We were up early on Thursday morning and off to Berry Springs, about 70kms south of town. This is a series of large waterholes that are spring fed and crystal clear. They have a natural bushland setting and are very beautiful and clean. Even though they are “hot” springs, the water was perfect ... easy to get into but still refreshing. However, they had to take a saltie (croc) out of here just last week so I was not that comfortable being in the water. Garry enjoyed it a lot more and it is a popular place for many people from Darwin.
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| The Waterfall at Berry Springs |
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| Main Pool - Berry Springs |
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| Keeping an eye out !! |
We cooled off with a swim at the waterfall and in the main pool before spending the rest of the morning reading and having lunch. Then we came back into town to get ready for the markets.
Mindil Markets are famous in Darwin. They only happen in the dry season and are set up in a park beside Mindil Beach. Our bus was very late picking us up from the caravan park but we still had plenty of time to taste test a number of stalls and buy some gifts. They were much like other markets except for the food which was hugely varied and exceptionally tasty. We were surprised at how much we ended up spending but it was an enjoyable night.
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| Mindil Markets |
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| Mindil Markets |
Another early start on Friday saw us out at the Northern Territory Wildlife Park. I had been looking forward to this so it was a bit disappointing to learn they had no Jabiru or brolgas in their exhibits. Nevertheless, it was a great day and the Wildlife handlers were very interesting and informative, but animal numbers were quite minimal. Often there was only one of something and that seemed a little sad, but many of the enclosures were big and very natural so that was good to see.
The park is divided into sections and there is a “train” that connects them as the walking path is over 14 kms in length. In summary there is a Nocturnal House, an Aquarium, an Aviary and various imitation locations such as a lagoon, a river sandbank and a monsoon forest. Each area only holds state species and with only a few exceptions, they were well set up. The vegetation is all typical of the Top End and we found these palms and cyclads very interesting.
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| Spiral Palm |
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| Monsoon Forest |
At the Aquarium we got a good look at the fresh water sawfish that inhabits the rivers of NT like the Daly and Roper Rivers. This fish can grow over 5ms in length and it is endangered because it is caught for its ”saw” like snout. We also saw numerous colourful reef fish and the usual barramundi, turtles and rays.
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| Daly River Sawfish |
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| Whiprays |
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| Feeding the rays |
At the Oolloo Sandbar we had a talk from the Ranger while we watched the barramundi and whiprays being fed. The Ranger spoke effusively about the Daly River saying how it was an extremely unique ecosystem, and why it needs to be preserved. He also explained how the ray defends itself using its barb which is found at the base of its tail. Some people were then able to feed the rays but we were happy to watch.
We also went to the presentation at the Flight Deck which featured birds of prey. Here we saw the black breasted buzzard actually use a tool in the form of a rock to break open an egg. These birds do this in the wild and they are one of only two birds in the world that have this technique, and it was amazing to see. We also saw the osprey and the sea eagle both dive for a feed of fish and various other birds were on display.
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| Black Breasted Buzzard |
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| Using a rock as a tool |
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| Sea Eagle |
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| Osprey |
We both enjoyed the bird section which was really a whole series of aviaries ranging up to a huge walk through one where you could walk among the tree tops then down on the forest floor. It was pleasing the note that the Gouldian Finch numbers have increased to such a level that they have now been taken off the endangered list.
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| Blue winged Kookaburra |
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| Golden Tree Snake |
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| Gouldian Finch |
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| The curlew, sitting |
It was easy to spend five hours wandering through the park and I thought this exhibit near the entry was interesting. It shows the skulls of both the saltwater and the freshwater crocodiles. I think it is easy to see why one is considered lethal and the other quite harmless!
On Saturday morning we caught the bus into town early to swap our books. As usual we were “robbed”; three good books tallied only $12, but it is still a good way to move on books that we have read.
We then bussed out to the Parap markets but these were only a daytime version of the Mindil Beach ones so we did not stay long. We were very happy to have a lazy afternoon at the van, and it was a really hot one too. We got a few jobs done, read a bit and watched a movie.
Even though you are not doing the usual things, travelling can be quite tiring at times. You seem to be on the go a lot and there is not much down time. We really have to build this in a bit more as it very rare for us to have time where nothing needs doing and we have no place to go.
Sunday breakfast was our usual cookup of bacon and eggs with toast and coffee. Then the washing, blogging, reading Sunday papers and lunch before we caught the bus again to meet the Albers at the Sailing Club for dinner.
It was a lovely evening and we had good company. Both of the children are more used to us now and they are fun to have around. We had a nice dinner and a lovely chat. and watched another beautiful sunset before being delivered home and saying our goodbyes.
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| Alison, Joshua and Audrey Alber |
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| Sunset from the Sailing Club |
As we walked back to the van through the park, we saw these laser lights up in the trees. They are amazing and we got to talking to the people who had them. The upshot being we now own a laser light !! all ready for Christmas, at the bargain price of $95 !
We have had eight days in Darwin, relishing perfect weather and doing some great things. I am happy to get back on the road but we have enjoyed our visit very much.
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