Drive from Batchelor to Darwin took about an hour.

Fly to Cairns -- The noon flight was not full; just the two of us in the three seats. Great views from the plane of Darwin and the water. About three hours to get to Cairns flying with great coastal views when landing.  Car rental from Hertz, then about an hour's drive.

The drive from Cairns is beautiful along a twisting, turning road right on the edge of the mountains that meet the sea; magnificent views!

MARTINENQUE APARTMENTS - 1 week
Delightful owners--Fred & Antonia from Holland Denmark.
Room #6, beautiful apt next to pool with our own private entrance. The apt is at the quiet end of the main shopping/restaurant street a few blocks from the ocean. 
Antonia is very knowledgeable about what to see and helped make tour arrangements.
Would like to continue staying here instead of going to "By the Sea," the hotel we booked originally for midweek. Talked to them; if they can book someone else, no problem. Will keep our fingers crossed.

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Main Street -- Walked down main street to the Inlet for sunset. Lots of people here for the Easter holiday. Talked to man fishing from the shore that just moved here.

Lanternfish restaurant for dinner--tables along the street: deep fried barramundi (not fond of this fish) and cold prawns (not a lot of flavor). Cannot believe the deafening sound from the hundreds of Rainbow Laurekettes in the nearby trees.

Started to sprinkle on walk back to apartment. Time for a relaxing swim in the pool, which has an entrance from our patio. It was like our own private heated pool. No one was ever in it but us.
Sure are glad we left Batchelor early and came here. Love this place!!