Darwin 2024

We heard that being in Darwin for Territory Day is quite different and special, so we organised a mini-holiday around it.

The first nice surprise in Darwin was the Orchid Spectacular organised by Litchfield Orchid Club at Foskey Pavilion, inside Darwin Showgrounds. We got there one hour before it was due to finish, so they let us in without charge. The orchids on display were really colourful and quite a variety too.

We walked along the Esplanade and Bicentennial Park and then Darwin Waterfront to see the peaceful turquoise waters that were quite troubled during WW II when Darwin was bombed.

Saw the mounted police with their beautiful tall horses wearing rubber horseshoes.

We tried to find the Chinute chinute statue but there was temporary fencing and earth works around the Supreme Court, so we’ll need to look for it again next time. We did find a solar-powered parking meter though that was nicely shaded.

The Aviation Museum is quite interesting – they have not only a B52 bomber, but a few other interesting things as well.

The old Qantas hangar is worth a visit too as they have a variety of things on display from the Motorcar enthusiast club members. Its steel structure still has scars from the bullets fired during WW II. We learned about how the first road train appeared, ending the careers of all the Afghan cameleers. Also that there’s only one person still licensed to operate a steam engine in Darwin.

There’s fireworks bonanza on the 1st of July in Darwin. We went to Darwin Sailing Club for dinner, then stayed on the beach to be awed by the banging, colourful display of celebrations. There was a dog in a truck calmly admiring the show as well. There’s a video with what was going on around us here.

Next day, there were remnants of the firework party in many parks around Darwin.

And even a statue of Buddha refused to look at the world anymore, its owners annoyed with the criminality rate.

And just before leaving, while waiting to board our plane, we were treated to a modern military aircraft show.