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| Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park |
Welcome to Darwin, the vibrant heart of Australia's Top End! Today marked a significant milestone as we bid farewell to the vast landscapes of Western Australia and crossed the border into the Northern Territory. Darwin, a city renowned for its unique multicultural energy, its breathtaking natural beauty and its laid-back, adventurous spirit, welcomed us with open arms.
Adding an extra layer of warmth to our arrival was the incredible fortune of having Fiona's cousin, a long-time local of 27 years, and her wonderful husband as our personal tour guides for the day! Their infectious enthusiasm and incredibly generous hospitality truly made our Darwin experience unforgettable.
We were whisked away in the comfort of a private car to Litchfield National Park where we swam in their pristine and picturesque swimming holes. Later, we enjoyed a delightful short city tour, gaining invaluable local insights along the way. Our evening highlight was a scrumptious feast at the famous Mindil Beach markets, followed by the iconic spectacle of the Mindil Beach sunset. As cliched as it may sound, it was a truly magical way to end the day.
By the time we finally made our way back to the ship, the clock had ticked past 8:30 pm, and we were well and truly pooped! Thankfully, the prospect of three glorious sea days stretching before us offered the promise of some much-needed rest and rejuvenation.
A few logistical pearls of wisdom for those planning a Darwin adventure:
- Port of Darwin: Be prepared for a somewhat leisurely disembarkation process at the Port of Darwin. Despite our early arrival just past 6:00 am and being docked well before 7:00 am, we didn't actually step onto Darwin soil until 7:30 am. Patience is a virtue!
- Litchfield National Park Logistics: Keep in mind that Litchfield National Park is a good 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Darwin. If you're planning a visit, factor this travel time into your itinerary. Also note there are no rubbish bins within the park, so please ensure you're prepared to take all your rubbish out with you to help preserve its pristine beauty. Last but not least, please check the signs for crocodile risks before going into the water!
- Florence Falls Fitness: The descent to the breathtaking Florence Falls involves navigating a significant number of steps. Remember that what goes down must come up...
- Mindil Market Musings: Mindil beach sunset markets opens from 4pm on Thursdays and Sundays. However, please note that they are seasonal, so it's always wise to check their official website before planning your visit to avoid any disappointment.
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| We arrived early and was docked quickly |
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| One of the first to get off the ship at around 0730 |
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| Litchfield National Park Termite Mounds |
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| Massive one right at the car park |
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| Florence Falls as viewed from just off the car park. Note that one has to go DOWN to swim |
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| Water temp was amazing! Our super guides |
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| Their service included bush morning tea! |
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| complete with danish selection and portuguese tarts |
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| Buley Rockhole |
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| Cascading falls with multiple pools. Locals would pick a hole and just sit to cool down |
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| Lunch! |
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| Wangi Falls. Closed for swimming purposes because of high waters from the end of the wet season. This unfortunately means high risk of crocodiles |
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| Darwin as viewed from East Point |
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| Mindil Markets |
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| Sunset to end the day |
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