Interesting stories about Darwin’s aviation history and wartime experience with 19 aircraft including a B52 bomber, 21 engines and a rare amateur footage of the first air-raid in Darwin on display. Darwin was bombed more than Pearl Harbour during the air raid. There were more aircraft used and more tonnage of bombs dropped. On 19 February 1942, 188 Japanese planes bombed Darwin in two air raids. One Japanese plane crash-landed on Melville Island to Darwin’s north, and its pilot was captured by a local Aboriginal man.
Ghan… where are you?
Travelled to a location 20 minutes south to watch & fly the drone over the Ghan on it’s journey to Adelaide. Unfortunately the Ghan was not operating (COVID restriction).
Winter temperatures
Temperatures are a factor in planning our day’s activities. Most Darwin “highs” are around 32° where the nighttime temperatures get to a “low” of 22-24° around 6am. Yesterday was a record day in some NT locations. When returning from Adelaide river it was 36° & humid.
Crocodiles (Adelaide River)
We were not planning to visit one of the “jumping crocodile” tours but following a strong recommendation from the harbour cruise skipper (yesterday), changed our minds. A good decision as it was an extraordinary experience.
We had to keep all body parts within the boat for the obvious reasons. After seeing the various crocs aggressive moves, I had a much greater respect to follow the tour operator’s (Adam) instruction. If you look closely, you can see a gun in it’s holster on the hip of the tour operator (this was NOT for show!)
Kites being fed chicken…
Never seen so many kites, perhaps a hundred or more, standing in trees on the river bank or circling nearby. After feeding the crocs Adam threw chicken pieces into the river. The swooping bird rarely missed picking up the food.
Darwin Harbour Cruise
1hr tour with entertaining commentary
Wetlands Cruise
Corroboree Billabong is part of the Mary River Wetlands, home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. We viewed crocodiles plus a variety of birds and other local wildlife in their natural environment during a 2+ hour tour guided cruise.
Window on the Wetlands
It is perched on Beatrice Hill, one of the highest points overlooking the Adelaide River floodplains. Flooded for half of the year and baked for the other half, this is a region of great contrasts.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Short visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory which is described as the Northern Territory’s premier cultural organisation. It is home to a Cyclone Tracy Exhibit & artistic, cultural and scientific collections.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
The WWII Oil Storage Tunnels were built to protect the oil stored in Darwin from Japanese bombing. Located below the cliffs of Darwin City in the Darwin Wharf Precinct. By the time the tunnels were completed the risk from bombing had gone and the tunnels never stored oil. Today, we toured tunnel 5 and 6.
Berry Springs
An easy 20min drive south of our CP is a bush land oasis with late season fresh water flow and swimming pools.
