We spent the obligatory day seeing the sights in Litchfield NP. Because Litchfield NP is only 115 km from Darwin via sealed roads Litchfield NP is very accessible for day tourists and bus tours. Covid-19 restrictions have of course reduced these numbers but I would hate to be here in ‘normal’ times. After the majesty and size of Kakadu Litchfield felt much smaller and more crowded. Everyone’s experience is different of course and it was a particularly hot day when we were there so we did the race around the circuit with only short stops. First off – the Magnetic Termite Mounds – so described because of their general orientation on a north/south axis and shaped like tombstones – which helps in regulating the temperature inside the mounds. Next, Florence Falls plunge pool where we walked along the lovely Shady Creek 40 minute walk, checked out the crowded swimming hole, then climbed back up to the carpark via the 180 steps staircase straight up the cliff. Buley Rockholes – a series of small waterfalls, rapids and pools which was crowded out. We also stopped at the ‘Lost City’ – some crumbing sandstone formations estimated to be over 500 million years old with a 4WD track to access effectively limiting the number of visitors!
After the day spent in Litchfield Park it was on to the city of Darwin and setting ourselves up at Robbie Robbins Reserve (appropriate name) an equestrian facility which again is funded in the dry season by offering powered sites to travelers for a reasonable price and providing power, water and toilet facilities. We had good internet and television reception so settled down to watch the Olympics and had a couple of weeks to explore and enjoy the city. We were also able to get our first Covid-19 vaccination here without booking and fuss-free. John had ordered a few parts for the truck to pick up at the local post office and we completed lots of jobs thanks to the local Bunnings.
The Darwin Festival started while we were in town so there was a very festive atmosphere. We walked around the Street Art Trail and saw some creative art on the walls of buildings; we took a tour of the underground oil storage tunnels built at huge expense after WWII bombing of Darwin and never used because they couldn’t get the water proofing right; visited the Art Gallery and Museum to see realistic re-creations of the devastation from Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin in the small hours of Christmas Day 1974, killed 71 people and devastated 80 per cent of the city. Darwin is an interesting small City with a different vibe to anywhere else we’ve been.
We were fortunate to meet up again with our new WA friends, Craig and Cathie. We had a lovely dinner on the deck of a restaurant on Darwin’s revamped waterfront and then said goodbye as they return home and we head west.
Another well known attraction, only 3 kms from the town centre, is the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday and Sunday each week from 4 pm to 9 pm. The markets have over 200 stalls and 60 of these are food – just about every cuisine you can imagine! We went 3 times during our stay and watched the amazing sunsets over the ocean while soaking up the atmosphere, live music and great food. Surprisingly I’d give Darwin an 8 out of 10!
