28/06/11
Today we spent the morning packing up at Hidden Valley and preparing to move camp - we found another caravan park about 15km out of Darwin that takes dogs and is $15 per night cheaper then Hidden Valley. Got to Coolalinga late morning and took an hour to get organised and set up.
Then after lunch Sean and I went back to Leanyer Recreation Park and back to the water slides. Spent 3 hours going down the water slide about a thousand times (at least my legs felt like that many) however had a great time and back in time for happy hour at the caravan park where we met several couples and chatted for an hour or so.
The Campbells
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Day 79 - Darwin Sights
27/06/11
Today it was off to see some more of Darwin. First stop the WW2 Oil Storage tunnels right in town. After war shipping generally changed from coal to oil fired power, Darwin became a strategically important place and large oil storage containers were built on the wharf in the early 1930s. Unfortunately these were some of the first targets hit in the bombing raids of 1942 and were completely destroyed, so a decision was made to build some underground storage tanks instead. Work began in 1943 and they were completed in 1945 - quite a feat considering bombing raids continued during construction. Sadly the tanks were never used for their intended purpose as they became redundant as soon as they were finished. A couple were used to store aviation fuel for a short time however they remain unused and rotting away - yet another example of the waste of war. In the tunnels were some amazing pictures of the damage caused on 19/02/42 as well as the ships, aircraft and soldiers in and around Darwin at the time. Coudl not help thinking that my brother-in-law Bernie would have enjoyed this place - I'm sure he would have lost track of time checking it all out.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Next we went for a walk around the wharf presinct. The city has done a great job of turning an already impressive waterfornt into a modern playground which includes a fenced off ocean swimming area and a wave pool - we'll be back later in the week to do this. The main area is surrounded by chic shops and luxury apartments which I'm sure would cost a pretty penny. The views out to the Arafura Sea are magic.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Then back to the van and a swim in the pool there, then another BBQ dinner.
The Campbells
Today it was off to see some more of Darwin. First stop the WW2 Oil Storage tunnels right in town. After war shipping generally changed from coal to oil fired power, Darwin became a strategically important place and large oil storage containers were built on the wharf in the early 1930s. Unfortunately these were some of the first targets hit in the bombing raids of 1942 and were completely destroyed, so a decision was made to build some underground storage tanks instead. Work began in 1943 and they were completed in 1945 - quite a feat considering bombing raids continued during construction. Sadly the tanks were never used for their intended purpose as they became redundant as soon as they were finished. A couple were used to store aviation fuel for a short time however they remain unused and rotting away - yet another example of the waste of war. In the tunnels were some amazing pictures of the damage caused on 19/02/42 as well as the ships, aircraft and soldiers in and around Darwin at the time. Coudl not help thinking that my brother-in-law Bernie would have enjoyed this place - I'm sure he would have lost track of time checking it all out.
Next we went for a walk around the wharf presinct. The city has done a great job of turning an already impressive waterfornt into a modern playground which includes a fenced off ocean swimming area and a wave pool - we'll be back later in the week to do this. The main area is surrounded by chic shops and luxury apartments which I'm sure would cost a pretty penny. The views out to the Arafura Sea are magic.
Then back to the van and a swim in the pool there, then another BBQ dinner.
The Campbells
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Day 78 - Sunday Fishes
26/06/11
We began our Sunday with church at C3 Christian Church - an AOG based church which had a vibrant youthful feel to it. We ran into the couple with seven children who we'd spoken to at Douglas Daly Park three weeks previous. Emma and Ron and their seven children are travelling around Oz for two years and they still ahve 18 months to go. They are heading west so we expect to run into them again.
Next we went into town to Aquascene - a commercial tourist point established after a local began feeding some fish 25 years ago. Now they have a 2 hour session based on the high tide each day and they have lots of people along. Most of the fish being hand fed are Mullet however there were alos a large number of milkfish (look like kingfish) feedin just out of reach averaging about 90cm. There was a large school of catfish and some snapper and small rock cod as well.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
We're told that the tide dictates which fish and how many may show on any one day. Because at this time Darwin is experiencing neap tides which are a mere 5m they are not as good as usual. The spring tides average about 8m and a good spring tide will cover the top step of the seating shwon below.
![]()
![]()
After the fish feeding Sean and I went to the Leanyer Leisure Complex just down the road from Hidden Valley. It contains a coupel of skate parks as well as this cool water park and the entire thing is free. Sean spent the whole time on the 3 water slides and I went on wit him a few times on the red slide using a blow up tube. Also have a water playpark fot the kids with the big bucket that fills up and tips over every couple of minutes - was fun just watching the kids run for cover when it goes over.
![]()
![]()
![]()
After a trip home to clean up we went into the Minindi Beach markets and had a look around at all the knicknacks on offer. Bought oursleves some dinner and down to the beach to sit and have it while watching the sunset along with several hendred other people.
![]()
![]()
![]()
After enjoying this spectacle we returned to the market area where this street performer named Jack was doing his thing. He was a real pro and had the crowd laughing and joining in on the act. Did a few tricks all based around juggling but kept his fire tricks till last.
![]()
![]()
![]()
The Campbells
We began our Sunday with church at C3 Christian Church - an AOG based church which had a vibrant youthful feel to it. We ran into the couple with seven children who we'd spoken to at Douglas Daly Park three weeks previous. Emma and Ron and their seven children are travelling around Oz for two years and they still ahve 18 months to go. They are heading west so we expect to run into them again.
Next we went into town to Aquascene - a commercial tourist point established after a local began feeding some fish 25 years ago. Now they have a 2 hour session based on the high tide each day and they have lots of people along. Most of the fish being hand fed are Mullet however there were alos a large number of milkfish (look like kingfish) feedin just out of reach averaging about 90cm. There was a large school of catfish and some snapper and small rock cod as well.
We're told that the tide dictates which fish and how many may show on any one day. Because at this time Darwin is experiencing neap tides which are a mere 5m they are not as good as usual. The spring tides average about 8m and a good spring tide will cover the top step of the seating shwon below.
After the fish feeding Sean and I went to the Leanyer Leisure Complex just down the road from Hidden Valley. It contains a coupel of skate parks as well as this cool water park and the entire thing is free. Sean spent the whole time on the 3 water slides and I went on wit him a few times on the red slide using a blow up tube. Also have a water playpark fot the kids with the big bucket that fills up and tips over every couple of minutes - was fun just watching the kids run for cover when it goes over.
After a trip home to clean up we went into the Minindi Beach markets and had a look around at all the knicknacks on offer. Bought oursleves some dinner and down to the beach to sit and have it while watching the sunset along with several hendred other people.
After enjoying this spectacle we returned to the market area where this street performer named Jack was doing his thing. He was a real pro and had the crowd laughing and joining in on the act. Did a few tricks all based around juggling but kept his fire tricks till last.
The Campbells
Day 77 - Return to Darwin
25/06/11
Packed up at Beatrice Hill and got underway - only after seeking assistance from a fellow camper to get the car started. When we pulled up the previous night we left the van connected but forgot to change the fridge over to gas - consequently it remained on DC and drained the battery dead flat - I will have to get the 2nd battery wired up in Darwin.
We returned to Hidden Valley Resort where we will stay for the next 3 nights. After dropping in to the kennels to pick up doggie and setting up at Hidden Valley it's off to do some more Darwin exploring. First stop the Fannie Bay Jail. Quite a history dating back to 1880s when the jail was built after the original jail in the middel of town (which was still called Palmerston at that stage) because it was deemed unseemly that prisoners should be kept so close to the growing city and Fannie Bay was still very isolated at that stage.
![]()
![]()
There are several buildings - many of which were damaged during the bombing of Darwin and/or were damaged or destroyed during Cyclone Tracey including the laundry block of which all remains is the concrete slab below.
![]()
There is also an interesting story about 2 Czech toruists who decided to steal a taxi and murder the driver in 1956 - they were the last people to be executed by janging at the jail 2 years later. Alos on display are soem signs hand written by the prisoners. The jail continued to operate until 1967 and by then included an extra section for holding children and later asylum seekers.
![]()
![]()
Next we went to see the Qantas hanger from 1934. The original hanger remains and is used by a couple of historic car clubs for wokring on their pieces. Its basically a large workshop with a vast array of tools and old motor vehicle bits and pieces along with some impressive finished items including the 1904 Oldsmobile and a fully operational steam driven vehicle.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Also included is the Sandfly which is famous as being the territory's first locomotive and is a full steam locomotive in miniature. We first were told about it at the Adelaide River Raliway Heritage Museum and it was good to see the fully restored original here.
![]()
Then back to the caravan park for a lovely cool swim in the pool then a BBQ dinner.
The Campbells
Packed up at Beatrice Hill and got underway - only after seeking assistance from a fellow camper to get the car started. When we pulled up the previous night we left the van connected but forgot to change the fridge over to gas - consequently it remained on DC and drained the battery dead flat - I will have to get the 2nd battery wired up in Darwin.
We returned to Hidden Valley Resort where we will stay for the next 3 nights. After dropping in to the kennels to pick up doggie and setting up at Hidden Valley it's off to do some more Darwin exploring. First stop the Fannie Bay Jail. Quite a history dating back to 1880s when the jail was built after the original jail in the middel of town (which was still called Palmerston at that stage) because it was deemed unseemly that prisoners should be kept so close to the growing city and Fannie Bay was still very isolated at that stage.
There are several buildings - many of which were damaged during the bombing of Darwin and/or were damaged or destroyed during Cyclone Tracey including the laundry block of which all remains is the concrete slab below.
There is also an interesting story about 2 Czech toruists who decided to steal a taxi and murder the driver in 1956 - they were the last people to be executed by janging at the jail 2 years later. Alos on display are soem signs hand written by the prisoners. The jail continued to operate until 1967 and by then included an extra section for holding children and later asylum seekers.
Next we went to see the Qantas hanger from 1934. The original hanger remains and is used by a couple of historic car clubs for wokring on their pieces. Its basically a large workshop with a vast array of tools and old motor vehicle bits and pieces along with some impressive finished items including the 1904 Oldsmobile and a fully operational steam driven vehicle.
Also included is the Sandfly which is famous as being the territory's first locomotive and is a full steam locomotive in miniature. We first were told about it at the Adelaide River Raliway Heritage Museum and it was good to see the fully restored original here.
Then back to the caravan park for a lovely cool swim in the pool then a BBQ dinner.
The Campbells
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Day 76 - A Peak into Arnhem land
24/06/11
Before leaving today we swapped details with Tony and Tracey. They have their own blog called http://wheresherveynow.blogspot.com/ - their car is called Hervey and their camper trailer is called Bay - they come from Hervey Bay.
![]()
We also caught up with John and Mindy - John is a musician writing his own music - see his website at http://www.johnnewsomemusic.com/. They have been visiting churches as they travel and he hopes to be able to make a name as a visiting artist. I've told him about our church and he's excited about the prospect of coming to the Central Coast.
After packing up we headed north back to Jabiru, then onto Ubirr 50km further north. Went on a walk through the Art Site there - an area which is World Heritage Listed where aboriganl art is protected and preserved. It is maintained by the local aboriginal clans and is well set out with lots of information about the paintings and the stories behind them. Lots of paintings of fish which I geuss makes sense around here - the paintings are quite detailed - not just stick figures and hand prints.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Then a small climb to the top of the escarpment and a great 360 view of the surrounding area. Aparently some of Crocodile Dundee was filmed around here and its easy to see why - this place surely shows of Kakadu beatifullty.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Next a little way up the road is the crossing over the Alligator River into Arnhem Land. Unfortunately this is as far as we can go but it gives us a peak. Cahill's Crossing itself looks interesting - subject to tidal and surge effects means you have to pick your time to cross.
![]()
![]()
![]()
Drove back to Jabiru and wondered what all the yellow signs along the roadside. Turns out there are mineral leases held by the aboriginies and large fines for straying from the roadside.
![]()
![]()
Back to Jabiru for a final look. We are especially glad we could visit here as Jude's sister Pauline and her family lived here for several years in the 80s. Had a look at the lake in the centre of town, then grabbed a few groceries and headed off.
![]()
![]()
Along the way stopped into South Alligator River rest stop and hung around while these local guys launched their boat for some fishing. Of course launching boats around here requires more care than your average boat ramp.
![]()
Took a slight detour via one of the truck stops and said gidday to some locals - also noted plenty of controlled burning all the way along. This is the ideal time for burning off and after such a big wet season there is a lot of extra fuel around.
![]()
![]()
![]()
Ended up back to Beatrice Hill where we'd spent our first night and yet another Kakadu sunset.
![]()
The Campbells
Before leaving today we swapped details with Tony and Tracey. They have their own blog called http://wheresherveynow.blogspot.com/ - their car is called Hervey and their camper trailer is called Bay - they come from Hervey Bay.
We also caught up with John and Mindy - John is a musician writing his own music - see his website at http://www.johnnewsomemusic.com/. They have been visiting churches as they travel and he hopes to be able to make a name as a visiting artist. I've told him about our church and he's excited about the prospect of coming to the Central Coast.
After packing up we headed north back to Jabiru, then onto Ubirr 50km further north. Went on a walk through the Art Site there - an area which is World Heritage Listed where aboriganl art is protected and preserved. It is maintained by the local aboriginal clans and is well set out with lots of information about the paintings and the stories behind them. Lots of paintings of fish which I geuss makes sense around here - the paintings are quite detailed - not just stick figures and hand prints.
Then a small climb to the top of the escarpment and a great 360 view of the surrounding area. Aparently some of Crocodile Dundee was filmed around here and its easy to see why - this place surely shows of Kakadu beatifullty.
Next a little way up the road is the crossing over the Alligator River into Arnhem Land. Unfortunately this is as far as we can go but it gives us a peak. Cahill's Crossing itself looks interesting - subject to tidal and surge effects means you have to pick your time to cross.
Drove back to Jabiru and wondered what all the yellow signs along the roadside. Turns out there are mineral leases held by the aboriginies and large fines for straying from the roadside.
Back to Jabiru for a final look. We are especially glad we could visit here as Jude's sister Pauline and her family lived here for several years in the 80s. Had a look at the lake in the centre of town, then grabbed a few groceries and headed off.
Along the way stopped into South Alligator River rest stop and hung around while these local guys launched their boat for some fishing. Of course launching boats around here requires more care than your average boat ramp.
Took a slight detour via one of the truck stops and said gidday to some locals - also noted plenty of controlled burning all the way along. This is the ideal time for burning off and after such a big wet season there is a lot of extra fuel around.
Ended up back to Beatrice Hill where we'd spent our first night and yet another Kakadu sunset.
The Campbells
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)