We checked into Darwin a day earlier than planned as both Warren and I needed to have our cars looked at due to issues and Warren also having a problem with their fridge not operating when not plugged into power.

Our first day in Darwin was spent exploring the city area, some retail therapy for Jo-anne, although I wouldn't let her buy anything as we already have way too much.

Next day Warren and I visited the WWII tunnels where they stored fuel during the war, we also went with the girls to the WWII museum and Royal Flying Doctor display. I found it extremely interesting and I learnt a lot about Darwin.

We all know that Darwin was bombed by the Japanese, however the first bombing of Darwin was 10 weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbour by the same Japanese forces. Darwin was first bombed on the 19th Feb 1942 by 242 Japanese planes, it was bombed a further 61 times during 1942 and 1943. Darwin today has a big military presence with a large RAAF base here.

During our stay here they are having an event called "Pitch Black" which is held every two years. We have been fortunate to see a lot of warplanes fly over due to several countries taking part in military exercises. In all some 142 war planes and about 4000 personnel are taking part in military exercises, so jets are traversing the skies regularly.

The Darwin show is on as well, we didnt go but this bloody show has followed us from Alice Springs, then Katherine and now Darwin.

We went to the night market at Mindal, Jo-anne was so looking forward to it, 200 stalls promised to be a delight. Well there weren't 200 stalls, but about majprity of them were food stalls, so the shopping was a bit thin. Whilst waiting for the sunset we went and had a flutter at the Darwin Casino, then watched the sunset over the beach.

We decided to have a Christmas in July roast dinner, meat cooked by Warren and veggies by Jo-anne We were naughty people being told by another camper at 10.10 to cut it.

The last night was a dinner out at the Darwin Sailing club, another opportunity to watch a sunset.

This was my first time to Darwin and I found it a very easy city to travel around, with good road infrastructure and no congestion at all. The economy seems strong and really does seemto be a go ahead city. The weather is sensational, although I suspect it gets a bit steamy in the wet season.

Next stop LitchfieldNational Park.