Days 24 & 25. We finally headed west on the Arnhem Highway towards Australia's northernmost city Darwin. Crossed the very wide West Alligator River and onwards to the Bark Hut for morning tea. This was formerly a buffalo hunters' camp as the photos and old buffalo hunters' jeeps show. Even gangs of black shooters with rifles! Up further at Mary River we decided to overnight at the Eco Resort and Caravan Park. Spacious grassy sites amongst the shady trees. Cycled along the river and around the billabongs, looked like dangerous croc haunts! Safer with a swim in the pool and then a resort barbecue and buffet with other guests on the deck. Met Sharon and Ed from Condor, ACT with their two young children. Watched first half of the footie on the big screen but gave up at halftime when NSW look like being thrashed.

Next morning Raechel cooked bacon and eggs before we headed off up the Arnhem Highway towards our caravan park booked at Howard Springs, 23 km from Darwin which will be our base for the next 4 days. Near Humpty Doo we saw a number of large mango farms. After setting up the van and resting we drove into Darwin CBD for a wander down Smith Street Mall, Parliament House and the Waterfront. So much has changed since Paul was posted to Darwin as a young Customs Officer at Stokes Hill Wharf in 1973. Next down to Mindle Beach for the famous sunset markets and food stalls. Very lively with musicians and fabulous Asian foods and a brilliant sunset. Back to Howard Springs after dark, a great day. 33 degrees and humid so we had our air conditioning on tonight!