Leave Darwin for Litchfield NP tomorrow. Shopped at Casuarina for 5 days in the bush. Headed off for the footy at Marrara. It's a pretty big event in Darwin and had a great atmosphere even before we did a streak. Sadly there was no TV coverage in line with their policy! Sad that the Dee's couldn't bring home the bacon (or even a trotter) but a good night was had. Have enjoyed the week in Darwin but glad to be heading bush again.

It's Thursday and my turn to have the car serviced. Basically just an oil change but getting them to check out whether obvious damage that might be a problem during rest of trip. There seems to be a small leak in radiator but is manageable. They also able to patch hood catch so I can check underneath without having to rewire it shut each time! We have our permits for Cobourg Peninsula from 18 July so all we need to do is fill in a couple of weeks!

Territory Day celebrates the day they became self-governing. Fireworks are on sale for private use (there are billboards everywhere flogging fireworks) but it seems can only be used on TD - so it will be interesting. Our plan was to get an early park in the city by 3.30pm, check out Mindil markets and watch the beach concert and the fireworks display from the beach. The plan worked but the scale was wrong - there were 10 to 20 thousand people on the beach but a...

First day in Darwin we explored the Darwin Port area, found the best coffee spot and wandered around the Smith St mall. Next day, after dropping Steve's car into Nissan for service, we spent 2/3 hours at the NT Museum which incorporates the Tracy museum. Drove out to East Point, checked out Mindil Beach where Territory Day celebrations will be centred. Also did the Heritage Walk around the city area including Tree of Knowledge, Star Theatre etc. Dinner at the...

Have booked in for a week at Howard Springs which is 25km's from Darwin. That's as close to Darwin as we could find accommodation!