Darwin

We have spent two wonderful weeks in Darwin and will return several times before the month is out, using Darwin as our base while we explore Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine Gorge and Cobourg. Darwin has left a lasting impression on us and we have gained an appreciation for this vibrant, tropical city in the far flung north of our country. The lifestyle in Darwin is intrinsically Australian but the tropical climate and nearby Asian neighbours have had a distinct impaction the way of life here. And it's great! People here seem genuinely happy and although Darwin is obviously a growing city, primarily due to mining and tourism, it still maintains a small town feel with a very relaxed vibe.

Darwin is perched on the end of a peninsula surrounded by turquoise waters. The bay is a bizarre colour and almost has a misty quality to it which is very alluring. However, the constant references to crocs and sharks ensures that the waters are admired from the land only. And Darwin definitely takes advantage of its location, it is well set up for relaxing and socialising on the waters edge. And we made sure we did it all, including fish and chips at Stokes Wharf, a cold beer at the Ski Club and enjoying a sunset and spicy noodles at the Mindle Market. Not to say that there wasn't plenty of swimming going on too. Any accommodation option worth its salt has a pool, and where we stayed was no exception. We spent many hours lazing under the umbrellas whilst Jarvis splashed around with the other kids in the lovely pool (the poolside bar was a bit of a plus too). We went to the free waterpark for a day of waterslides, crazy kids games and a picnic on the grass. And even in the centre of town there is somewhere to swim, with a wave pool and man made lagoon.

We arrived in Darwin during the school holidays and the place was awash with kids, although amazingly not too busy. There were free activities in town almost everyday and the caravan park offered at least four activities a day through its kids club. Jarvis loved every minute of it. He made biscuits, handled a baby croc, covered the pavement in chalk drawings, joined a bike club, raced toads and made pet rocks.

Just when we thought Darwin couldn't impress Jarvis any more, we lucked upon Darwin for Territory Day, aka Cracker Night. For one day a year anyone can buy and let off fireworks. And that they do (as did we). We were warned on several occasions that Territorians and Fireworks don't mix well and to watch out. It was certainly a night to be remembered. After an amazing fireworks display off Mindle Beach, we drove home to constant explosions going off in every direction. The crackers continued well into the night with at least six heard every second. It was wild, but fun. The whole city seemed to be happy.

We have been and will be spoilt rotten with visitors to Darwin. Ange arrived during our second week in town and perused the local attractions with us (and got her much needed dose of sunshine after coming directly from a Melbourne winter). Jarvis was delighted to have someone sit in the backseat with him and when we were out he kept Ange's hand firmly in his for almost the entire time she was here. But no one was happier to see Ange than Em. To make up for lost time over the last year, they nattered late into the evenings and spent many hours discussing everything and nothing by the pool.

We also caught up with some of Em's school friends, Shanti and Amy for a wonderful evening at the Darwin Ski Club. Rob's brother Andy is also joining us tomorrow for a week of fishing in Cobourg. And Tash and Adam will be arriving later in the month to explore Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Arnhem Land with us. 

The highlight of Darwin for us was definitely the markets. Darwin has the perfect climate for tropical produce which can be bought at any one of the many weekend morning markets and there is no better way to finish the day than sitting on the beach at Mindle Markets (once you've finally decided what to eat) and watching the sun go down. Obviously most of Darwin agrees because not once but twice a week, half of the city descends on Mindle Beach with their chairs, tables, rugs and kids to settle under the coconut palms and enjoy the dozens of fresh food options on offer. The food selection is simply amazing including Thai, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Indian, Malasian, Greek, 'Outback Aussie', Fish and Chips, Crepes, Brazilian, Italian and more! Once a selection has been made and the sun has set, the local street performers come into their own and the place comes alive with fire dancing, acrobatics, musicians, whip cracking and dancing. We made Mindle Markets a regular destination during our Darwin stay, totalling six visits (so far). Although, Mindle Markets is simply amazing, we also thoroughly enjoyed our Saturday mornings at Parap local markets too. The locals can't seem to get through the weekend without their Saturday morning laksa and the array of fresh and cheap fruit and vegetables on offer kept us well stocked for our time in Darwin and for our adventures beyond the city limits.

During our brief return visits to Darwin over the coming weeks we will mostly be picking up and dropping friends at the airport, stocking up on supplies and having a shower, but we are hoping to squeeze in a couple of laksas at the markets and maybe an icy cold beer at The Tap. So it is not a final farewell, but certainly the end of our rest period and the next session of travelling has begun.