Fiji

After a restless night at Sydney airport we were finally boarding our flight to Melbourne where we then boarded our flight to Nadi in Fiji. Both flights were good, we flew with Virgin and their planes don't have TV's in the rear of the seats but you download an app on your device and watch all the films on that. Brilliant idea from Virgin.

The journey to the hotel was about 10 minutes through some rough towns and it's then you realize that Fiji is still a third world country. Our hotel was nowhere near a beach but in a small town called Martintar. The Capricorn Hotel is very run down and just the basic maintenance has not been maintained but I suppose it will do for a week. The TV has only two channels but you do get a nightly film, our shower had no hot water and the sink tap wouldn't turn off. We were given another room to shower in and then reluctantly they gave us a new room. The new room was no different but at least there was water in the shower and it was hot.

The main port where all the cruises sail out from is Port Denarau, we caught the dollar bus and headed there. It's your normal cruise terminal which tourist shops and agents selling day trips. 

We opted for a cruise to the island of Tivua onboard a tall ship. We booked the cruise with Captain Cook cruises, we booked for Wednesday as the weather is meant to be better. After some lunch we caught the bus back into Nadi town center where we walked around the local market and watch a singer in the street. Not sure who he was but he was very popular as he was also being filmed.

On Tuesday the weather was overcast all day so we went for a walk to the nearest coast line and hopefully a beach. Well there is a beach but it's not a beach to sit on and the sea didn't look very inviting either, so we just walked. The town we are in has a new cinema and it was half price Tuesday so we headed there and for £2 we watched The Jungle Book, oh what childhood memories of the original film.

The sun did indeed come out on Wednesday and we had a great day out on our private island Tivua. The tall ship that sailed us there was a 66 year old vessel MV Ramarama. It took 90 minutes to get to Tivua and once there we grabbed a drink and a kayak and paddled around the island. It's a very small island and you can walk around it in 5 minutes so the paddle didn't take us too long. We then had lunch which looked a lovely spread but I settled for a bread roll and a sausage and some fruit washed down with another beer. Once finished we headed for the water and a snorkel, once again the reef is almost dead. A lot has been destroyed by the recent cyclone Winston, such a shame as I'm sure this was a beautiful reef. Once back onboard we were served tea and biscuits while the ship sailed back to Port Denarau. Had a really nice time on the island but it just wasn't long enough to chill out. We tried to book another trip to different island but a cruise ship was in and it kinda took over everything. Our last two days we went for long walks and then spent the rest of the day at the hotel pool and topped our tans up.

With hindsight we should of booked an island stay and not the main island as to visit the outer islands you have to take day tours and we all know how expensive they can be. A lesson learnt but I still enjoyed my week on Fiji in the Pacific Ocean.

East Coast part 2

After returning from Frazer Island we stayed one more night in Hervey Bay and early the next morning we headed off continuing our journey south. We were heading for Noosa which is the start of the Sunshine Coast and a popular surfing town. On checking out camp site we found them to be too expensive along this coast so we stayed in a free camp in a service station on the Bruce Highway. It was nice there, we camped by the lake and had the birds for company but so noisy first thing in the morning. We headed into Noosa early and did a coastal walk to the Devils Gate which is out to a rocky headland where the sea is very rough. All along the coast were surfers and it was nice to sit and watch them doing something I can't, they make it look so easy. The following week Noosa was holding their yearly festival of surfing so the town was gearing up for that. We had a swim in the sea but kept getting stung by something in the water, the life guard announced that they were harmless and just take a shower once out of the sea. After our shower we found some shade and had a nice picnic on the beach and fed the bush turkeys. Decided to drive the 30km back to our free camp for the night as it had everything we needed, even hot showers in the truckers area for $3
Up early with the birds to a very wet tent and camp due to it raining most of the night but we managed to dry the tent before heading off. We drove down the coast stopping at a few of the beaches but none as nice as Noosa and the rain didn't help much. We found Mt Coolum after going around in circles for awhile and it was still raining but we decided that we still wanted to climb it. Mt. Coolum is 208m up a track mainly of steps and then at the top it became rocky. Once at the top we could hardly see due to the low cloud and drizzle, so coming back down was a bit tricky.
Although these sorts of climbs kill my knees on the decent I am still keeping my watch happy and completing my daily challenges it sets me.
So moving further down the south coast we thought maybe it would get cheaper but no, so we headed inland a found a great camp site in Landsborough for $30 which is what we normally would pay.
What we didn't realize was that the Australian Zoo was just down the road from the camp site so come rain or shine we were going there the next day. I don't normally like zoos but I must admit that Steve Irwin and his family have done a great job with this place. The animal enclosures are large and open and there is a lot of interaction with the animals. Staff walk around with all sorts of animals and you can hold, pat or stroke them and they all seem very knowledgable about the animals in their care. Staying another night in the same site as we want to go inland to what they call the Hinterland and there is a loop road that stops at all the places of interest and the funny little towns.
The first town we hit is Maleny which is just one street and every other shop is a cafe and everyone of them was full. The shops were like tourist gift shops, we had a quick walk around then headed on our way. We stopped at the cheese factory for some free samples at Kenilworth and brought a small piece of cheese and a ice lolly. Carrying on round the loop we did the fig tree walk which had some huge interesting trees but lots of warnings about the leaves and not to touch them. Due to the state not having their annual rain fall most of the waterfalls in the area are dry but we still went to Mapleton and did the walk around the forest. The lookout there was also closed due to a recent land slide. The town of Flaxton still had water in Kondalilla falls and people were swimming in the rock pool but the walk to get there was enough for me but we did cool our feet off in the rock pool.
On the back part of the loop we came to the town of Montville with its English, Irish and German influence, again just one street with lots of coffee and gift shops. Had to have a coffee and a cake to finish a nice day off. On the way back to the camp we made a quick stop at Gardeners Falls to see if it had any water in it and yes lots, so that was nice to see.
So after 3 days in the Hinterland region we moved on to Caloundra, this is the last area of the Sunshine Coast. It had your basic town with all the big shops and then some little independent shops. The beaches were lovely and sandy with a salt water pool at Kings Beach. We thought we would have a swim in the pool then go play in the waves after, the waves were big and rolling but a lot of people were in the water. The flags were out and we know to swim between them which we did but the currant was very strong and we became separated. As I drifted and as much as I tried I just couldn't get back to the beach so I signaled for help. Sally was already back on the beach and also signaled the lifeguards that I was in trouble. Before I knew it a lifeguard was by my side on his board which I grabbed hold off and we were soon back on the beach. I was exhausted and a bit shocked that a play in the waves changed so quickly  into a nightmare, after this that part of the beach was closed due to the rip that was there. Still a bit shaken by this we had a shower and headed into town for some food and a drink and decided just to find a camp site and relax.
We ended up at a farm which was very nice but the lack of facilities ruined it, no water, shower, or kitchen and only a bush toilet.
The glass house mountains are a range of mountains, 16 in total of various height and shape. Only 3 of them can be climbed, so we first went to the look out where you can see them all in their glory.
Mt. Ngungun is 253m and 2.5km to walk so we opted for this one and it was a very nice climb to the summit. After that climb we did the Mt. Tibrogargan circuit walk which was 3km. It was raining on and off all day but that just made it humid and steamy. Really nice area but it's a shame you can't climb more of the mountains, bloody health and safety.
Now in a really nice and quite area called Beachmere where we are staying for 2 nights just to relax really after a couple of hectic days. The camp site is owned by the RSL club which is next door so that night we went and had a beer which was a nice change. Rained again in the night but lovely sunshine by the morning, had a lazy start to the day as no real plans. Decided to drive to the nearby island of Bribie which is the only Aussie island that has a bridge over to it, it also has a aqua center and we both wanted a swim. Bribie is a small island with most of it a national park and only has 4x4 access. So we walked around the town and beaches and then went for our swim in another great Aussie pool, after our swim we had a picnic on the beach, nice way to end the day with. Another night of rain.......
Moving on and a week to kill until our house sit we headed to Samford where we stayed two nights in the show ground, this is a massive place where local events are held. We were heading into Brisbane city center the next day for our Story bridge climb but we wanted to sort out our train Go Cards and find the station. Go Cards sorted so we head into the little town and did a few walks around some parks. We also found at Yugar a disused railway tunnel that the bats now use, we started to enter the tunnel but torch wasn't strong enough and it was scary in there. So the day of the bridge climb and it was hammering down, the train took 30 minutes into central then we took the bus over the bridge to the start. By now the rain had stopped and it was just a light drizzle. There was 10 people on the climb but half way up one guy couldn't go no further so we all had to return so he could be met by another member of staff to take him back. Due to the drizzle the views were not that good, the climb lasted about an hour and was quite tiring due to the steepness.
The Story Bridge done which means we have now climbed the only 3 bridges in the world that can be legally climbed. Story Bridge, Sydney Harbor and the Auckland Bridge.
Brisbane has a free bus route in the center and a free ferry that goes up and down the Brisbane river. We jumped on the ferry to get to the South Bank where there is a beach pool, entertainment center, museums and the library which we needed. Once done in the library we walked over the Victoria Bridge where we found a food market where food from all around the world is sold.
The old city hall has a museum and a clock tower which you can take a free guided tour off, amazing old tower which still has the old working clock faces. So back on the train for another night at the show ground and an evening in the rain with the crane toads.
We also stayed a night at the local scout camp which is a huge place but really neglected with awful amenities for campers to use. No caretaker was there either so we set up camp and would pay him in the morning but after a shower and some breakfast he still didn't show so we left without paying. We were now heading into a place called Ipswich which is another suburb of Brisbane and guess what another cheap show ground to camp in. These show grounds only have toilets and showers so all cooking is done from the back of the van and we had to find a launderette as we had run out of clothes. We also found a nice pool in town so that evening we had a nice swim under the stars. At a lost of what to do for the weekend I suggested that we head back to Bribie Island and spend the weekend at the beach.
We stayed in the camp site on the surf side of the island as the reviews we better and as there is only two camp sites not much competition really. The camp was nice as it had a tv room to sit in the evenings while it rained again and again. The mornings were really hot and we went into the sea but come lunch time it poured down again. Saturday night we decided to try the Surf Club for dinner and a drink and it was really nice food and drinks were not too expensive either.
So Sunday has arrived and we are heading to Burpengary for our two week house sit, we have a 3 month old springer puppy and a cross springer with something. Minnie is a black and white cutie and I love her already, Ralphy is a rescue dog so Mark and Sharon are not sure of his background, age or even breed but his a lovable old dog that just sleeps and wants cuddles. Their home is on 3/4 of an acre of land with 5 bedrooms and a pool, they are both professional career people with no children.
Our 2 week stay was all about relaxing, doing some admin and most importantly getting to know Ralphy and Minnie. Mark had a day off so that afternoon we went to the cinema to watch Zootopia a new Disney film, was a funny film but felt a bit out of place with all the kids watching it. To keep myself busy I trimmed a couple of the hedges for Mark and he showed me how to use his sit on lawn mower so I could cut the massive lawn for them. There was a huge town pool which we went too a couple of times but with there being a pool in the garden I used that for my exercise. While in the pool Minnie kept jumping in and out onto the first step which was getting her use to the water as before she wouldn't go near the water. There is a huge shopping center where we did shopping and also got a cheap hair cut. On another day Mark took us to some new show houses as we were curious what new Aussie homes were like and of course the price. Well impressed with both the houses and prices. Our only other chore was to get the car serviced and hopefully this would be the last one. Was very sad to leave the dogs and all the home comforts that Mark and Sharon offered us in exchange for caring for their dogs but our time was up and we had to leave. On a sad note Ralphy hurt his paw on our last day but Mark has since assured us that it improved throughout the day. I feel we will stay in touch with them as we all got on really well and hopefully we will all meet up again.

Frazer Island

We decided to book a two day tour with Frazer Explorer as it was the best option for us not having a 4 wheeled drive vehicle. We were picked up at our campsite at 7.20am and after a few more pick ups we headed to River Head where the barge leaves from to Kingfisher Bay. Dead on 8am we were heading across the Great Sandy Strait to Frazer Island, after an hour the barge was docking to let everyone off. Once we walked the jetty we was met by Steve our driver and tour guide for the next two days on the island. Our off road bus was a 30 seater so the 9 of us had plenty of room to spread out. Within minutes we were off road and onto sand and it was bumpy, amazed that our bus managed to get around but they were built in Germany especially for the island tracks.
Frazer Island is the worlds largest sand island and has a beach that is 75 miles long, the island also has two resorts on either side of the island. We were staying the night at Eurong Beach Resort on the west side of the island, built in the 60's it's a bit run down unlike the Kingfisher Bay Resort which is 5*
Steve was a great driver and very knowledgeable on everything about the island, it's history, the wildlife and the plants and trees that grow there. Our first stop was to Lake McKenzie which is fresh water with a micro sand that you rub all over and it's good for the skin, I must say mine did feel good afterwards. There is a few lakes on Frazer and we also went to Lake Wabby that they say in 30 years the sands would off taken over and the lake won't be there anymore. To get to the lake we had a 2km walk up the dunes which was very hard work but it was worth it to see the disappearing lake. Lake Birrabeen is also a lake that has micro sand but when we got there is started to rain but this didn't stop me from swimming. The 3 lakes we went to I swan in them all but I must say Lake McKenzie is my favorite.
On 75 mile beach is the wreck of the Maheno a large luxury liner that after her service was sold to the Chinese for scrap but unfortunately she was washed ashore on Frazer after a huge storm. There was no loss of life as she was being towed but still a shame that such a grand ship should ends her days as scrap.
Along the beach you also find the Pinnacles which are colored sand dunes that have become colored by the minerals in the sand. Eli Creek is a fast flowing river that leads to the sea and you walk a short distance then float down it to the beach but the river was quite low and I couldn't float that well but still great fun.
At the northern part of the island is Indian Head, Captain Cook named this as he saw the natives sitting on the Rock and he referred to them as Indians. The local people used to sit high up on the rock to look for fish in the sea below for hunting.
Further up the coast is the Champagne Rock Pools, called this as the waves crush into the pools causing lots of bubbles. The sea was very rough and the waves would send you all over the place when they crushed into the pools but good fun.
When the loggers were on the island that laid a railway for moving the logs across the island and they set up base called Central Station. Nothing is left there as when the government told then to leave the island they took everything with them. We walked to Central Station by way of the Wanggoolba Creek which treks through the rain forest part of the island.
Our accommodation that night is a 4 bed dorm that we shared with the two other girls on the tour, one was Italian and the other was Czech so not much talking between us all. After we had dinner the group headed to the bar where we had a few drinks and played pool. It was a good night and a good laugh with other travelers from around the world.
I really enjoyed Frazer Island and my only wish is that I had hired a 4x4 vehicle and did some driving over there.

East Coast part 1

Had a fantastic day out snorkeling with Passions of Paradise, it was an early start as the boat left at 8am. Although it was a very calm day I still took a travel sickness tablet to be sure. It took 2hrs to get out to Michaelmas Cay which is a little piece of sand inhabited by thousands of nesting sea birds. We kitted up in our stinger suits and jumped in, I have mixed feelings about the barrier reef as its not what I expected. There is a lot of damage to the reef caused by cyclones and the parrot fish don't help. We snorkeled for half an hour as we were going to do a try dive to see how we felt about being under the water again. The dive went well, we only went to 8m and I had no problems  with my ears. After the dive was complete we went back in the water for another snorkel and saw a couple of turtles and a blue spotted ray. Back on the boat it was lunchtime and as normal nothing I liked so had 2 bread rolls and some fruit. We then headed for Paradise reef which took about an hour, the sea was a bit more choppy here but we jumped in for another swim. This reef was much like the other one but we did see a couple of turtles and a huge potato cod. Once back on the boat a head count was done and then headed back to Cairns where we hit a massive downpour just as we got into the harbor. That night we went into town for a meal, while walking around town we found the night market so went in for a look. We ended up having a Chinese pressure point massage and OMG I felt like I had been beaten up by the smallest of ladies. She knew where to put those elbows, palms and thumbs to inflict the most pain.
I was surprised the next morning that I didn't hurt but didn't jump out of bed feeling great either. I brought an activity watch that tracks your sleep pattern and mine isn't good, I'm in and out of a deep and light sleep all night. It also tracks your activities or lack of them in my case but I am keeping up with the challenges it sets me.
Leaving Cairns we head for Port Douglas where the barrier reef is at its closest the land and the reef is meant to be better as well. Port Douglas is a really nice place, quite small and has a colonial feel to it. Booked into a camp site for two nights as the next day we are heading out on another boat to do some diving hopefully. The site is right on the beach but unfortunately the beach was closed due to a guy being stung by a jellyfish, the type that kills you in 2hrs.
We boarded the Poseidon at 8am and an hour and half later we were kitting up for our first dive, I think we were both feeling nervous but Tom our dive master was great. First dive was to 18 meters and we had a great time, the reef is better with more color and plenty of fish around. So after doing 3 dives and seeing turtles, white and black tip sharks, a huge grouper and a million over types of fish we are both happy we took the plunge again.
We decided to stay an extra night at this site as the next day we are heading to Daintree and the rain forest which is about 2hrs away.
So up early and we headed up the coast to Daintree but we first had to pay to cross the Daintree River by ferry, the river is fast flowing and was told full of crocs. We headed for the furthest point of Cape Tribulation which basically is just a beach and the chance of seeing the large Emu type bird called a Cassowary. We were told that only about 1000 are left in the wild so was lucky to see one with her chick on the Jindalba walk. On the way back we called in at the Daintree Ice Cream farm where they grow all their own fruit to make the ice cream. A few minutes down the road was another ice cream place called Floravilla, so we had to compare the two places.
The rain forest is a hot and humid place with such dense forest it's like night when you walk through it so taking photos was tricky.
Back at the camp site and straight into the pool to cool off but the weather changed and it rained very hard and it didn't stop, by morning everything was wet but we managed to get it all dry before we left the camp to head back to Cairns.
We didn't really stop at Cairns but we did want to visit the botanic gardens just outside town, spent an hour walking around but it wasn't as large as some gardens we had been too.
On the way back down the east coast we stopped at the Babinda Boulders which are huge boulders in the Babinda Creek. Swimming is allowed in one area by the car park, it was pouring with rain and as I was already soaked I went for a dip. The water was cold but very refreshing and you could feel the currant running. The weather didn't improve so we didn't stop anywhere else just headed for a campsite at Innisfail. This campsite had a great pool so before we left that morning I went for a swim, nice way to start the day.
We only had a short drive to Paronella Park and the Mena Falls, we arrived at lunch time and brought our entry tickets and was booked on the next tour. The entry price also gives you a nights camping if you want it and if you camp you can go on a night tour which is similar the day tour but you get to see the palace lit up. The castle was the dream of Jose Paronella who started the build in the 1930's but died at an early age from a heart attack so although the park was finished he never got to enjoy it's beauty. From then on the castle and the park started to deteragate and Mother Nature also played her part with floods and cyclones.
So onwards to Townsville as we were booked in to have two new tires fitted as our back ones were as smooth as a baby's bum. It was late afternoon by the time we were done at the garage but we wanted to carry on to Ayr for the night and go to the drive in cinema. Booked into the camp site, tent up and a quick meal then off to the Stardust Drive In where we thought we were going to watch a film called "Sisters" but the first film was "The Dress Marker" and then "Sisters" came on. Both were good films and we both really enjoyed the evening and we never got back to the site until 11.30pm. The site has a 50m pool so once we were up at 7.20 we headed for a swim, I'm now only doing half a mile as my shoulder is playing up again.
Another short drive to Airlie Beach which is the gate way to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. On route we stopped at lots of towns and their gorgeous beaches for some walks and to keep my watch happy as if I sit still too long it buzzes me to get moving.
Checked into a Big4 site as they were doing a special of pay for 2 nights get the third for free, this suits us as our boat trip is on Monday. There are hundreds of islands but only a handful that are inhabited and you can visit. The closest to Airlie Beach is Day Dream Island and it's a 30 minute boat ride so that's what we did. It's such a small island and you can easily walk around it and with only one resort which as a day visitor you can use all the amenities they have. We still needed suits to snorkel due to the season for stringers in the water but we still had a great afternoon on Lovers Beach but the water was a bit milky. Spent the last hour by the pool before the ferry takes us back and then discover that the island has lots of Wallaroos and I fed one, he was so cute.
We had a good 3 days at Airlie and the Whitsundays could spend more time but we have to move on. Heading further south on the Bruce Highway we turned off to Cape Hillsborough where we walked along the beach to Wedge Island as the tide was out we could reach it. I got stuck in the sand/mud and was covered in it, I think that's the end of my Keen sandals now. We reached Mackay which is a huge city which we are not use too but I guess the whole east coast will be like this. We didn't stay in Mackay but headed inland to the Eungella National Park, as it was late afternoon we started the drive but stopped at Finch Hatton as that's where the gorge is we want to see. We camped in the towns show ground which is cheap as it only had showers and toilets but it was a nice setting.
The gorge road was a bit rough and I had to drive through 3 river crossings but they wasn't deep. It was a 2km walk to the cascades, which is a series of waterfalls and a lovely but freezing pool at the top to cool off in. After a swim we head to Wild Fire falls another 2km up the track, this also had a huge pool to swim in and even colder or maybe we were hotter. After a cooling swim we head back down the gorge to the car and head to Broken River where we are going to camp by the river in the hope of seeing some platypus. This will be the third time we have sat and waited for them at different locations and finally early evening our luck is in and we see loads of them. As the light was fading it was hard to get any good photos so fingers cross we will see them again in the morning. Nightmare it rained most of the night and I was actually cold, luckily in the morning it was sunny so we could dry the tent out. So camera and cup of tea in hand we headed down to the river bank and yes we saw some more platypus not as many as the night before but who's counting.
Everything packed away we headed back to Mackay and the Bruce Highway to continue our drive south. Just outside Mackay was the Sugar Hut which is a miniature sugar refinery for visitors to see how the sugar cane is turned into sugar and a million other things. Really good tour and learnt that Queensland is the largest producers of sugar in the world and exports 80% of the sugar cane. It also makes ice cream and the lady gave me a tub of licorice ice cream as I didn't taste any of the other samples on offer, very nice.
A few more miles and we are in Green Hill at a camp site by the beach, washing done and a walk on the beach and time for dinner. This site is infested with mosquitos and they drove me crazy, even with a spray they still managed to bite me on my hands and feet. It was also very hot in the night and didn't sleep too well but at least in the morning we were only driving a short distance to Rockhampton.
A bit of a boring drive along the Bruce Highway for 250km to Rockhampton but once there we had a walk around the city zoo and the botanical gardens which was nice, also found the city pool and had a swim for an hour. Just outside Rockhampton we are camped in Gracemere on the Capricorn Highway as we are driving to the emerald and sapphire fields in the morning. Rained most of the night but as normal it was brilliant sunshine in the morning so while the tent was drying out we jumped into the pool to cool off. Finally got on the road at 9.30 once everything had dried out and packed away. We drove 300km to Sapphire to find everything is closed because it's too hot, crazy country. Went to a lovely campsite that the owners said camp anywhere and do a self registration as they don't work weekends and as normal we were the only campers here apart from a couple of residents. It's nice having everything to yourself but makes you wonder where everyone else is and are we missing something.
Up with the sun rise to see lots of wallabies and kangaroos bouncing around in the woods so took a walk in the rising sun. We are aiming on trying to find Carnarvon Gorge which is in a national park just pass Rolleston. Once we turn off the main road we had to drive into a cattle station where the cattle are all over the road but they do move once you get close enough. This was for 20km then it was off road for another 6km before we reached the campsite which is the gateway to the gorge. Takarakka is a haven for kangaroos they are everywhere in the site, also they claim that there are platypus in the river but after two nights of looking we didn't see any. We also spotted Rat Kangaroos which we had never seen before, these are the smaller kangaroo known.
The lady in the camp suggested we head to Mickey's Creek as it was only a 3km walk up to the gorge and to look at the Rock pool after as it was so hot. Mickey's Creek lead into an amazing gorge that got really narrow and dark but kind of magical as well. The rock pool was nice and people were swimming in it but it was covered in mosquitos and I've been bitten enough.
Up early to walk the gorge and by 8.30 we were hiking up the path way but we needed to be earlier really as it was so hot. I think this is my favorite national park so far as the walks are really nice and the stepping stones over the river are beautiful. On route up to the Art Gallery are lots of other tracks that lead to other special places but they advise you go to the furthest point first which we did. The art gallery is a large cliff wall with Aboriginal paintings, not sure what I expected but it was just a wall of hands, tools and symbols explaining their history. Anyway we had a drink and some fruit before we headed back down to Wards Canyon. The canyon is a track between the rocks a bit like a gorge, very dark, damp and eerie. Further down you take the track to the amphitheater which was an amazing place, you climb a ladder to get to a gap that you walk through and then you come out into this place completely surrounded by high cliffs with the sun filtering through the trees high on the ridge. The sounds in there are great, I had never heard anything like it before. Nearly back down there was the Moss Garden which was ok but not worth the walk to get there, it was basically  where rain water filters through the rocks and creates the moss on the cliff face.
So after walking 14km we were at the bottom and the last river crossing so we sat on the rocks and bathed our feet as mine were so hot due to wearing my walking boots. Really enjoyed my day in the gorge even through my knees are killing me and I will ache tomorrow.
Today is a driving day which is good as after yesterday's long hike I need the sit down, we are driving back to the coast via Gladstone and then heading south along the coastal road. After lots of stops on route we are camped in a great little site in Benaraby and once again we are the only campers. This little camp site was right on the Bruce Highway so very noisy that night, I was up at 5.30 as couldn't sleep no longer.
Carrying on along the Bruce Highway we stop of at Bundaberg which is famous for its rum and ginger beer but also it has one of Australia's largest breeding beaches for loggerhead turtles.
Mon Repos is the beach where the turtles lay their eggs and at this time it's the hatchlings that are on the beach. For $11 you get to see them dig their way out of the sandy nest and head for the safety of the ocean. I was one of the lucky ones that got picked to guide their way down the beach, I had to stand with my torch in a line with some others and the hatchlings follow the light to the ocean. Absolutely amazing to watch and the efforts the volunteers and ranges go to ensure the survival of these loggerheads.
Now heading to Hervey Bay where we made a quick stop at Childers, a little old fashioned town with a history. A few years ago a backpackers hostel was burnt down killing 15 backpackers which 5 were British. The town has never forgotten those that lost their life's that night and there is a memorial to them in the information center, very moving. We are in Hervey Bay in a lovely site right on the beach and it's a sandy beach which you can swim in. Booked in for 3 nights as we are off to Frazer Island and we will leave our van in the site.








 

Journey to the East Coast

After our 2 hour no hassle flight back to a hot and sticky Darwin we decided to sleep in the airport carpark as it was too late to drive anywhere and this carpark is as good as any other. Once back at the car we discovered that the fridge had been invaded by ants due to some cheese being left in it while we were away. It took an hour to clean it up and spray the back of the van.  While the spray was doing its thing we went back into the airport for a coffee and a cool down. What with the rain, the heat, the security guard asking if we were ok I never slept at all that night but at least it was free. What I did discover was that the airport had showers so that morning we went in search for them and success a nice free shower.

Today is my birthday so we are off to see the jumping crocs in Adelaide River, this is only an hour out of Darwin so once the show was over we are off to Katherine for the night. The jumping crocs was a great river experience, basically the guy hangs a large lump of meat over the side and a croc appears and boy can they jump. The cruise lasts an hour and we saw quite a few crocs in their natural habitat which is good even though they were baited to perform for us.

We drove onwards to Katherine where we camped just outside town and at the back of the camp was a hot spring but due to the heavy rain the river had flooded it so a no go area.

From leaving Katherine all along the route were hot strings or thermal pools but all were flooded except the one at Mataranka. What a beautiful place, the pool was heaven and the walk to it was like a jungle and thousands of Little Red Fox Bats lived there. So I'm in this pool in a jungle setting and the bats are flying all around me, crazy. Due to our stop at the pool we were still driving at 7pm when we came across a outstation called Banka Banka, like a working farm that lets you camp in one of its fields. The place had loads of frogs and as I ran the tap in the sink one jumped out nearly gave me a heart attack.

So we reach the cross roads on the Stuart Highway, Tennant Creek is a smaller version of Alice Springs so not a great place to stay. 100km out of the town are the Devils Marbles, which are amazing huge bounders across a massive area, a must is your in that area. So 100kms back into town and the swimming pool for an hour to cool off before we hit the road again. On the way out of town we called in to see Lake Mary Ann, this is a pretty place but too many drunk Aboriginals there for as to stay. While we were there we did walk across the bridge that was covered with massive spiders, not sure what they were but who cares they are spiders.

That night we stayed at a road house which I hate as I think they are a rip off but this one was ok, had a nice pool and we had a great meal in there restaurant and watched the ladies tennis final.

Was up really early as it was so hot we couldn't sleep so at 5am we were jumping in the pool to cool off. We had 240km to the state bolder then 420km to Mt Isa and we arrived at 1.30pm so did well with that long drive. Like always we head for the information center where we found out about the tour at the School of the Air which is a school for kids that live in the outback. A teacher is in a room with a computer and she has about 8 kids on air, a bit like Skype and that's their schooling.

So moving on across the country towards the east coast we now reach Julia Creek another small  ranching town but what it does have is a small campsite with a huge pool next door so we couldn't resist a dip that afternoon and the next morning before we hit the road again. Cane frogs are everywhere and this is more and more regular now, they are a pest in Australia and you are encouraged to kill them as they kill anything that eats them.

Our next little town is Charters Towers which is slightly larger, also had a pool but it was closed which was a shame as it was mega hot. We stopped in the famous Holden Cafe which is like a mini museum to Holden cars and also a cafe.

Finally we reach Townsville on the east coast, we found a nice site at the far end of town and near the beach. There is view point on top of a hill in town which we drove up and walked around the edge of it so you get a 360 degree view of the town. As we arrived in town quite early we had enough time to explore and to go for swim at the beach. We walked to the enclosure to be told the beach was closed due to a 4 meter salt water crocodile was in the bay and they were trying to catch it. We went for a nice meal as it was Sally's birthday and then heard that the croc had been caught around 8pm Our van is booked in for its service the next morning so while that was being done we headed for the shopping mall and wasted a few hours. Townsville is a lovely coastal city and we could of stayed longer but as we were now heading north we knew we would be back in Townsville later on our return journey.

Bali

So we have 10 days in Bali to relax, explore and enjoy our lovely hotel we are booked into.
The Maison at C boutique Hotel is a small place with a large pool in the centre and a smaller one at the back. It's on two levels and we were on the second floor in a massive room, really really nice.
Seminyak is our nearest main town but still all the hassle and bustle of a bigger town. All the sellers trying to get you into their stalls and the taxi drivers honking their horns every time they pass you. The next main town is Kuta which is more lively, we took the local bus there. Kuta is where they had the bombings in 2002 and we payed our respect to those who lost their lives that day at the monument in the centre of town. The beach is packed with traders and surf guys wanting to give you a lesson or hire you a board, much more busy than our beach.
The only place I really wanted to visit was the Monkey Forest at Ubud, we were going to get the local bus there but we met a driver and struck a deal with him to take us. So Made picked us up at 8.30 and like all drivers they want to take you everywhere as if you buy something they get a cut, well he wasn't going to make much commission from us today.
First stop was a weaving shop where we watched locals weaving from real basic foot operated machines, they were very good but too colorful for us. We then headed for the Tegenungan Waterfall which is meant to be a holy place and people come to bath in the water but it looked like a rubbish dump but still a nice waterfall. Then onto the Batuan Temple where we had to cover our legs to be able to enter. It's the most famous temple in Bali and the most impressive.
Luwak Coffee is the worlds most expensive coffee, also known as "crap coffee" due to the fact that it comes from the Luwak wild cat. This animal eats the berries and their poo which contains the berry nut is then ground down into the coffee. Very expensive and not very nice either. Also on this trip our driver took us to a Polo factory, a silver shop, wood cravings and the local market before he took us where we wanted to go. Finally we get to Ubud and the Monkey Forest, this place is kinda enclosed but the monkeys are everywhere mainly looking for food from the tourist. The monkeys are very clever as they jump on your back and undo the Zips on your backpacks to get the food out. It was late afternoon once we were done in the forest and we agreed to be taken to a place overlooking the paddy fields for lunch. And so finally our tourist day was over and we were glad as we don't normally get caught in the tourist trap but the day was fun.
On route to the beach was a massage spa where we went for a back, shoulders and neck massage, was ok but I like it a little harder but for £3.00 I can't complain. In Seminyak square we went for a foot massage which was good and still so cheap, also wanted to put our feet in a tank of doctor fish but run out of time.
Our treat for this holiday was to have high tea at the Metis Lounge which has the best reputation in Bali, well it was nice but I think the cakes in the local bakery were nicer.
Not much else to say about this trip now, we spent the rest of our 10 days walking around the markets in town or laying at the pool. Bali is a nice place to waste some time in with a place that has old and the new all in one street. In our little street we had beautiful hotels and between them were the locals working their padding fields everyday.
I had a great time here but wouldn't come back, I would maybe go to the mainland.

Great Northern Highway

The Fremantle prison is a great place to stay, they haven't really changed anything here since its closure in 1991. Main improvement is two cells have been knocked into one to accommodate bunk beds for two people and thats it, windows, doors, landings and walls all remain the same.
The prison itself offer lots of different tours but we decided to do the Tunnel Tour which takes you 20 meters below the prison to a labyrinth of tunnels dung by the inmates to get fresh water into the prison. The tour lasts 2.5hrs and it's quite tiring up and down the ladders and creeping along the narrow tunnels, we even paddle in small boats along the flooded tunnels.
As the van is parked quite away from the prison we walked down to check it was ok and to get some stuff from it, as its parked at the beach we opted for a beach walk and a pub lunch.
Wanted to head into Perth so we got the train as it would be easier than messing about with the van and trying to park. Perth has three free bus routes around the city which is great and they run every 10 minutes. We did the Royal Mint tour and watch a gold bar being made, that was fascinating to watch and of course had to buy a gold coin as a souvenir. Perth has the huge Kings Park which overlooks the city and a great place to explore and relax. While walking back to the station there was a Christmas show going on with singers and dancers, kinda put you in the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Eve we stayed in Fremantle and went to the San Churro Chocolateria for bunch, nice but had better. Fremantle has a huge harbor and the Ecuadorian navy was in town with their training ship Guayas which is a 5 mask sailing ship and they took as on a guided tour of their ship. Great tour with really nice sailors and very proud of their ship and loved showing people around it.
That evening we headed out o a pub crawl which started at the Little Creatures Brewery then the Monk and finished off at the National Hotel.
After our chips from the local kebab shop we went to midnight mass where a lady fainted and the service carried on around her and at the end the priest throw out chocolate Santa's to everyone, very bizarre service.
Christmas morning we opened our presents wrapped in plastic bags and it's amazing what $20 buys you. Off to the beach where thousands of Aussies were also but still room for us, once a bbq was free I cooked our huge steaks that we had for our dinner. We had a really good day but I did manage to burn my shoulders at the beach first time I've burnt on this trip. We had our Christmas pudding and cream waiting for us back at the prison. Was good to FaceTime the family that night which is their day, first time I've felt homesick.
Not good news for us as our house sit in Perth has fallen through due to the chap being rushed into hospital so now we are rethinking our plans and where we are now heading.
So Boxing Day we left Fremantle and Perth to start our great journey north.
The Great Northern Highway links Western Australia's capital city Perth with its northernmost port, Wyndham. With a length of almost 3,200km its the longest highway in Australia and we were going to drive the whole length of it.
Just inland from Perth is Swan Valley, a smaller and not as fancy as Margaret River but still lots of wineries, cheese and chocolate places to visit. Due to it being Boxing Day a lot of the area was closed but the police were out in force setting up road blocks. I was called into one for a breathe test but all was good and we were sent on our way. We made it to a small coastal town called Lancelin where we needed fuel so we also stopped on the beach for a light lunch.
Due to the remoteness of Western Australia you have to rely on the free 24hr camps along the road, some are very poor maintained but others are better than some sites you pay for. We headed for Point Louise at Billy Goat Bay where there was a great site right at the beach, brilliant camp.
We made our way to Geraldton and found a beach with free showers, it was so hot driving we quickly got changed and headed for the water, ah it was lovely. Although the showers are meant to be cold they are always warm due to the heat, very hard to find cold water here unless it's in a bottle. So nicely refreshed now we head to the HMAS Sydney memorial, this is monument to the 600 sailors who lost their lives on that ship in WW11. Geraldton has the amazing St.Francis Xavier cathedral which has a Spanish feel to it due to the priest who designed it being from Spain. So after an ice cream from Mc Donald's we head off along this massive highway. Got to Galena Bridge free camp by Ajana River quite early which meant trying to find some shade and get away from the flies. Tent was pitched by the river among the trees which was cool and quite until a mad man started shouting and throwing stuff out of his tent and truck, very strange and a bit worrying.
Finally made it to Denham which is the hub of the national park and where the information center is, again Denham is a small place with really just one road and a few shops. After chatting with the lady in the center we decided to go out to Monkey Mia and camp there. Wow very busy place and only one camp site but as we got there by lunch time we got to pick our spot but later in the day tents were all over the place. Went for a swim but the sea had a really strong currant but it was nice to be in the water. It was a nice place but just too busy with everybody wanting to see the dolphins in the bay.
Quite a windy night and not as hot as the night before so only needed the sheet over us. We set the alarm for 7am to see the dolphins but awake like the rest of the camp around 5.30ish. With my cup of tea and a biscuit we head for the beach and at 7.20 there was 3 dolphins in the bay waiting for their breakfast. The rangers are strict and will not feed them until 8am and they only get 4 fish each, this is so they don't rely on this feed as their main source or lose the skill for hunting their own food. So about 300 people all stand at the waters edge and only 8 people are chosen to feed the two female dolphins, " the lady in pink tee shirt" that's me, I was the first one to be chosen and like the gentleman I am I let Sally feed the dolphin while I took the photos. It was a real experience to see this as I have seen on the television many times but I must say the beach didn't match what you see on TV. Once the show was over we went for breakfast and left the camp for the 20km drive to the Small Lagoon just outside Denham. They call it small but it's a big round shallow lagoon with lovely clear water. When leaving 5 Emu's just walked out of the bush and casually crossed the road. Staying in a camp on the beach front in Denham and once the tent is up we grab our snorkel gear and head for the beach. I was expecting something great but the water was a a bit of a let down with few fish and sea grass everywhere, but still we paddled for an hour then headed to the cafe for a coffee and plate of wedges.
Very windy night and it kept us awake and we were up at 6am packing up and ready to move on.
On route out of the park we stopped at Eagle Bluff which is a cliff top walk way which over looks a massive bay which if your lucky you will see sharks, turtles and rays but as normal we were not lucky today. From there it was Shell Beach which as the name states is made up of tiny shells and the water there is twice as salty as normal sea water. You could swim or float but as there was no showers there we decided not too. Hamelin Pool is another nature reserve as the bay is covered by Stromatolites which are basically small rocks formed millions of years ago, very impressive. You are not allowed to swim here which is a shame as the water was crystal clear and we were very hot. Lunch time and driving along the North West Coastal Highway and we are melting in the heat but still have 200km to go before we reach Carnarvon.
Carnarvon is a large town with 8 camp sites but the place is dead and everything has been closed since Christmas but we got booked in a site and found a garage to do our oil change. This place is famous for its mile long jetty and it's OTC dish and that's about it. Jetty was a nice walk but the thing is falling apart with the boards loose or missing. Found the only shop that was open and it's good old Woolworths so did enough shopping for the next few days as we are going to be isolated.
The town has a memorial to the Sydney that was sunk in WW11, it's a stretch of road with plaques along the edge which we believe to have the names of all that were lost at sea in that battle. Every single plaque has been taken maybe they were bronze and worth something, such a shame.
Had a really nice meal in camp as we were the only ones we had the kitchen to ourselves, shame the TV didn't work. So up early to get the van into the garage for its 5000km service, while this was being done we went and had breakfast in the bakery opposite and one hour later van was ready to go. On our way out of town we stopped at the OTC dish which was pretty amazing thing to see up close. It was a hard drive to Coral Bay due to it being so hot and it being one of those endless roads that goes on and on. Coral Bay has only two camp sites and both were fully booked so we were going to stay on the beach that night. The little town of one road and can be walked in 10 minutes and for a small place I have never seen so many people in one place. Surprisingly the beach wasn't that packed so we got our kit on and dived in. The water was really warm as its a lagoon and you have to swim out quite away to reach deeper water. Not many fish in the shallows but did see two blue spotted rays in the sand. As the camp sites were so busy and no one really cared we just walked in and had a shower for free. We parked the van up in the car park right by the beach and had some dinner then a nice walk up the sand dune to watch the sun set for the last time this year. While sitting on the beach with our bottle of pop and some chocolates the police turned up doing their patrol and we got chatting as one of them came from Liverpool.
We heard the pub do the count down to midnight and 10 minutes later I was in bed asleep. Awake at 7.20 to yet another beautiful day and the tide was out a really long way and like a mill pond.
We put our wetsuits on as we were going to snorkel in deeper water and being out for over an hour you can start to feel cold also they protect you from the sun. Amazing reef but not a lot of fish except parrot fish eating their way through the reef but still a great morning. Once again into the camp site for a free shower and wash the kit out ready for the off to Exmouth.
It takes a couple of hours to Exmouth and we check into a site around 3ish and decide to stay a couple of days as the reef here is meant to be the best. The site as well as the town has Emu's wondering round freely, they seem to be ok but you have to be on the look out for them all the time.
Had a nice evening in the camp as the kitchen area had sitting and a tv with air con.
Called into the info center to buy the park entry ticket and decided to do the Yardie Creek cruise at 12.30. Headed off into the park which has a sealed road for about 100km then it stops at the creek but all the way driving through are fantastic beaches which we will visit on route back. The cruise lasted an hour and the guy was very knowledgeable about the area and we even got to see some rock wallabies. On the route back we stopped at Turquoise Bay which is meant to be the best one and it was beautiful there. Went snorkeling for a couple of hours as the water was very clear but not much fish life around but did see a blue spotted ray. Finally dragged ourselves away from the beach around 5.30 as we wanted to stop at the lighthouse on the way back, also they have a turtle beach here where now is the time for them to be laying. We sat there for 2 hours in the dark, saw a couple of turtles in the waves but they didn't come in and then as we were going to leave one tried to come ashore but couldn't get past the rocks so returned to the sea. While driving back to the camp loads of kangaroos were on the road side but thank god done decided to run out into the road.
We had one of our longest drives of 555km to Dampier, no real reason to go there but the further north you go you have to stop in these remote places as there is nothing else out there. Dampier is an iron mining town and that's it, nothing else just mining but we did find a camp site in the dock area that was only $20 so cheap but very basic. What I did find out was that Red Dog was from here and there was a monument to him in the town so he deserved a visit. The next town Karratha again was built up from iron and gas mining industry but it did has a supermarket and a Mc. Donald's for a coffee. We also found the leisure complex so Sally went for a swim while I sorted out my videos with a latte. Leaving town at lunchtime we didn't have a long journey Port Hedland about 2hrs but the heat was unreal again but we got there and booked into a miners camp site called Black Rock, we were the only campers. Nothing in this mining town apart from the salt mountains and the turtles. Once the tent was pitched we headed for the turtle beach and to our surprise there was half a dozen flat back turtles either dragging themselves up the beach, down the beach back to the sea or were digging their holes ready for their eggs to be buried. I had never seen this before and just sat there for hours watching these creatures and amazed by their struggle to preform this yearly task. The town has volunteers that look after the turtles and advise the public on what to do, was chatting with the lady and she said that around 7am the hatchlings start their way down the beach to the safety of the sea and we could help to keep the seagulls away from them.
7am we were there and sure enough there was only one tiny hatchling heading for the sea so we helped to keep the birds and crabs away and the little thing made it to the sea. Made my day seeing this and when you are told that only 1 in 1000 make it I wonder if our little guy was the one.
We left Port Hedland at 9am as we had a 600km drive to Broome and we really wanted to do it in one day. Very hot and such a boring road with only 2 road houses for coffee and fuel stops but we made it and at 4pm we were in McDonalds drinking a latte. The camp sites here are all $40 plus so we had a look at the hotels to see if the prices were much different. We found the 5* Kimberley Sands Spa and Resort for $30 more than a camp site so we thought what the heck and booked in for 4 nights of luxury. A massive bed, our own bathroom with a stand alone bath, a shower, a tv and we don't have to share any of it, we even had a plunge pool in our court yard, heaven.
As we still had some meat to cook we headed for the beach to cook it up from the cooker in the van, so still slumming it.
We booked a tour to see the stub tail dolphins in Roebuck Bay which is the only place you can see them but unfortunately we didn't see any. It was a nice morning on the boat and we did see lots of bottle nose dolphins, turtles and a sea snake.
Went to the town beach to watch the sunset and see the camels that give sunset walks along the beach. Cable Beach is 23km long sandy beach but been told not to swim due to jelly fish so we just had a paddle instead. The beach was named after the cable that is laid from there to Java.
Alarm goes off at 5.30am as we are booked on a flight tour, picked up at 6.20am and taken to the airport where our light air craft is waiting, our first stop is Cape Leveque where a hot breakfast and fruit is waiting for us. Once breakfast is finished we head for the beach for a play in the surf but was warned that salt water crocodiles have been seen in the area, we still went in and it was great.
Back on the plane and we head out to the Buccaneer Archipelago to view the Horizontal Falls, all the islands of the archipelago are incredible against the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The flight back was a bit rocky and I felt really sick so I missed most of it as my eyes were shut but it was overland so not as impressive as the flight going over the sea. Once we had landed I couldn't wait to get back to the hotel for a lay down which I did for a couple of hours. Once I had rested I felt better so spent the rest of the day at the pool.
Saturday morning sad to leave this lovely hotel but felt rested and ready for the 1,000km we have in front of us up to Kununurra. Before we left town we went to the local arts and crafts market at the old court house. Another very hot day but we managed to drive 500km in very lush surroundings, the land is quite mountainous but very green due to it being the wet season. No kangaroos to dodge on this road just very large lizards, lots of cattle that just stand in the road, goats and even a few horses. Fuel prices were up and down but generally it was expensive, very much like when we were on the Stuart Highway. We spent the night at a 24hr rest stop at the Ngumban Cliffs on the Mueller Ranges with one other van. Lovely place to stop but far too many flies and they drove us insane, we slept in the van but it was so hot we didn't really sleep that good. I woke with the sun rising at 5am so got out the van and in minutes I was smothered in flies. Kettle on for some water for a quick wash and by 5.30 we were driving as you just couldn't stay there.
We arrived at Kununurra by lunch time and got checked in the a camp for a couple of nights.
As this town is the gateway for the Kimberly's and as they are closed so does the town close down with only the food shops open but we didn't mind as we just spent the days around the pool. The first night here it was so hot and humid the tent was unbearable and you just laid there in a paddle of sweat, by midnight I had enough and left the tent and just sat in a chair, a bit cooler. At this moment I'd had enough and hated Australia and just wanted to go home then a cockroach landed on me, after that I sat in the van and cooked but did sleep for a couple of hours. Today went into town for a look around but only brought some food and then headed back to pool, tonight is a bit cooler and there is a little bit of a breeze. I'm getting a bit grumpy now with this heat and just continuously dripping with the humidity.
70km outside Kununurra is Lake Argyle which was formed when they dammed the Ore River, there is only one camp site there and it has an amazing infinity pool which over looks the lake. They allow you to buy a day pass if you don't want to stay overnight and at $10 it's well worth it. We finally left around 2pm which was a little late but was having a great time in the pool.
Knowing we wouldn't make it to Katherine we headed for Timber Creek where there is a road house we could camp at, I don't like the road houses as they are very rough with bad facilities but sometimes you have no choice.
After another crap night in the tent where you just lay in a puddle of sweat all night and when you leave the tent the flies attack you. Even after a cold shower you still feel dirty as by the time you leave the shower room you are dripping in sweat again, I've had enough. So we reach Katherine where the lady in the information center informs us that due to heavy rain all the parks are closed and not worth staying in town. After a coffee and something to eat we leave town and head to Darwin and hope that on our return the parks will be open. We make it to Pine Creek which is a one street town with nothing in it but 2 camps. We stayed in the Railway Resort, named because of the old railway that used to run through town, we were the only ones there surprisingly. The best thing about this camp was the fruit bats that live in the trees and at sunset thousands of bats flew over us. Just outside the camp are the towns power cables and a bat must of hit one of the lines as it was like a fire work display with the cables arcing. Woke to everything wet from the drizzle we had in the night so we laid the tent out in the sun to dry while we had breakfast. It's only a couple of hours to Darwin and we have decided to find a hotel and chill for a few days before flying out to Bali. Found a hotel in the center of town and cheap too as out of season at the moment and funny as I think we had the place to ourselves. Darwin is no different to all the other cities here just hotter and less people due to who would want to live in this heat. The hotel had a bbq in the pool area so we could still cook and not have the expense of eating out, also we got breakfast in the price. Due to the salt water crocs and the box jelly fish you cannot enter the water so by the beach there is a wave pool area. £3.00 for as long as you like riding the waves, great fun but did feel a bit out of place with all the kids in the water. When Darwin was bombed by the Japanese they dug oil storage tunnels by the harbour as their above land storage had been bombed. Only 2 tunnels remain now and for a fee you can visit them, they weren't very successful as they leaked, fumes were bad and the war had finished by the time they were finished. We also finally booked to go to Bali for 10 days from Darwin as it's very cheap and very close to get too. The suburbs of Darwin seem more alive with local markets (Parap) and nice parks to walk (Fannie Bay and East Point)
Qantas had an hanger just outside town that was used prior the war and after they sold it to the NT car enthusiast who display and work on anything old. As everyone kept telling us about the storms up at the Top End we were surprised we hadn't had any but we did get caught in a heavy downpour one afternoon. Along the coast line is Bicentennial Park which overlooks the ocean and has lots of monuments to the people that lost their life's when Darwin was bombed.
Our last day after we checked out we headed out of town to NT biggest shopping mall and spent a few hours strolling around the shops. Also there is a cinema so we went and watch The Revenant and it's a very good film that lasts 2.30hrs From there a quick bite to eat and off to the airport and Bali here we come.