Darwin

Fresh air today and history yesterday. You have finally escaped to have a “real” holiday where you have to catch a plane. Yes I know it was a bit different with mask wearing and no inflight entertainment, but the flight attendant did give you extra chocolates so no complaints please.
Car collected and we are off to learn about Darwin’s history.

It has sought independence but was administered firstly by South Australia and then the Federal Government. From its earliest settlement, the population has been multicultural but with Indigenous and Chinese ( came during gold rushes) being the most dominant groups. Government jobs were mainly performed by people of Anglo  background and felt they were above the rest of the workers.  The settlement struggled with distance and few industries. As one former drover, Bruce Simpson said the Territory attracted

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World War2  brought changes the population. Leading up to the war, there had been a movement to prepare the area for possible invasion and supply centre for the American army. There were several airports built for both Australian and American Air Forces. The population grew to 3000. On 19th February, 1942 the first of 20 months of bombing occurred. Shipping, airplanes and supplies were destroyed. Civilians were evacuated and only military or essential workers remained. Darwin was pretty well flattened. The military museum covers the events of all the wars which Australia has been involved .

   Now we think of conscription as being in war time but in the early 1900’s all males were expected to do some military training from 10-14 and 18-20 for home defence. For some reason, 16 and 17 year olds got time off….fo good behaviour?

Darwin was flattened again in 1974 by a cyclone. Most of the population was evacuated. Some people returned when it was rebuilt but many resettled in other states.

The museum has amazing art displays, natural history and the history of Darwin…..something for everyone. Here is a sample that I liked. Feel free to add what you liked.

   So you must be ready for some fresh air now. If you are like me, you have reached overload . Nature time…….Litchfield Park  here we come. Firstly, the Magnet termite mounds, so called because they face north. The mounds are created by Cathedral termites.

Feeling hot? Break out the swimmers , we are going to Bluey Rockpool.

    The water is so strong that it sweeps you along. Be careful, I nearly went over the waterfall.

Keep those swimmers on as we are going to the plunge pool just a bit further along Florence Creek at the Florence falls. Admire the falls , the grass and other plants but watch out for spiders.

One more stop and then you can have a rest. Darwin has an amazing Botanical Garden. It has been rebuilt twice but has magnificent areas for all to enjoy……wide grassed spaces, intriguing paths, and sculptures. A wonderful place for hide n seek.

The first church in Darwin

Are you hot , tired and ready for a rest. Off you go. I promise tomorrow won’t be so jam packed….maybe.