Day 31 Batchelor to Darwin

Today we put the van down and the up again in Darwin for the last time on this trip (weather and other disasters permitting). We have gotten into such a routine with this that we almost do it without thinking. There are some jobs that the kids automatically do on their own that are easier for them to do than us. They also got to put it up on their own once!

50km up the road, and Darwin was almost upon us. Instead we headed 30km along the Arnhem Hwy to the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Tour that had been recommended to us. I have to say that these places were not well advertised out on the highway and we almost gave up after we went past the Fogg Dam. Another 2km on a gravel road and we were wondering where on earth we were going but we eventually arrived on the banks of the Adelaide River and got on the 11am tour.

Crocs we wanted and crocs we got. As well as the droll/smarty pants guide and his ever reliable female sidekick, who I might add did all the work attracting the crocs while he did all the talking and driving. The best part was when the kites (big meat eating birds) cam down to swoop in and catch small bits of meat that the sidekick threw in the air to them. All in all it was quite fun and worth the admission price. On the way in to Darwin we were discussing which other “croc” things we might see. It was croc this and croc that. Keith cleverly suggested that all of these attractions may be a croc of s***!

The obligatory swim and chat in the pool with other travellers was had and then lured by the promise of a cheap but quality buffet dinner and the Sky City Casino, we gussied ourselves up and headed on into town. The sunset from the restaurant was spectacular and we managed to not make piggies of ourselves at the buffet. The kids even showed restraint at the help yourself to fizzy drinks station.

After dinner we had a drive around Darwin and located some places we want to look at. It was also good to orient ourselves and make sure we can find our way later. Darwin seems to be a small laid back city with pockets of nightlife. It is not a very big place and we headed back to the van with full bellies and tired heads after another big day.