Delightful Darwin

an evil smile

Burgers and a movie

What a great day we had today. We had to pack up the trailer to take it for more repairs and then went straight to the crocodile park which the kids had been looking forward to. The Rahls recommended it to us (Crocodylus) and it was really very good. We got a tour with lots of information, crocodile feeding and got to hold little baby ones at the end. Apparently it’s actually a natural action for the saltwater crocodiles to jump up to get food, like birds or small creatures in trees near riverbank (and it makes for a good picture). We spent a couple of hours there, looking at the crocodiles they breed for skins and meat and all of the other animals as well. After that we went to the water park which Doug and Sharon recommended to us for lunch and a play. It’s a great local tip which isn’t mentioned in much of the tourist info because it’s free, and a bit out of town I guess. A huge water park with younger kids’ waterplay stuff, and 3 big slides, plus playground, bbqs etc etc, very impressive. Not only that but it also has lifeguards on duty – did I mention that it’s free??? We had the best time there for a couple of hours in the afternoon on a hot day, Conor went on the big slides about 20 times, Nick and I took it in turns with him, while Daniel aimed the water cannon at anyone passing and ran around trying to avoid the big bucket which slowly fills and then whooshes down on your head. Great fun. Took no photos of course, because we were all wet and having too much fun!

After picking up the trailer – still not finished - we set it up again before racing out to catch the free showing of the first Harry Potter movie on the lawns of the waterfront precinct. It was a beautiful night, you brought your own chair, got a hamburger nearby and watched the movie…. And again it was free (the Darwin festival is on at the moment but I think they actually show a free movie there once a month). A big day, so today we’re taking it slower – building up energy and appetite for Mindill Markets this evening. We’ve also been making use of the caravan park’s luxuries such as 2 pools, a bouncy pillow, washing machines and….. toasters! Many crumpets had all ‘round this morning, plus more of the watermelon we bought the other day which is still going, and we’re just waiting for the box of mangoes to ripen, tomorrow might be the day.