Darwin an interesting place (for a couple of days)

On our last day at the wonderful wilderness resort Youngmi did the laundry in bore water but despite the warnings next to the machine it did not come out red. Swim in the pool the happy hour and beer and wines are $3 each. We sat on the lovely decking watching the sun setting through the palms drinking beer then white wine. Rlaxed by these we had the salad buffet in the dining room for $15. Great night.

Reluctant to leave we head to Darwin 150kms away. Stop at Adelaide River but we have just missed a jumping croc boat trip.

Near the Stuart Highway we start to see lots of houses as Darwin spreads out. The Highway into Darwin is like a race track. Stop at 5 camp grounds along this main road but none are right. Fish and chip lunch at the Victoria Tavern is a welcome break from looking at campgrounds in the hot sun.

Eventually find Lee Point campground near the sea about 15km from the CBD. Seen better days, no fridge and $35 but lots of space. This like the other campgrounds has lots of long term residents. Beach looks beautiful, blue sea and crocodile warnings.

Drive into Darwin about 5pm. Traffic not too heavy but fast and pushy. Doesn’t suit Dave’s low acceleration and braking style. Mindl Beach but no market. Only Thursday and Sunday. Lots of backpacker vans. People swimming and beach is patrolled. Good of crocs to keep away. Find Mitchell St in Darwin which is the backpacker street. Lively pubs and we have a parma in one. Nice.

A bonus was the crab racing. Two long thin ones were the fastest.

Next day move campgrounds. Causarina shopping centre is nearby and had everything except Hungry Jacks. We bought another camera from big W. The Discovery campground was $45 and a building site. Lots of workers pre fab accommodation and about 30 washing machines. Rough camp kitchen. Decide of the Freestyle resort. $50 but smart and good pool and kitchen. Dave goes shopping in nearby Palmerston while Youngmi chats to Rob. He is from Benalla and his wife is in hospital after breaking her foot in Litchfield. They have been to South America many times having once had an Argentinian exchange student stay with them.

Sad to hear Robin Williams died today. Mrs Doubtfire is on the telly but a big family wants to watch cartoons. Road noise all night from the Stuart Highway.Where are people going as it is 1500kms to the next big town.

Dropped off the car at VW for its service. Shuttle bus into town but not back. Library for newspapers and internet.

Comfy. Dave walks 6km back to the VW garage and collects the car. Meet Youngmi at the lagoon using the 2hr free parking at Kitchener Drive. Swimming in lagoon is good.Seawater , beach, good grass, hot sun. Drive to Doctors Gully for fish feeding but only at High Tide. Fannie Bay and museum looks good but need food. IGA bread, salami and juice and picnic near East Point. Fannie Bay seems the posh part of Darwin.
East Point military remains from 2nd world war when Darwin was bombed by Japs

Most of Darwin and bit rough or industrial or quickly put up. There appear to be jobs here but nowhere good to stay without paying over $100 per night and not much to do in the city. Decide to move on next day. 
Thursday and another day of blue skies and sun and 30degs. Pack up and drive to Casurina shopping centre to get things we might need for next few weeks driving to Perth. Try Doctors Gully again but have missed the high tide and fish feeding. On radio Joe Hockey is explaining why high income people will pay more petrol tax than poorer people-poor people can't afford to drive as much.
Library again for this update and off we go.