Darwin Day 3

Peter had to join the other bank collegues for the morning so I had some free time. I started with a nice walk through Bicentennial Park overlooking the water...

 Love how they have creepers growing as shade covers over the seats...

 I walked past the bankies learning all about the Aboriginal culture at Lyon Cottage...

 I then did some souvenir shopping which was a good challenge trying to avoid "designed in Australia - made in China" products. I found a nice Aboriginal print tablecloth and a plate and a few other things. The main shopping area is very quiet with little areas off the main mall. I found a nice little health shop and bought myself some lunch...

 I met up with Peter back at the motel and we went off to see some more sights. We just followed the path...

 And came across the Deckchair Cinema - would love to watch a movie here but we had no free nights...

We then found the WW 2 oil storage tunnels...

 They were very interesting and quite amazing how big they are...

 Next up we went to the new Darwin Waterfront area. As swimming in the ocean is a problem because of crocodiles they have built a great wave pool...

 And a large wall to enclose some of the bay so it is crocodile proof and a great family spot to enjoy the water...

 Views looking down onto the Waterfront...

 We walked through the Mall again on our way back to the motel...

 And finished the day with another great meal outdoors at the Char Restaurant with bank people...

Darwin Day 2

After a very nice breakfast we walked (5 minutes away) around to Peter's customers unit. They enjoy stunning views over the harbour every day...

 They were kind enough to lend us their car for the day so we took the opportunity to head out of town and go on the crocodile jumping cruise. The landscape was much different to what we expected with so much greenery...

 And different numbers on their speed limit signs...

 We arrived just in time for the 11am trip up the Adelaide River...

 The murky water was a bit freaky especially when you see what lives in it...

 We hadn't gone very far when some hungry creatures swam up to the boat...

 Look at those teeth...

It was so good to watch how far they get themselves out of the water and put their front claws along side their body...

 The lady feeding the crocs also calls these birds in for some food. I forget what they are called but their story is very interesting. If there is a bush fire they wait for all the wildlife to escape the fire and eat them. If they don't get enough to eat they will pick up a burning stick and place it somewhere else so another fire starts. They would not be allowed to survive in southern Australia...

 As we were nearing the end of our cruise we were fortunate enough to witness a croc taking his big find of half a cow down stream. Two other crocs were swimming alongside him hoping for a share and our guide thought there would be some fighting over it further down the river...

It was a great trip and very interesting to see crocodiles in their natural environment.  We had a bit of lunch before driving back into Darwin. Next stop was the Air Force Museum. A big B52 bomber is on display here and takes up the whole museum...

 We had a look at Fannie Cove and a few other bays around the coastline...

 This resident has prime beach front real estate...

Darwin marina

 As today is my birthday we had a little celebration...

 Then it was on the bus to meet up with all the other bank people and our first function. We went to the Darwin Sailing Club for a beautiful buffet meal...

Ever present warnings!

 We enjoyed drinks and another beautiful sunset...