Thurs, 14th April, 2022 Hidden Valley Van Park, Berrimah, NT

Clear sky again but another storm predicted for this afternoon.

Put the sheets and towels on to wash. That way the camper will be clean for when we come back at the end of the month.

Clive and Rebecca are at the airport ready to fly to Darwin. We will see them at the wharf in the morning.

Clean and sorted and managed to get everything into our two suitcases we picked up at the Op Shop. Will take a back pack and my laptop too.

A few more vans and camper trailers have arrived.

Booked a history walking tour of Broome and Camel ride along Cable Beach for when we get too Broome. 

All packed and ready to go by afternoon tea. Went for a drive to have a look at Darwin itself and to find some place to get some dinner as we have shut down the fridge now.

Followed the other dual lane road around, passed the turn off into the Charles Darwin National Park then drove in to Dinah Beach boat ramp area.

Map of Darwin area.

Around the edge of the Marina - Darwin highrises in the background.

Next is Stokes Wharf but no where to park to have a wander. When we come back we will get a bus in so we can have a wander around.

Next one along is Fort Hill Wharf but there is not mention here of that name but we found our ship so we are in the right place.

Continued around the base of the hill to where an open area Deckchair Cinema is - history signs to read so we will come back here. Up the hill - lovely trees everywhere.

Along the Bicentennial Park with lots of apartments on the other side.

Down the narrow road into Doctor’s Gully. We came here with Daniel etc 30 years ago to feed the Milk Fish - fascinating. Can’t remember if we had to pay back then but now it is $15 to enter.

A few historical items and information here too.

Continued around to Cullen Bay - nice area with white buildings and a few shops. The ferry leaves from here for West Point (where we were the other day) and also across to the Tiwi Islands.

Drove into the Mindil Beach Casino carpark. We stayed the night here with Greg & Tracy. We had one of the staff sit with Daniel (3yr) once we got him to sleep and had an evening out in the Casino. At that stage there wasn’t pokies etc in Qld. I don’t think we won much!

A bit further around was another carpark for Little Mindil so we parked and went for a walk. Across a nice bridge over the creek - I am presuming it is Mindil Creek.

Looking across Fannie Bay to Dudley Point.

Along to the back of the Casino.

Back in the car and along the road where the famous Mindil Beach markets are held. The first ones will be on the 30^th of April so might check them out when we return after the cruise.

Continued along then back along Bagot Road to the other end of the airport area and then along the road on the other side of the airport and back around to the Stuart Highway so we that we have driven completely around the airport area.

Spotted a Subway so will come back for dinner later. Went back for drinks. Rang Erica & Terry - on their way to Uncle Robbie’s memorial at his farm then rang the boys for a chat. The clouds have built up and now getting very dark then the thunder started and a few minutes later down came the rain. Just got the chairs parked up and the camper zipped before the heavy rain started but it was all over in 10 minutes. 

Drove back to Subway for dinner but found a Kebab shop next door so ordered that instead. Very filling. What some TV and packed away the last things ready for the early start tomorrow.