...The Northern Capital

 


            We have arrived into Darwin, and are staying at Howard Springs.   Over the past couple of days we have ventured into the city, had a wander around.


            We had a stroll around the waterfront area, and took in some of the history of Darwin.   On the 19th of February 1942 Darwin, 242  Japanese aircraft, in two waves, attacked the town, shipsin the harbour, and allied airfields.     


            As the result of these raids, the fuel stored in huge tanks at the port were destroyed, so it was decided to move the fuel storage underground.   To this end 11 storage tunnels were commissioned, but only 6 were completed.    They are extraordinary.


                   


     The walls of the tunnels are 635mm thick and lined with steel.  The  pictured tunnel is 172 metrel long, and 4 metres high. Theset tunnels were kept secret from the public until 1992!   


                The tunnels house information boards, telling the story of the Darwin raids, the destruction of military and civillian infrastructure and of those killed.

Darwin Harbour

            




            We have toured Litchfield National Park, which is about an hour south of Darwin.   Litchfield is known for waterfalls rugged beauty, it didn't disappoint...

and these "magnetic" termite mounds....












        






and there was one of these wandering about.







        

We were lucky to still have a bit of water coming over the falls, they are very popular swimming spots (and would be stunning during the wet.)

        



        We have also visited the Darwin Military Museum, given Darwins history there is an array of militaria, relics and information relating to the Darwin air raids..   There are displays and exhibits from all wars involving Australia.




        

            

they even have the Bush Tucker Mans Landie...

        






        After the museum we headed across to the Mindil market, after a wander around, and no.....I didn't see 1 dream catcher!!  

    

                 We shouted ourselves a feed from one of the many food stalls,  and afterwards we enjoyed a Darvin sunset at the beach.   All in all its been a busy couple of days.....








        

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