Humpty Doo Pub' and in Peter's words "It was a real pub"! I did convince Peter to be game and eat game! They were okay for a burger and we've done something different. I sent Kevin and Val a text and photo to see if they had visited the pub when they were in Darwin. They had a block that they called 'Humpty Doo' on their farm at East Yuna.
We had always intended to stop at Humpty Doo. Not sure though without the tourist suggestion, we would have visited the pub! Anyway to top off our visit to 'Humpty Doo', as we were walking out we spotted Gary and Fiona. The couple we had met and drank with at Daly Waters. They were on their way back from 6 days in Kakadu. Not much else to report on 'Day 1 in Darwin'. We stopped at the 'Mamukala Wetlands' after leaving Jabiru, At times there are lots of birds to see, but all we could photograph was one bird who was quite happy to hang about and have his picture taken. We have a reasonable site in the 'Top Tourist Discovery Caravan Park', 25 kms from the city. We are using the last of our vouchers which the kids gave us for Christmas to pay for a few of the nights here. The airport is not far away, so the ratings on Wiki Camps are not good for this park. We've survived the first night and the planes haven't disturbed us too much. I'm sure we will get used to them. There doesn't appear to be a lot of CP's in Darwin. This park is right beside the Showgrounds. We had considered staying a couple of extra days as Peter's relative is away and won't be back until around the time we intend to leave. It is not possible to extend as the park is fully booked. The Darwin Show is the weekend after we leave.Day 2: Wash day...Shopping....Midge BitesNothing much to blog about, only washing, washing and more washing! We hadn't washed for a week, so we were up early to get to the washing machines in the laundry.
The first two loads were fine, then the third cost us a few more $'s than it shoud have! I think Peter might have pressed the dryer selection after he put the money in, because when we went back to get the load, nothing had happened! He needs to wear his glasses more than he does! So he went back to the van to get more money. By the time Peter got back I had decided I didn't like the look of the machine, so I had transferred the washing to one of the first ones we'd used. When Peter put the money in, it jammed! So nothing happened in that machine! Back went the washing to the other machine, that still needed $2 to get it going! Eventually the sheets were on the line! We also did do two loads in the machine in the caravan. We are not allowed to have clothes lines around the vans! Bit prehistoric I reckon with that rule! So I did get a bit of exercise going backwards and forwards to the clothes line and clocked up a few steps. I actually think I got some more midge bites whilst up at the clothes lines too! So I wasn't happy about that!A bit later in the day, when I was moving clothes around so they would dry before we went out, there was a lady grumbling about the chore of washing! Far easier to stay home she reckoned! She said "She was always grumbling to her husband about having to do the washing while they were travelling! Fighting for a washing machine in the laundry, then space on the clothes line"! I asked her how long they had been travelling? It has only been since the middle of June.
So maybe her husband has a lot more grumbling to put up with! One would or could say "Now you are blogging or waffling about anything Pam. A washing story, what next"! All very necessary though, is the washing. Needs to be done at least once a week. No ironing though, or very little! That's the good bit!The midge bites are increasing in number, so I'm not happy about that. We did actually go shopping for jungle clothes this afternoon. Didn't make a purchase, but may go back tomorrow to the first one of the three stores we went to. Also didn't take one photo yesterday. Unbelievable! The midges really have got the better of me! Day 3: Australian Aviation Museum....Shopping.....Pedicure...MassageToday we have visited the 'Australian Aviation Hertitage Museum'. It is on Stuart Highway not far from the Caravan Park. The Museum is situated on an old airfield and one would think the purchase or use of the hangar, enabled the Museum to be established. There is a 13 minute DVD that you are able to watch when you first enter the hangar.
The DVD gives a short introduction about the 'Australian Homefront War' which was fought from Darwin. The DVD tells how this wonderful country that we live in, was defended. On the 19th February 1942 mainland Australia came under attack for the first time, when Japanese forces mounted two air raids on Darwin. The first attack was around 10.00am which lasted 40 minutes and there was a second attack an hour later. 243 people were killed and between 300 and 400 wounded. Twenty military aircraft were destroyed. Eight ships anchored in the harbour sunk and most civil and military facilities in Darwin were destroyed. The air attacks on Darwin continued until November 1943 and during that time, Darwin was bombed 64 times.The prime exhibit is the B-52 Bomber. The span of the wings take up the whole hangar, with many other small planes, able to fit in under the wings. The B-52 Bomber is on permanent loan from the 'United States Air Force' and is one of only two on public display in the world outside the USA. The modified B-52D's entered combat over Vietnam in April 1966. Each bombing mission lasted 10-12 hours with aerial refuelling. During the Vietnam War 30 B-52's were lost. Another exhibit which I was quite moved by the story, was the partial restoration of the Hawg-mouth aircraft. In 1944 the aircraft was damaged from some very accurate ground fire which forced the aircraft to land. During the landing it became further damaged through hitting trees.
The aircraft underwent a major overhaul and flew a further six missions. It flew its last mission in April 1944. It was then converted to a 'fat cat' aircraft and commissioned to carry, supply and transport duties. In January 1945 it was carrying 3,000lbs of stores and it was to refuel in Alice Springs. Unable to locate Alice Springs, the pilot decided to land at Daly Waters. He was down to 20 minutes of fuel and the pilot radioed that he was force landing. The aircraft landed in the Tanami Desert, some 60 miles from Tennant Creek. The cargo and crew was collected and the aircraft forgotten. Investigations later, revealed that the aircraft's compass had been 'swung' incorrectly and was approximately 6 degrees in error. In May1974 a group from Darwin mounted an expedition to the Tanami Desert and found this aircraft . It was dismantled and transported back to Darwin. It was displayed in the open and was lucky to survive the destructive 'Cyclone Tracey' on 25th December 1974. The aircraft has been partially restored by the Society, to its original colour scheme and nose art. It is now as it was during its 1943 New Guinea service. After lunch we went back to the first camping store we visited yesterday. We both purchased some lightweight gear to really cover ourselves up! Plus some more mozzie and midge repellent and wrist bands that are supposed to deter! We now really 'have a team that will hopefully wack em'! We both also purchased a light weight, washable hat from the Museum this morning.
In future years, all of this will be referred to as our 'Darwin Gear' I'm sure. After our camping purchase, we went to the Casuarina Shopping Centre, which we had found yesterday. Very handy from here and there are lots of shops to browse. Need to note your bearings too while you are browsing, or you're likely to get lost! Peter had one of those 'Roxy Massages' neighbour, and I have a new colour on my toe nails. Midge bites and all! I also asked a pharmacist about the blistered bite on my leg. He said "Just to leave it! It will go down". He has seen someone with many blistered bites. I purchased some more anti-itch antiseptic cream. I did ask him about the midges supposedly urinating on you, rather than biting! I can't find anything on the web to confirm that. His response was "That he had heard it said, but was sure it was a myth". Although he did say "He must do some research on that"! The lady at the Museum today told us that the midges love the tourists because our blood is thicker.
Once you have been living up here for a while, your blood apparently becomes thinner! One of our 'nursy' daughters that we spoke with today said "I can't see why that would be so"! So many thoughts on these tiny little insects that pack such a punch!
Day 4: Boxing Crocodile BIG Aussie Icon......Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise.....Darwin East Wharf Area...and Shopping AgainWith our picnic lunch packed we decided to go out to the Adelaide River and do a 'Jumping Crocodile Cruise'. That has been a long time tourist attraction in Darwin I do believe! Peter had picked up a couple of brochures from reception at the Caravan Park, so he rang and booked a cruise for 11.00am. The receptionist told us we needed to allow an hour due to the road works. Firstly we stopped at 'Humpty Doo' to get a photo of another 'BIG Aussie Icon'. In the book, the Northern Territory only manages two BIG Icons! But the 'BIG Boxing Croc' gets 9 out of 10 on the Iconmetre. He was constructed in 1987, is 13 metres tall, is made of fibreglass and the cost was $137,000. We were aware there were two businesses doing these croc cruises, but we weren't aware that there were three! As we were following the signs, we were beginning to wonder just where we were going to end up. Eventually we got there and my goodness, were all of the buildings primitive. And then we found out we weren't booked in on this cruise! It must be one of the others! Although we were there by 10.30am, there was not time to get back and find which one of the other two we were booked on. The very friendly and accommodating woman said "She would put us on the cruise if she could and to come back at 10.55am". We went back to the car to get ourselves organised in case it did all happen. Next thing the lady was out there saying to us "She was going to fit us in as there were a few small children on the crusie and it would be okay. So when we were ready to come in and pay". We weren't the only people that turned up at this location, who had booked on another cruise. Obviously it happens all the time!We decided on a 'comfort stop' first and my goodness! The lady in front of me came out and said "I wish you luck"! Peter was heading towards the 'Men's' with the camera and I thought it a bit strange for him to get the camera! I thought he must have seen something on the river bank he wanted to photograph. He was actually going back into the 'Mens' to take a photo. He'd never seen anything like it! A bit of guttering for the urinal! At 11.00am we boarded the boat. The tide was high and our 'Crocodile Dundee' skipper said "He didn't know how many crocs we would see due to the high tide. Crocodiles are cold blooded and need to warm their bodies in the morning. If the tide is lower they are laying on the sandbars getting the body temperature up. When their blood is cooler they're not as active either. But he would do his best and we would find some"! Well we certainly found enough! And we were plenty close enough! This was the company that first starting doing the cruises. Apparently they get the highest ratings on Trip Adviser. Well that's it with the crocs for us! Tourist attraction done! I got some great photos. They're just like the brochures! We ate our lunch in the 'Fogg Dam' area on the way back to the highway. Not really sure why they call it a dam, as it was just a one car wide raised bitumen road across the wetlands. There were plenty of signs saying that you were not to walk on the dam wall. This is what I found on the web, which explains why you are not allowed to walk across the wetland.
Fogg Dam lies within the Adelaide and Mary River flood plain. It is an importnat bird area and attracts a wide range of local and migratory water birds and other wildlife including one of the largest populations of snakes within Australia (including the Water Python and Death Adder), and includes a raised observation platform. Saltwater crocodiles move into the Fogg Dam area during the wet season when the reserve is inaccessible by people, although by the time the dry season arrives usually only a few crocodiles remain in the wetlands, as they prefer the rivers and billabongs. There were a few people out there taking photographs of birds.We went for a drive up a road that led to two Mango properties. There was a lady cutting green mangos from the trees, so we stopped and she was happy to talk with us. They came up here 15 years ago from Victoria. Hopefully their mangos will be ready in September. If they can get an early ripening the price is normally a little higher and it is easier to get contractors to pick them. She was pruning off any with black spot. Last year they lost a lot of fruit due to plaque proportions of 'Magpie Goose'. They just sat in the mango trees destroying the fruit. "There is not much money in it" she said.We went for a drive into the 'East Arm Wharf' area. We couldn't get very close to the wharf. Only got close to the water at a recreational boat ramp. The 'East Arm Wharf' was opened in 2000 and provides 754 metres of wharf line. The facility can accept vessels up to 80,000 tonnes and comprises a bulk liquids berth, a common user facility, a container facility and a bulk loading berth. The 'Bulk Liquids Berth' is connected via pipeline, to a fuel oil facility and a bio diesel refinery. Chemicals such as acids are also piped to adjoining areas. This 157 metre berth is capable of handling regular imports of fuel that ensure the usage rate of the berth remains high.This berth is also used as a common user berth to discharge or load break bulk cargo. Live cattle exports have increased significantly over the past few years with ongoing demand expected.Another visit to the Casuarina Shopping Centre to take our long pants that we purchased yesterday, to a 'Sewing Alterations' shop I came across. I couldn't believe the cost was $18.00 per pair to take them up! Anyway I can't do it in the caravan, or rather I want it to be better than I can do without a sewing machine. So pay that amount I have! A few more groceries and we were ready to call it a day for 'Two Tommy Tourists'. Day 5: Darwin Military Museum....The Esplanade...Fort Hill and Stokes Hill Wharf....Mindil MarketsThis was a really interesting and full day. So I did a separate blog.Day 6: Fannie Bay Goal....Darwin Waterfront Precinct and Wave Lagoon. ..WW2
TunnelsAfter another visit to Casuarina Shopping Centre this morning to pick up the hemmed trousers, Peter took the car to Beaurepaires and had the tyres rotated. I am referring to our new purchases as our 'Jungle Clothes'! We look like Steve Irwin and Terry in them. Well maybe I should say 'feel' rather than 'look' and we definitely aren't as agile or game! In the afternoon we went to Fannie Bay Goal. What a disappointment! It was 'Her Majesty's Goal and Labour Prison' from September 1883 until September 1979. It is now managed by the 'Darwin Museum and Art Gallery' and a sign did say they are in the process of restoring the heritage site to demonstrate the original features of the goal. All we could say after our visit was that "We hope they obtain some funding soon"! It was a medium security prison and the information and history provided was very basic. Most of the archival records have been lost. The 'Infirmary' building in the centre of the grounds had a number of displays. They were on perspex and one would think they were not that old. They were on clear perspex though and difficult to read. Most of the material related to the murder of a taxi driver by two young men. They were convicted and then executed in this building. They were the last men to be executed at 'Fannie Bay Goal' and it was on the 7th August 1952. In total 6 people were executed at 'Fannie Bay Goal'. The Police display in the cells building, which is the first constructed and oldest building on the site, was quite good. It was encouraging to read that in 2006 the Northern Territory had 45 aboriginal male 'Community Police Officers' and 21 females. Obviously though, the material has not been updated for 8 years. From there we went down to the Waterfront Precinct and checked out the Lagoon area. Everyone was having such fun in the 'Wave Lagoon'. It is a safe stinger and crocodile free area in DarwinThe lagoon depth varies from 2 metres at its deepest point with a slope to a depth of zero at the wet edge. It covers an area of 4,000 square metres. The water is chlorinated salt and the lagoon has a concrete bottom. The wave lagoon is capable of a range of different waves up to 1.7 metres in height. The different wave types provide a range of experiences for all users and ensures the wave lagoon is suitable for the whole family – from boogie board riders to toddlers. Waves run on a cycle with a ten minute break in between. From what I have been able to research it seems to have opened in 2007. Whilst in that area we decided to visit the WW2 Oil Storage Tunnels which were nearby. The cost was $6 each for seniors and we purchased an Information sheet for a $1.00. You are able to walk the length of Tunnel No 5 which is 170 metres long. The history of the 'Darwin Oil Storage Tunnels' is: In 1924 eleven above ground oil storage tanks were built on 'Stokes Hill Wharf'. The Japanese air-raids on 19th February, 16th March and 16th June 1942 destroyed 7 of the 11 tanks. In November 1942 a decision was made to construct eight storage tunnels. The tunnels are horseshoe shaped, in section, concrete formed and steel lined. The concrete is 635 mm at the top and 533 mm thick on the side walls. The building of the five storage tunnels was not public knowledge and they were built entirely by hand, using pick, shovel and hand held pneumatic tools. They are 4.5 metres wide and 5.4 metres high. The accepted works priority certificate was for 220,000 pounds. By the time they were finished the cost was 1,087,808 pounds. The tunnels were never used for their intended purpose. There was too much water seepage. They were used by a private company for jet fuel storage in the mid 1950's. Tunnels 5 and 6 were re-opened as a tourist attraction in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.
Day 7: The Ultimate Outback TourA fantastic tour. I did a separate blog of the experience.Day 8 & 9: Washing Again.....a Visit to the Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery. ..and A Sunset Drink at the CasinoWe still hadn't been to the 'Museum and Art Gallery'. So today was the day we planned to do so. We went for our morning walk and when we came back, the few caravans that were left in this part of the park, were packing up. Gail who we had met on Saturday night, when she moved her motorhome to the back of us, and ourselves, were the only ones left. We were told by one of the park workers that the 'Show People' would be here in an hour or so. Katherine Show had finished on Saturday. Gail had told us on Saturday night, that the Council owns the land that the park is on. It is probably reserve land. Part of the agreement with the use of the land, is that so many bays have to be available for the 'Show People'. Well that is what we the tourists are told. But I guess you have to be realistic. There has to be somewhere for them to stay. The 'grey nomads' that have been around us and have only been able to get one or two nights in the park, have not been happy! We were going to wash on Monday, but decided we would be better doing the sheets today. I decided it was time to do the cotton blanket as well. We figured with the park cleaned out, it was an opportune time for line space and washing machines. I wouldn't normally put this in the blog, but I have to even up the score with my dear hubby, and share my washing mishap this time! I was impatient and decided to hang the cotton rug on the line before Peter came down. I thought I was doing so well, until the peg sprung off the line and down into the dirt and leaves went the rug! I won't record what I said! So back into the washing machine it went and then we'd run out of dollar coins! So it was either a walk to the office or hunt one down. Peter found one in the car!After lunch we visited the Museum. It was quite good. Good to see 'Sweetheart' the crocodile, after being told the story out at 'Sweet Lagoon' yesterday. 'Sweetheart', a large male saltwater crocodile, is a legendary part of recent Northern Territory history. In the 1970's, 'Sweetheart' gained notoriety for attacking several aluminium dinghies at 'Sweet Lagoon'. On at least two occasions the dinghy occupants were tipped into the water, although no one was hurt. Early in 1979, the pattern of the attacks changed and became more frequent. The 'Parks and Wildlife Commission' of the NT decided to capture 'Sweetheart' and relocate him to a local crocodile farm. 'Sweetheart' was caught and anaesthetised, but in the attempt to haul his considerable bulk ashore, the animal became entangled with a sunken log and drowned. The body was presented to the 'Museum and Art Gallery' for preservation. One would think the area displaying memoralilia on 'Cyclone Tracy' is a main attraction to the Museum. There was such devastation following the very destructive cyclone that hit Darwin on the 24th December 1974. It must have been so scary. There is a sound booth that you can go into and you are able to experience what the sound of the cyclone would have been like! It is a credit to Local Government and the community that the city has been rebuilt and is as lovely as it is today. There were lots of other displays in the Museum. Birds, fish, butterflys, goannas and lizards. All that are found in the 'Top End'. The shed containing a collection of very early boats, was also very interesting. The display areas at the Museum just seemed to go on and on!There was a big room with Aboriginal Art. The 'Tjanpi Toyota' was really well done and extremely eye-catching! An aboriginal woman had pioneered the weaving movement and produced work from the start in the Northern Territory. It was her lead that prompted the 'Desert Weavers' to extend their practice to explore the sculptural potential of working with grass. The design process for 'Tjanpi Toyota' was completed by the elder and a small handful of younger women. The younger women worked on the project under her guidance. We couldn't leave Darwin without visiting the building containing the history of 'Cyclone Tracy'. The fact that the history has pride of place in the 'Museum and Art Gallery' meant we also had a cultural experience at the same time!By the time we got back to the park there were old patched up caravans and lots of trucks everywhere. The 'BIG Boys' arrived in convoy about 5.00pm with all the 'thrill machines'. There was activity through the fence until about 10pm. We think we will be well and truly ready to go by Tuesday morning. By Monday afternoon the 'Show People' seemed organised and all the fun machines were together. 'Side Show Alley' has been created! I took Clara and Wally down for a look as there is a gate in the fence, that is now open. One of those great big scary 'thrill machines' was going! It went up high and backwards and forwards and then swung over the top. Obviously they were giving it a try out!. They saw me with the camera, so they waved their arms about to enhance the photo shoot. Then they were calling for me to come for a ride! As if!!I happened to be talking with a fella from Batemans Bay who sells tickets for the rides. Initially he had worked for 2 months of the year in Batemans Bay with them. Last year they asked him to come north with them and sell tickets at the various shows. I had a feeling I had been talking with him somewhere before. When I found out he was from Batemans Bay I said "I know. I was talking with you at Red Rooster in Alice Springs"! That was the day we had been out exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges. He was in Batemans Bay for the Alice Springs Show. Anyway next thing he was encouraging me to go for a ride and he would look after Wally and Clara! There was no way that was going to happen!Monday night we did intend to go to the Casino and view the sunset over Mindil beach and then enjoy a meal. When we got there we found we needed to book for the Smorgasbord. Those midges didn't book for my 'Smorgasbord' Delma! Anyway they were booked out. We couldn't believe it! Monday night and you have to book! So we found a prime seat on the deck of the Sunset Bar and ordered a pizza and watched the sun go down. An irish barmaid told us "We had the best seat in the house"! So we obviously had a win on our choice of seating!
Day 4: Boxing Crocodile BIG Aussie Icon......Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise.....Darwin East Wharf Area...and Shopping AgainWith our picnic lunch packed we decided to go out to the Adelaide River and do a 'Jumping Crocodile Cruise'. That has been a long time tourist attraction in Darwin I do believe! Peter had picked up a couple of brochures from reception at the Caravan Park, so he rang and booked a cruise for 11.00am. The receptionist told us we needed to allow an hour due to the road works. Firstly we stopped at 'Humpty Doo' to get a photo of another 'BIG Aussie Icon'. In the book, the Northern Territory only manages two BIG Icons! But the 'BIG Boxing Croc' gets 9 out of 10 on the Iconmetre. He was constructed in 1987, is 13 metres tall, is made of fibreglass and the cost was $137,000. We were aware there were two businesses doing these croc cruises, but we weren't aware that there were three! As we were following the signs, we were beginning to wonder just where we were going to end up. Eventually we got there and my goodness, were all of the buildings primitive. And then we found out we weren't booked in on this cruise! It must be one of the others! Although we were there by 10.30am, there was not time to get back and find which one of the other two we were booked on. The very friendly and accommodating woman said "She would put us on the cruise if she could and to come back at 10.55am". We went back to the car to get ourselves organised in case it did all happen. Next thing the lady was out there saying to us "She was going to fit us in as there were a few small children on the crusie and it would be okay. So when we were ready to come in and pay". We weren't the only people that turned up at this location, who had booked on another cruise. Obviously it happens all the time!We decided on a 'comfort stop' first and my goodness! The lady in front of me came out and said "I wish you luck"! Peter was heading towards the 'Men's' with the camera and I thought it a bit strange for him to get the camera! I thought he must have seen something on the river bank he wanted to photograph. He was actually going back into the 'Mens' to take a photo. He'd never seen anything like it! A bit of guttering for the urinal! At 11.00am we boarded the boat. The tide was high and our 'Crocodile Dundee' skipper said "He didn't know how many crocs we would see due to the high tide. Crocodiles are cold blooded and need to warm their bodies in the morning. If the tide is lower they are laying on the sandbars getting the body temperature up. When their blood is cooler they're not as active either. But he would do his best and we would find some"! Well we certainly found enough! And we were plenty close enough! This was the company that first starting doing the cruises. Apparently they get the highest ratings on Trip Adviser. Well that's it with the crocs for us! Tourist attraction done! I got some great photos. They're just like the brochures! We ate our lunch in the 'Fogg Dam' area on the way back to the highway. Not really sure why they call it a dam, as it was just a one car wide raised bitumen road across the wetlands. There were plenty of signs saying that you were not to walk on the dam wall. This is what I found on the web, which explains why you are not allowed to walk across the wetland.
Fogg Dam lies within the Adelaide and Mary River flood plain. It is an importnat bird area and attracts a wide range of local and migratory water birds and other wildlife including one of the largest populations of snakes within Australia (including the Water Python and Death Adder), and includes a raised observation platform. Saltwater crocodiles move into the Fogg Dam area during the wet season when the reserve is inaccessible by people, although by the time the dry season arrives usually only a few crocodiles remain in the wetlands, as they prefer the rivers and billabongs. There were a few people out there taking photographs of birds.We went for a drive up a road that led to two Mango properties. There was a lady cutting green mangos from the trees, so we stopped and she was happy to talk with us. They came up here 15 years ago from Victoria. Hopefully their mangos will be ready in September. If they can get an early ripening the price is normally a little higher and it is easier to get contractors to pick them. She was pruning off any with black spot. Last year they lost a lot of fruit due to plaque proportions of 'Magpie Goose'. They just sat in the mango trees destroying the fruit. "There is not much money in it" she said.We went for a drive into the 'East Arm Wharf' area. We couldn't get very close to the wharf. Only got close to the water at a recreational boat ramp. The 'East Arm Wharf' was opened in 2000 and provides 754 metres of wharf line. The facility can accept vessels up to 80,000 tonnes and comprises a bulk liquids berth, a common user facility, a container facility and a bulk loading berth. The 'Bulk Liquids Berth' is connected via pipeline, to a fuel oil facility and a bio diesel refinery. Chemicals such as acids are also piped to adjoining areas. This 157 metre berth is capable of handling regular imports of fuel that ensure the usage rate of the berth remains high.This berth is also used as a common user berth to discharge or load break bulk cargo. Live cattle exports have increased significantly over the past few years with ongoing demand expected.Another visit to the Casuarina Shopping Centre to take our long pants that we purchased yesterday, to a 'Sewing Alterations' shop I came across. I couldn't believe the cost was $18.00 per pair to take them up! Anyway I can't do it in the caravan, or rather I want it to be better than I can do without a sewing machine. So pay that amount I have! A few more groceries and we were ready to call it a day for 'Two Tommy Tourists'. Day 5: Darwin Military Museum....The Esplanade...Fort Hill and Stokes Hill Wharf....Mindil MarketsThis was a really interesting and full day. So I did a separate blog.Day 6: Fannie Bay Goal....Darwin Waterfront Precinct and Wave Lagoon. ..WW2
TunnelsAfter another visit to Casuarina Shopping Centre this morning to pick up the hemmed trousers, Peter took the car to Beaurepaires and had the tyres rotated. I am referring to our new purchases as our 'Jungle Clothes'! We look like Steve Irwin and Terry in them. Well maybe I should say 'feel' rather than 'look' and we definitely aren't as agile or game! In the afternoon we went to Fannie Bay Goal. What a disappointment! It was 'Her Majesty's Goal and Labour Prison' from September 1883 until September 1979. It is now managed by the 'Darwin Museum and Art Gallery' and a sign did say they are in the process of restoring the heritage site to demonstrate the original features of the goal. All we could say after our visit was that "We hope they obtain some funding soon"! It was a medium security prison and the information and history provided was very basic. Most of the archival records have been lost. The 'Infirmary' building in the centre of the grounds had a number of displays. They were on perspex and one would think they were not that old. They were on clear perspex though and difficult to read. Most of the material related to the murder of a taxi driver by two young men. They were convicted and then executed in this building. They were the last men to be executed at 'Fannie Bay Goal' and it was on the 7th August 1952. In total 6 people were executed at 'Fannie Bay Goal'. The Police display in the cells building, which is the first constructed and oldest building on the site, was quite good. It was encouraging to read that in 2006 the Northern Territory had 45 aboriginal male 'Community Police Officers' and 21 females. Obviously though, the material has not been updated for 8 years. From there we went down to the Waterfront Precinct and checked out the Lagoon area. Everyone was having such fun in the 'Wave Lagoon'. It is a safe stinger and crocodile free area in DarwinThe lagoon depth varies from 2 metres at its deepest point with a slope to a depth of zero at the wet edge. It covers an area of 4,000 square metres. The water is chlorinated salt and the lagoon has a concrete bottom. The wave lagoon is capable of a range of different waves up to 1.7 metres in height. The different wave types provide a range of experiences for all users and ensures the wave lagoon is suitable for the whole family – from boogie board riders to toddlers. Waves run on a cycle with a ten minute break in between. From what I have been able to research it seems to have opened in 2007. Whilst in that area we decided to visit the WW2 Oil Storage Tunnels which were nearby. The cost was $6 each for seniors and we purchased an Information sheet for a $1.00. You are able to walk the length of Tunnel No 5 which is 170 metres long. The history of the 'Darwin Oil Storage Tunnels' is: In 1924 eleven above ground oil storage tanks were built on 'Stokes Hill Wharf'. The Japanese air-raids on 19th February, 16th March and 16th June 1942 destroyed 7 of the 11 tanks. In November 1942 a decision was made to construct eight storage tunnels. The tunnels are horseshoe shaped, in section, concrete formed and steel lined. The concrete is 635 mm at the top and 533 mm thick on the side walls. The building of the five storage tunnels was not public knowledge and they were built entirely by hand, using pick, shovel and hand held pneumatic tools. They are 4.5 metres wide and 5.4 metres high. The accepted works priority certificate was for 220,000 pounds. By the time they were finished the cost was 1,087,808 pounds. The tunnels were never used for their intended purpose. There was too much water seepage. They were used by a private company for jet fuel storage in the mid 1950's. Tunnels 5 and 6 were re-opened as a tourist attraction in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.
Day 7: The Ultimate Outback TourA fantastic tour. I did a separate blog of the experience.Day 8 & 9: Washing Again.....a Visit to the Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery. ..and A Sunset Drink at the CasinoWe still hadn't been to the 'Museum and Art Gallery'. So today was the day we planned to do so. We went for our morning walk and when we came back, the few caravans that were left in this part of the park, were packing up. Gail who we had met on Saturday night, when she moved her motorhome to the back of us, and ourselves, were the only ones left. We were told by one of the park workers that the 'Show People' would be here in an hour or so. Katherine Show had finished on Saturday. Gail had told us on Saturday night, that the Council owns the land that the park is on. It is probably reserve land. Part of the agreement with the use of the land, is that so many bays have to be available for the 'Show People'. Well that is what we the tourists are told. But I guess you have to be realistic. There has to be somewhere for them to stay. The 'grey nomads' that have been around us and have only been able to get one or two nights in the park, have not been happy! We were going to wash on Monday, but decided we would be better doing the sheets today. I decided it was time to do the cotton blanket as well. We figured with the park cleaned out, it was an opportune time for line space and washing machines. I wouldn't normally put this in the blog, but I have to even up the score with my dear hubby, and share my washing mishap this time! I was impatient and decided to hang the cotton rug on the line before Peter came down. I thought I was doing so well, until the peg sprung off the line and down into the dirt and leaves went the rug! I won't record what I said! So back into the washing machine it went and then we'd run out of dollar coins! So it was either a walk to the office or hunt one down. Peter found one in the car!After lunch we visited the Museum. It was quite good. Good to see 'Sweetheart' the crocodile, after being told the story out at 'Sweet Lagoon' yesterday. 'Sweetheart', a large male saltwater crocodile, is a legendary part of recent Northern Territory history. In the 1970's, 'Sweetheart' gained notoriety for attacking several aluminium dinghies at 'Sweet Lagoon'. On at least two occasions the dinghy occupants were tipped into the water, although no one was hurt. Early in 1979, the pattern of the attacks changed and became more frequent. The 'Parks and Wildlife Commission' of the NT decided to capture 'Sweetheart' and relocate him to a local crocodile farm. 'Sweetheart' was caught and anaesthetised, but in the attempt to haul his considerable bulk ashore, the animal became entangled with a sunken log and drowned. The body was presented to the 'Museum and Art Gallery' for preservation. One would think the area displaying memoralilia on 'Cyclone Tracy' is a main attraction to the Museum. There was such devastation following the very destructive cyclone that hit Darwin on the 24th December 1974. It must have been so scary. There is a sound booth that you can go into and you are able to experience what the sound of the cyclone would have been like! It is a credit to Local Government and the community that the city has been rebuilt and is as lovely as it is today. There were lots of other displays in the Museum. Birds, fish, butterflys, goannas and lizards. All that are found in the 'Top End'. The shed containing a collection of very early boats, was also very interesting. The display areas at the Museum just seemed to go on and on!There was a big room with Aboriginal Art. The 'Tjanpi Toyota' was really well done and extremely eye-catching! An aboriginal woman had pioneered the weaving movement and produced work from the start in the Northern Territory. It was her lead that prompted the 'Desert Weavers' to extend their practice to explore the sculptural potential of working with grass. The design process for 'Tjanpi Toyota' was completed by the elder and a small handful of younger women. The younger women worked on the project under her guidance. We couldn't leave Darwin without visiting the building containing the history of 'Cyclone Tracy'. The fact that the history has pride of place in the 'Museum and Art Gallery' meant we also had a cultural experience at the same time!By the time we got back to the park there were old patched up caravans and lots of trucks everywhere. The 'BIG Boys' arrived in convoy about 5.00pm with all the 'thrill machines'. There was activity through the fence until about 10pm. We think we will be well and truly ready to go by Tuesday morning. By Monday afternoon the 'Show People' seemed organised and all the fun machines were together. 'Side Show Alley' has been created! I took Clara and Wally down for a look as there is a gate in the fence, that is now open. One of those great big scary 'thrill machines' was going! It went up high and backwards and forwards and then swung over the top. Obviously they were giving it a try out!. They saw me with the camera, so they waved their arms about to enhance the photo shoot. Then they were calling for me to come for a ride! As if!!I happened to be talking with a fella from Batemans Bay who sells tickets for the rides. Initially he had worked for 2 months of the year in Batemans Bay with them. Last year they asked him to come north with them and sell tickets at the various shows. I had a feeling I had been talking with him somewhere before. When I found out he was from Batemans Bay I said "I know. I was talking with you at Red Rooster in Alice Springs"! That was the day we had been out exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges. He was in Batemans Bay for the Alice Springs Show. Anyway next thing he was encouraging me to go for a ride and he would look after Wally and Clara! There was no way that was going to happen!Monday night we did intend to go to the Casino and view the sunset over Mindil beach and then enjoy a meal. When we got there we found we needed to book for the Smorgasbord. Those midges didn't book for my 'Smorgasbord' Delma! Anyway they were booked out. We couldn't believe it! Monday night and you have to book! So we found a prime seat on the deck of the Sunset Bar and ordered a pizza and watched the sun go down. An irish barmaid told us "We had the best seat in the house"! So we obviously had a win on our choice of seating!
Great way to complete our 9 days in the capital of the Northern Territory. Now it is time to start are trek back down Stuart Highway. Tomorrow we are off to Batchelor in Litchfield National Park. 30 photos
2025-05-22