In 2013 I spent a three day stop over on my own in Darwin, capital city of Australia's Northern Territory, as part of a longer journey to Bangkok to visit my family there. A first time visit to Darwin and an enjoyable experience. An easy city to wander with a wide green and well landscaped esplanade and in another direction, the newly developed foreshore and harbour.

The weather was hot and tropical but locals were complaining of the lack, so far, of expected monsoonal rains.

In 2021 the two of us flew to Darwin for 2 days as the start of our journey on The Ghan, travelling the length of Australia from north to south. "Originally dubbed the Afghan Express, The Ghan train was named for the pioneering cameleers who blazed a permanent trail into the Red Centre of Australia." - Guide ..

We spent one day on a tour to Litchfield National Park and thoroughly enjoyed the informative commentary of the guide/driver, learning much of Darwin's history. This park is about two hours drive from Darwin and contains most of a wide stone plateau, the Tabletop Range. Its main attractions are the four spectacular waterfalls which drop off the edge of the plateau. These are mostly beautiful and safe places to swim, very popular with locals as well as tourists.

The tour was an easy and comfortable way to see all the attractions. Two stops, arriving and leaving the park at Batchelor and the Banyan Tree Cafe for morning and afternoon tea, and a lunch stop at Litchfield Cafe within the park. Swimming was enjoyed by some at Florence Falls and there were several monsoonal forest walks included.

We also spent some time on the "Hop On Hop Off" bus on a sightseeing tour of greater Darwin, stopping off at the Botanical Gardens and the Museum and Art Gallery.

Our journey on The Ghan is related in my Blog...