Darwin is the smallest capital city in Australia but I think the best. I spent a week in Darwin after the Kakadu trip and saw many of the free sites including the art gallery and museum, Fanny Bay Gaol, the botanic gardens and East Arm Point. There is a lot of history in Darwin going back to Cyclone Tracey and the WW2 before that. The city has been bombed and flattened and then rebuilt multiple times but it still maintains some of the historic buildings and a city vibe whilst having that small town feel.

I had visited Darwin on my first trip around Australia, 10 years ago and I chose to stay in the same caravan park. As with my previous visit everyone was friendly and the only difference was the size of the tropical gardens which have grown. Darwin now also has a lagoon which you can swim in, due to crocs and stingers it was only ever possible to swim in pools but now you can be refreshed in the waters of the Arafura sea in Darwins harbour, even though it still feels like a warm bath.

I visited the Mindil Beach markets twice while here, a favourite place to see. The markets come alive at sunset with loads of food to eat and local crafts and gifts to view.

It wasn't easy leaving Darwin. But my journey continues south before going west into the 5th state on my journey Western Australia.