12:19.08S 130:30.15E

 

We left Darwin with motor on and no wind at all. The past few days have been spent sorting out some issues that we’ve had with our generator, and having fixed that, we were then able to go into the outback to have a look-see. The northern territory is vast, with miles upon miles of eucalyptus and screw pine lining the very straight roads that join the towns of central Australia. We went with Erling and Gro from Saphir to see some crocodiles, followed by a 3 hour drive up to Cacadu National Park. The crocs were amazing, jumping up to grab chunks of buffalo that were being dangled over the side of the boat. You could say our encounter was a little contrived, but as this is what they do to catch some prey anyway – whose counting. They are so fast at grabbing things. it’s terrifying. The biggest one to come near the boat was over five metres long and had the dubious name of Dominator. What a beast! We then went to the park, checking into an hotel that was built in the shape of a crocodile. So tasteless it was amazing. From there we spent a lovely late afternoon at a sacred Aboriginal site which was covered in paintings, carvings, and was a wonderful place to watch the sun go down over the outback. We left next day and driving back had the closest encounter I ever want to have with a wallaby. I don’t know how we didn’t hit it in the car, but somehow it ‘bounced’ out of the way.

 

Darwin itself is a not the greatest place to visit but it’s our last first world stop until we get to South Africa, so we stocked up a bit on bits and pieces we know we won’t get in Bali and Cocos Keeling.