Day 85 (11 October) – Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Camping Park (Darwin Aviation Museum, The Mall, WWII Fuel Storage Tunnels and the RFDS experience)
We went to the Aviation Museum which opened at 09:00 – we were the first there and the manager had to come and open the doors (late). Some interesting movies about the war and Japanese bombings of Darwin then a walk through the museum. It was fascinating to see the B-52, F18 and F111 on display as well as a number of other aircraft. The B-52 was on loan from the Americans in recognition of the role both sides played in WWII.
We then headed into town where we both had iPhone accessory upgrades, a coffee at C21. then Lyn found a gallery whilst I had a Thai massage. (I had a really stiff neck – I think from sleeping with the aircon on and not sitting properly in the motorhome). We couldn’t check in to the Hilton until 15:00 so we toured around, found the WWII Oil storage tunnels at 12:40 (they closed at 13:00 so we got a discount).
Then out to the RFDS display on Stokes Hill Wharf. Amanda introduced us to another incredible display – we had a couple of VR experiences, a presentation using holographs and the option to get into one of their old planes. However, the highlight was our sales person, Alda, who gave us a couple of ball markers each but also explained how to most effectively use Lyn’s Evoke hat. She was so good that we each bought another one – Lyn’s was a pale green and mine an off while – they’ll look good at golf.
Then on to the Doubletree Hilton where we checked in, had a swim, rearranged our stuff for the following day then down for dinner. The meal took nearly an hour and they tried to make up for it by providing a tasting platter. It was good after having missed lunch due to the other experiences we’d gone to.
Day 86 (12 October) – Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Camping Park & Outback Spirit Simply Kakadu Day 1
Got up at the Doubletree Hilton, repacked a bit then downstairs to be picked up by the Outback Spirit Tour group.
We were first into the bus at the Hilton and found the front right seat already taken by two people who had boarded at the Adina Vibe hotel. Our group from the Doubletree boarded, then off to the Darwin Hilton for the remaining passengers. 23 in total for our Simply Kakadu experience.
Off along the Tiger Brennan highway, with our first stop at the Humpty Doo pub for morning tea. We stopped at the adjacent petrol station to get last minute supplies for anyone who needed them. Pascal, our driver and tour guide, explained that we’d need plenty of water on the external excursions. Only Lyn and I walked next door to the Humpty Doo pub – famous for Bob Hawke sculling a yard of beer in record time (50? years ago).
On to Mary River where we took a boat cruise with Jake and Ryan. This cruise highlighted the wildlife and vegetation along the river. We saw crocodiles, buffalo and many, many birds and plants with a great introduction from Jake about the Kakadu area.
Next stop was the Mamukala Wetlands where a hide shelter had been set up at the edge of the wetlands. We saw black faced wallabies and thousands of birds including a female Jabiru. I was fortunate to have my binoculars as there were literally thousands of birds at the far side of the wetlands on the horizon about 2 km away.
The next stop was the Bowali visitors centre for a more detailed introduction to Kakadu, it’s wildlife and scenery. Lyn and I had a chat to the ranger as one of our options was to re-visit the area after this tour.
Finally, on to the Kakadu Mercure Crocodile Resort where we were given our room. We had a swim in their pool then back to the restaurant for a dinner then an early night as we had to be up early the next morning for our scenic flight.
Day 87 (13 October) – Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Camping Park & Outback Spirit Simply Kakadu Day 2
Up early for a 06:00 breakfast as we had a 06:45 departure for our flight around Kakadu. We arrived at the airport, were given the mandatory safety briefing ad then introduced to our pilot, Sam, who took us out to our aircraft – a Gippsland Airvan (now called a Gipps Auto Airvan). It is an 8 seat utility aircraft designed for outback work. I had my aviation headset and was allowed in the front seat but not allowed to plug in my microphone. We had 4 aircraft doing the tour – 3 Airvans and a C210 for the heavy passengers. Two planes taxied back together, we were second to take off and cruised at around 110 knots. Around the escarpments, over the rivers and billabongs, seeing the different types of terrain in a 50-minute flight. It was interesting that the pilots were all young (getting experience) and I think having less experience that I did. Certainly, Sam didn’t want to engage with me during the flight. A great experience though.
Into the coach and on to the East Alligator River where we boarded Uncle Robbie’s boat next to the famous Cahill Crossing. Many crocs on the banks as we arrived and boarded the boat then upstream whilst Uncle Robbie provided information on the trees and plants in the area and uses they can be put to. We then headed back past the boarding point to Cahill Crossing where there was a guy fishing next to the crossing and paddling in the water. Even Uncle Robbie couldn’t believe it as the area is famous for the proliferation of crocodiles – reputedly the highest concentration to be found in the wild.
Next stop was the Ubirr rock art site where x-ray images were the art style favoured. It is incredible to see the art and consider how long the art had been there. Apparently, the carbon dating put the art at 40,000 years old. A walk to the top of the rocks gave a fantastic view over the surrounding countryside.
Back to the lodge for a quick lunch then, for those wanting more, an afternoon walk at the Nourlangie rock art site where we saw 20,000 year old art. We had some very interesting discussions about aboriginal culture and practices with Pascal then back to the resort for a swim before dinner.
Dinner then retiring late as we had some great discussions with some of our fellow passengers – Evelyn, David, Julianne & Margaret.
Day 88 (14 October) – Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Camping Park & Outback Spirit Simply Kakadu Day 3
A normal start – on the road out of Kakadu after doing a brief tour of Jabiru, our first stop was at the Corrobboree Park Tavern for a stretch and some morning tea. We continued on through Humpty Doo then down the Stuart Highway to the turn off to Litchfield National Park, through Berry Springs and on to (I think) Litchfield Cafe for a smorgasbord lunch.
Back in the bus for the quick trip to Wangi Falls where we were able to have a swim. The falls were great. Lyn and I swam over and had a shower under the waterfall before returning, changing then going to the cafe for an iced coffee.
Back into the coach and on to Florence Falls for a look from the viewing platform as the swimming area was around 150 ft down below the car park.
Then finally on to the Termite mounds where I gave a presentation and thanks to Pascal on behalf of the group.
Back home to Darwin at last and we drove to the FreeSpirit resort where we had dinner.
Day 89 (15 October) – Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Camping Park
Today we decided to go to the Visitor Information Centre then a drive around Darwin. We finally decided on a tour of Crocasaurus Cove where we booked in for a Cage of Death experience at 15:30.
What an experience!!
On the way home we stopped at the Beachfront Hotel in Rapid Creek and had two excellent meals
A lot of lightning and a bit of rain overnight.
Day 90 (16 October) – Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Camping Park
We had decided to play golf this morning and were advised that we could only play 9 holes. The course was very wet from the rain overnight, we managed the 9 holes with Lyn scoring 14 points – a great effort on a new course.
Next on to Crocodylus Park where we visited the museum, were given a brief tour of their breeding pens, walked around the park with all types of animals and then had an 11:00 jumping Croc cruise in their man-made river holding 50 crocs.
Back to the caravan park for a quiet afternoon.
Day 91 (17 October) – Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Camping Park to Katherine Discovery Caravan Park
A slow start as we only wanted to visit a couple of places on the way to Katherine and wanted to stay another night at the Katherine Discovery resort as Lyn loved swimming in their pool. There is not a lot on the road from Darwin to Katherine. I pulled into a couple of places to find they were boarded up. We called the Katherine Golf Club on the way in to the resort and made a booking for 14:00.
We arrived at the caravan park around 12:40, got ready for golf then went to the golf club where we played 9 holes (it was a 9-hole course with dual tees). I was drinking lots of water but feeling quite lethargic so we decided not to play the second 9.
Back to the caravan park for a swim and I went and lay down for an hour or so – sore throat, lethargic and aching in my joints.
Lyn suggested I test myself for COVID and it came up positive – Lyn was negative thankfully. So, as the hospital is only a couple of km from our caravan park, we went to the hospital where they confirmed a positive test. I waited three hours then decided to call our clinic the next day for a telehealth call. On arrival back in the motorhome we got all the items out from above the motorhome cabin and made up the second double bed. I slept in the bed above the cabin with the Jimny and motorhome boot filled with the items normally stored on the bed.
Day 92 (18 October) – Katherine Discovery Caravan Park
The previous night I was diagnosed with COVID when I went to the Katherine Hospital. After waiting for 3 hours we decided to leave and call our local clinic in Glen Iris in the morning. A telehealth call and script sent to my phone and the instructions are to stay put for 3 days and rest. Today I rested while week 13 finished.
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