Day 38: Jabiru to Darwin

Today was not about rushing to get organised for the long drive ahead. For a change our drive was only expected to take between 2 to 3 hours. We got up early to take advantage of the coolness of the morning and proceeded to Nourlangie to see some indigenous rock art. Some of the art is believed to be fairly recent, being dated up to 1000 years old.

We managed to catch one of the three talks that was being given by the ranger explaining the meaning of the rock art and the significance of it to the Aboriginal culture.

When we first arrived to commence the walk there was only 3 other cars in the carpark, by the time we left at 10.30am the car park was full with coaches, cars and caravans. Glad we got there before them, we like to do our walks with as few other people as possible.

After completing the Nourlangie walk, we went back to the caravan park to finish packing the van up. I organised with reception yesterday for a late check out and it was no additional cost.

We were on the road just after 12pm with lunch packed and ready to eat in the car.

We arrived at Big4 Howard Springs caravan park at about 2.30pm, which is located on the outskirts of Darwin. The park is very busy, filled primarily with southern retirees, otherwise known as gray nomads, who migrate here for the winter months. It is a little intimidating camping amongst them all. They have all been very friendly, but at the same time you really do feel like the new kid on the block.

After setting up we had a quick look at the jumping pillow and pool then ducked into town to refresh our supplies.

The remainder of the day was relatively uneventful, dinner, showers then bed.

Tomorrow we are going to spend the day in Darwin, highlighting the significance of the town during the war.