First day in Darwin began with a hearty breakfast in the dining room of the Travelodge. Then off to get a little hire car from Thrifty. I now drive a new little Getz automatic which allowed me check out the Darwin metropolis and visit the museum. Darwin is a pretty port. No sandy surfing beaches but a pretty coastline with long piers leading out to large cargo ships.

The city is very different to other cities. Has a unique territory flavor with lots of outdoor eateries and bars. I can imagine a lot of partying goes on at times.
I started with a visit to the shopping mall and checked out the pearl and diamond shops ( of course!). Check out the pictures of the pearls in Paspaleys found in the photo album. They are enormous and look so beautiful but where would I wear them. I popped into some aboriginal art galleries in the mall. There are some really beautiful paintings on display in these galleries. Really shows off the quality of indigenous artists in the Top End.

After a scrumptious snack and a Mango Madness juice drink at this little asian eatery I decided to jump in my little Getz and go for a drive around Darwin. It reminds me of Dalby on the coast. Very pretty and very hot. I am glad I am here in the Autumn because the heat must be stifling.

I stopped at the museum to check out the Darwin history. Free admission made this a must see. Some wonderful exhibits of Aboriginal history, the pearling industry, WW1,2, Cyclone Tracey and animals of the area. Check out my photos of the simulations of skeletons of prehistoic animals in the area. They also had on display some huge shells and a wonderful entomology exhibition. The moth that produces the witchety grub is huge.

After a short drive down to the Fannie Bay area I turn around to go back to the wharf where Tim said Darwinites enjoy the sunsets. Great place. Lots of eateries where you can buy all sorts of unusual Australian cuisine including crocodile and kangaroo. I will have to give it a try while I am here.

Last night we went to the Conference dinner. It was a lovely night. The menu included baramundi which was cooked to perfection. I talked to Nicki and Ros and met some of Tim's work acquantances. Tomorrow night I am hoping I can go to the Crocosaurus restaurant for the final event of the conference.