Discovering Darwin
We were staying at Tumbling Waters Caravan Park, 60kms out of Darwin. The caravan park was near Berry Springs. After Joel quizzed the receptionist on the fishing, we headed off to our site and set up. Grandma and Grandpa were flying up to stay with us for 2 weeks, and we were all excited to say the least. Grandma and Grandpa stayed in a villa.
On Sunday after church, we went to the wave pool. We paid for half a day, and it was fun. The little girls really enjoyed it too. Grandma and Grandpa, opting not to swim, kindly took some photos of us. It was a weird feeling as the waves rocked us. Our last surf was at Phillip Island. We all got our boogyboards out and tried to surf, none of us being very successful.
Just a 10min drive from the caravan park was Berry Springs. We loved exploring the 3 pools, and were especially happy to find a rope swing. Chloe and Tahlia did struggle swimming between pools, so they walked between the next one. When we chanced upon the rope swing in the end pool, and we all had a good go, even Chloe, although Tahlia was too young.
After our pleasant experience at Berry springs, a few days later we went to Howard Springs. When we all had piled out (thanks to the 12 seater we could fit everybody) Joel beat us all to the water edge. We were disappointed for a swim, as there was a big sign saying that the water was unsuitable for swimming in. Luckily, there were a few paddling pools which redeemed Howard Springs a bit in our eyes. There also was a really good playground. On the way home, we had a swim at Berry springs.
We were glad to go to the wildlife park and see some of the unique 'top end' animals. The girls were captivated by Graham, the big 4m saltwater crocodile. The boys enjoyed feeding the whip rays and Chloe liked feeding the archer fish. We also learnt about the unique 'boof' sound that barramundi make. We all really enjoyed the birds of prey show. We were especially grateful for the shuttle train that took us around. The driver also taught us about some plants that could stun fish, being thrown in a billabong.
Our next stop after the whiprays was the birds of prey show. This was a spectacular show and we were all amazed at the grandeur of these birds. The black breasted buzzards main food is eggs. As most eggs have a hard shell, it uses nature's tools and throws a rock against the egg. When it is cracked, it enjoys a tasty meal. This particular bird had been trained to clean up the remnants of the egg. Smart bird!!
After the show, we could get closer to the animals and had photo opportunities This is a wedge-tailed eagle. It is really a once-off opportunity to see birds like this up close. This wedge-tailed eagle was injured when a car hit it and could not survive out in the wild.
In the aquarium, the girls were excited to see a 4m saltie close up. It's name is Graham. There were also some baby crocodiles, barrumundi, and some reef fish.
Joel went fishing and luckily caught 2 mangrove jack. We cooked it up and it was a nice eating fish. That was one of the best fish which he had caught so far.
We were very excited to be able to go on a ferry from Mandorah to Cullen Bay. We had a nice dinner at Cullen Bay and then ran around on the grass. The night ride was the most fun, with spray being thrown everywhere.
At the caravan park, there was a billabong containing 12 freshwater crocs. Often you would see several of them basking in the sun as you walked past. Every Saturday at 5:00pm, the crocodiles were fed, with everyone free to join in. After missing several feedings, we purposed to get to one, and we enjoyed it. We raced over to the pen just in time.
Following a recommendation, we trotted off to the military museum. It was extremely informative. The most interesting display (in my opinion) was about the bombing of Darwin. There was also an exhibit on the blockading the Darwin harbour.
Before going rock climbing, we planned to feed the fish at Doctors Gully. That was before we realised how ridiculously priced it was! We then headed off to the rock climbing centre. The owner had especially opened up the centre for us, and it was extremely fun. Even the two little girls had a go at it.
"Life at the Top"
Our favourite camp spot: Tumbling Waters Caravan Park: Cox Peninsula Rd
PH: 08 8988 6255
Adults Liked: Clean amenities, nice cafe, resort like surroundings
Children Liked: The crocodile billabong, pool, and plenty of space
Places to visit:
Darwin Visitor Information Centre: Bennet St Ph: 1300 138 886
Darwin Military Museum: East Point Rd. PH: 08 8981 9702
This was a great museum, and we spent a while here. Both the inside and outside galleries are extremely informative and interesting. Learn all about the Bombing of Darwin, and the events that led up to it. Explore the defensive structures and the important role that Darwin played in WWII.
Fannie Bay Gaol: East Point Rd. PH: 08 8941 2260
Explore that goal that performed the last execution in the territory, and see the conditions that prisoners used to live in in this HM gaol and labour gaol. It served Darwin for almost 100 yrs.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre: Stuart Highway, Berrimah PH: 08 8947 2145
The Heritage centre has an impressive collection of aircraft, including a Spitfire and B52 bomber. It covers the NT's involvement in aviation, from the earliest of pioneers, to WWII.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels: Kitchener Dr PH: 08 8985 6333
Constructed during WWII to protect Darwin's oil supplies, these tunnels are now a fascinating piece of photographic history, with photos paying tribute to those that fought for the Defence of Darwin .
Museum and Art Gallery: 19 Conacher St
We were all awed at the sight of Sweetheart, the stuffed 5m Saltwater Crocodile in the museum. We were then all subdued by the death toll caused by Cyclone Tracy, one of the most devastating in Australian history. There is plenty of exhibitions here, including Aboriginal art and culture, maritime archaeology, and local history.
Territory Wildlife Park: Cox Peninsula Rd, Berry Springs PH: 08 8988 7200
Showcasing all the wild, wacky and wonderful animals that the Top End has to offer, the Territory Wildlife Park is a must see. With a shuttle train around the park, and some spectacular presentations, be prepared to rest your legs while taking some amazing pictures. The Birds of Prey was definitely our favourite show, with the Whiprays coming in a close second. The aquarium was also great, as it was our first experience with a Saltwater Crocodile up close.
Darwin Wave Lagoon: Darwin Waterfront PH: 08 8999 5155
We enjoyed a good swim at the Darwin Wave lagoon, especially when the waves same on and we enjoyed catching some “waves” on our boogyboards.
Berry Springs: Cox Peninsula Rd
Berry Springs is a great place to swim, with 3 pools to swim in. The end pool also hosts a rope swing, which even Chloe (5) enjoyed.
Howard Springs Reserve: Howard Soprings Rd PH: 08 8983 1001
Howard Springs has a great park, as well as some shallow rock pools that you can splash around in. The springs are sadly closed due to high bacteria levels in the water. The great park more than makes up for the absence of swimming in the spring.
Litchfield National Park:
A great national park, with waterfalls galore. We enjoyed the day trip out to Litchfield, though you could easily spend 3 days swimming and exploring these spectacular waterfalls. Other attractions include the magnetic Termite Mounds, the Lost City, and Bamboo Creek Tin Mine.
Mindil Beach Markets: Off Gilruth Avenue PH: 08 8981 3534
Mindil Beach Markets are some of the best market we've seen. Mum found both a dress and a wonderful shirt. There is some really good food, as well as lots of clothing, jewellery and heaps of other items.
Leanyer Water and Skate Park:
A great place to cool off after a hot day in the sun. Leanyer water park was free, and had 3 large slides, as well as a water park, and a pool.
The Rock: Doctors Gully PH: 08 8941 0747
A great rock climbing place, with friendly staff. All us kids enjoyed it, even Tahlia doing it (we just basically hauled her up).
Family Eating Out:
Litchfield Hotel:
A great place to eat out, with some good deals on. We especially like Pizza Friday. Meals are cheap, but nice and the dining atmosphere is friendly. There is a beautiful rock feature inside, and the windows are overlooking a big green outside area, perfect for the kids to work up an appetite.
PH: 08 8988 6255
Adults Liked: Clean amenities, nice cafe, resort like surroundings
Children Liked: The crocodile billabong, pool, and plenty of space
Places to visit:
Darwin Visitor Information Centre: Bennet St Ph: 1300 138 886
Darwin Military Museum: East Point Rd. PH: 08 8981 9702
This was a great museum, and we spent a while here. Both the inside and outside galleries are extremely informative and interesting. Learn all about the Bombing of Darwin, and the events that led up to it. Explore the defensive structures and the important role that Darwin played in WWII.
Fannie Bay Gaol: East Point Rd. PH: 08 8941 2260
Explore that goal that performed the last execution in the territory, and see the conditions that prisoners used to live in in this HM gaol and labour gaol. It served Darwin for almost 100 yrs.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre: Stuart Highway, Berrimah PH: 08 8947 2145
The Heritage centre has an impressive collection of aircraft, including a Spitfire and B52 bomber. It covers the NT's involvement in aviation, from the earliest of pioneers, to WWII.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels: Kitchener Dr PH: 08 8985 6333
Constructed during WWII to protect Darwin's oil supplies, these tunnels are now a fascinating piece of photographic history, with photos paying tribute to those that fought for the Defence of Darwin .
Museum and Art Gallery: 19 Conacher St
We were all awed at the sight of Sweetheart, the stuffed 5m Saltwater Crocodile in the museum. We were then all subdued by the death toll caused by Cyclone Tracy, one of the most devastating in Australian history. There is plenty of exhibitions here, including Aboriginal art and culture, maritime archaeology, and local history.
Territory Wildlife Park: Cox Peninsula Rd, Berry Springs PH: 08 8988 7200
Showcasing all the wild, wacky and wonderful animals that the Top End has to offer, the Territory Wildlife Park is a must see. With a shuttle train around the park, and some spectacular presentations, be prepared to rest your legs while taking some amazing pictures. The Birds of Prey was definitely our favourite show, with the Whiprays coming in a close second. The aquarium was also great, as it was our first experience with a Saltwater Crocodile up close.
Darwin Wave Lagoon: Darwin Waterfront PH: 08 8999 5155
We enjoyed a good swim at the Darwin Wave lagoon, especially when the waves same on and we enjoyed catching some “waves” on our boogyboards.
Berry Springs: Cox Peninsula Rd
Berry Springs is a great place to swim, with 3 pools to swim in. The end pool also hosts a rope swing, which even Chloe (5) enjoyed.
Howard Springs Reserve: Howard Soprings Rd PH: 08 8983 1001
Howard Springs has a great park, as well as some shallow rock pools that you can splash around in. The springs are sadly closed due to high bacteria levels in the water. The great park more than makes up for the absence of swimming in the spring.
Litchfield National Park:
A great national park, with waterfalls galore. We enjoyed the day trip out to Litchfield, though you could easily spend 3 days swimming and exploring these spectacular waterfalls. Other attractions include the magnetic Termite Mounds, the Lost City, and Bamboo Creek Tin Mine.
Mindil Beach Markets: Off Gilruth Avenue PH: 08 8981 3534
Mindil Beach Markets are some of the best market we've seen. Mum found both a dress and a wonderful shirt. There is some really good food, as well as lots of clothing, jewellery and heaps of other items.
Leanyer Water and Skate Park:
A great place to cool off after a hot day in the sun. Leanyer water park was free, and had 3 large slides, as well as a water park, and a pool.
The Rock: Doctors Gully PH: 08 8941 0747
A great rock climbing place, with friendly staff. All us kids enjoyed it, even Tahlia doing it (we just basically hauled her up).
Family Eating Out:
Litchfield Hotel:
A great place to eat out, with some good deals on. We especially like Pizza Friday. Meals are cheap, but nice and the dining atmosphere is friendly. There is a beautiful rock feature inside, and the windows are overlooking a big green outside area, perfect for the kids to work up an appetite.