Technically, it’s still Sunday night. Our flight boarded at 0:20. Row 1 again (Business Class). We both fell asleep not long after sitting down, and missed out on the meal. We were hoping it would be a breakfast, but no, it was a late dinner. No idea what it was. I didn’t even have a bourbon! Luckily I had already consumed a few in the lounge though.

Landed early, and we got home just after 6.00. We both slept for a couple of hours, before starting the day. I was a bit of a zombie for most of it, but made it through, getting some work done.

Amazing holiday. Such a beautiful part of the country. It’s a bit of a tease seeing all that water but not being able to swim. And nice escape from Melbourne’s cooler weather.

Woke up to the sound of a million cockatoos.

Some pastries for breakfast that we had bought back in Darwin, then checked out and left our bag at the hotel. Picked up at 8 for our “adventure”. Modified 4wd-bus, which seated ~18 people.

Stopped not far up the road to see a Jabiru fishing in the river flowing over the main road. Then drove up the road a bit to stop and hear our guides “level 1” story of a rock formation and its history in Dreamtime. The stories get more involved as you “mature” and progress in Aboriginal culture, so only the Elders know the “Level 7” story.

The day was spent going to a number of rock art sites, and hearing our guides interpretation of a lot of them. He was very knowledgable.

Had morning tea on one plateau looking out over the plains. Lunch was at the East Alligator River, near a crossing / boat ramp. After lunch we crossed over into Arnhem Land, for a few more stops. At the river crossing we could see a car that didn’t make it a few years ago. Family of aboriginals fishing in the river. Nobody else would go in the water though!

Turned around at a point where we couldn’t go any further, as the road was still recovering from the wet season. Stopped at an art gallery.

Back on the bus, and we got back to the crocodile hotel ~4.00. We waited to be picked up at 4.30, then picked up a few more people from the airport, and made our way back to Darwin.

Last to be dropped off – we decided to go to the casino. Left our bag at reception and went to the Mindil market for some dinner. Back to the casino for an hour (no luck), and then Uber to the airport. Gates weren’t open. Got changed in to “Melbourne” clothes, checked in, killed time in lounge.

Early (5.30) start. Finished packing and left hotel by 6. Got a coach which took us to Kakadu, stopping at a roadhouse on the way for some breakfast (although we had brought same quiche and salad with us, so we were OK).

Saw some rock art, with about a 45 minute walk.

Another 40 minutes drive and then lunch. 1.00 we caught a shuttle bus, and did a cruise up the Yellow River, to look for crocs. Saw a few, as well as lots of birds and ducks. Beautiful countryside.

On our way back, we saw a croc swimming in the river. Awesome sight.

Then shuttle to the airport to do a scenic flight, to the Twin Falls and Jim Jim falls. Fantastic scenery from the air. Only way to see the place.

Scenic flight landed at Jabiru, where the coach picked us up, and took us to the Mecure Crocodile Hotel. We got off and said goodbye to our coach captain, and checked in.

Raced up to room, got changed, then to the bar to get a beer, and in to the pool. Another beer, and then a walk around the town of Jabiru. Everywhere was closed though.

Dinner at 7.15. We went the buffet and filled ourselves. Went outside to get a photo of the hotel (the eyes glow red). Lots of cockatoos in the trees – all in pairs. Off to bed.

Bad night sleep. Air con kept making the room cold and blowing too much air (noisy). Got up a bit after 9. Found somewhere nearby for breakfast.

Back to hotel for shower and teeth, and then out exploring. Decided to rent e-scooters for our trip to the museum, which was past the Mindil markets. Took us about 20 minutes, and $12.50 each. Taxi may have been cheaper, but not as much fun 🙂

Excellent time at the museum! Lots to see, including listening to sounds of Cyclone Tracey. Had lunch there about 1.45ish. We got scallops which were $36 for 6 small ones (bit of a rip off), but since the museum was so enjoyable and free, we considered that our donation. We then caught an Uber to the Royal Flying Doctors Museum.

RFDS started with VR of the bombing in 1942, and then a 15 minute holo-video about the RFDS, and a 15 minute holo-video about 1942. Then a VR of the RFDS from the pilot, and also a nurse view. Look inside a plane. Bought a glass to go with our shotglass from Alice Springs.

Walked back in to town (about 30 minutes from the waterfront) and had a beer, and then back to our hotel for a 30 minute power nap. Killed some time before going out to dinner at Tim’s Surf and Turf, which was fantastic. Order on a piece of paper and take it in to pay. Very efficient.

After dinner, back for another beer, and then to the hotel for a shower, and watched TV before going to bed.

6.30 wake up. Breakfast, email tidy up, and drove to airport at 8.00. Long term car park, and checked in. Not many people going through security.

Some work at the gate, and then boarded flight for Adelaide. Was given exit row!

At Adelaide went in to the lounge. Had some food. 12.00 had some champagne to toast the start of our holiday. More food and drinks.

Boarded just after 1. Row 1. I had decided to splurge and use points to get us in Business Class, as it gave us the lounge, and a comfortable seat. Big meal on plane and a couple of drinks. They also gave us a plastic cup full of Lindt chocolate balls! I spend a lot of the flight reading.

Landed Darwin. Got bag and then found a shuttle bus to town – $15 each.

When we got to the hotel, there was a “back in 15 minutes” sign on the counter. Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long. Checked in, got changed and walked to Mindil night market (about 30 minute walk). Arrived about 5 minutes after the sun had hit the water, so saw red sky but not the actual sunset.

Walked market looking for food. Ended up with Paella and a mango slushie. Walked back to town, one block over from our walk out. On the way passed a pub so got a beer.

In town we were now on the “party side”. Lots of bars and hostels. So went for another beer – much better! Craft beer and music.

Went back to hotel. Long day.