Darwin – Hot one day, the same the next

Well we finally arrived to our furthest point north in Australia. With 11 nights planned in Darwin (just to relax), it was first straight into repair mode. A previous repair to fix the leaking caravan air conditioner had come to ahead in Darwin, with water leaking everywhere (mattresses, Hayley’s school books etc). We were lucky to have a mobile repairman over within the hour, but as soon as he left it leaked again. Fortunately a plumber staying in a van nearby helped us and things are looking good again - keeping us cool without an indoor swimming pool.

With our second day at Darwin we had the Prado serviced and to check out an engine wining noise. The car air conditioner had a belt replaced and apparently the noise is with the diff, but not a concern. Repairs are not cheap up here too.

Day 3 finally saw some site seeing with our first adventure to Fannie Bay Gaol. The Gaol opened in 1883 and closed in 1979 as it had become overcrowded and unmaintained. I had first seen it in 1990, only 11 years after its closure and would hate to think how the prisoners lived here. The kids were fascinated with the cells, but concerned about the infirmary where as many as 70 executions took place.

Not happy in prison

Let us out!

It was then on to the Darwin Museum, which was interesting to see the aboriginal art, many stuffed animals, insects, skeletons etc. We were also very moved by the Cyclone Tracey display, with the photos, video, eyewitness accounts and a recorded sound of the cyclone (in a small dark room). It gave you goose bumps and sent chills up your spine. We also liked ‘Sweetheart’; a 5.1 metre saltwater croc captured in the 70’s.

To finish the day we went to Aquascene which the kids loved and did not want to leave. They had the chance to feed by hand milkfish, mullet, catfish, bream and barramundi. We were very cautious of the box jelly fish which can apparently kill a child in 3 minutes – fortunately none to be seen.