This was the first time we sailed into Darwin under the cover of darkness. It took a moment but we realised that this cruise started a month later than our world cruise, and sunrise was not until just after 7 am
We had a plan … well sort of a plan. We were getting off the ship!
This time, to make our way into town we followed the road out of the terminal then through Bicentennial park along to the Esplanade. The park is home to many War memorials commemorating lost ships, lost planes and many lost souls.
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| The old out door Cinema... Garry remembers it from his time in Darwin |
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| Lovely coastline |
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| A bit of fun! |
The original Chinese temple was on this site since 1887. Earlier cyclones and bombings from 1942, saw it repaired many times. It was Cyclone Tracey that totally destroyed it. A new temple was built and completed in 1978 to replicate the original temple.
Today several Chinese religions are practised in the temple, a sign of unity and harmony within the
community.
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| Chinese Temple |
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| Lovin that BBQ Chicken |
You can feel the peace and serenity as you enter the temple. Followers with their sweet smelling incense sticks praying to their deities. One devoted community member even left a Woolies BBQ chicken still in its wrapper. I did notice one person open the bag slightly so the gods could be tempted by its aroma.
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| Memorabilia from the old Movie Theatre |
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| Smith St Mall |
After leaving the temple we headed back down to Smith St Mall where many fellow passengers were spotted with shopping trolleys full of provisions to see them through the cruise.
After partaking in a bit shopping ourselves, we headed back to the ship. Walking back via the Esplanade, we passed Parliament House, more affectionately known as the Wedding Cake. This is due to its sparkling white presence. Across the road is the Governors’ Residence with its beautiful manicured gardens.
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| The "Wedding Cake" |
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| Governors Residence |
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| Ever Changing Waterfront |
We walked back down to the Darwin Waterfront, this time using the lifts. Each time we have visited Darwin we have witness the progress of the redevelopment of this area.
There is the wave pool, a netted off swimming area that protects its swimmers from the local crocs. Restaurants and Bars to tempt the weary travellers with a quick snack and drink. Best of all is the addition of the covering along the long walk way to protect everyone from the sun… the only design fault is that the sun is on the wrong side in the afternoon and the shade is cast over the water.
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| Man Made beach fenced off from the Crocodiles. |
Getting back on the ship with a bottle or two of wine was a little hit and miss, and everyone has a story about whether or not they were caught and charged corkage.
With a slight of hand, or quick step, Garry managed to take advantage of a momentary distraction and walked straight pass the collection desk.
With a couple more hours before we needed to be back on board, a few of us decided to enjoy a little more of the Darwin atmosphere (and heat) and enjoyed a pizza and drink at one of the restaurants by the water.
But it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the great sacrifice endured by our good friends Marie and Mal, who walked back up all the way to Coles to buy a few extra folding chairs… bargain at only $10 each.
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Making our way back again, the last of the passengers were browsing the stalls within the terminal for pearls, opals, crocodile goods and aboriginal art. Marie and Mal turned out to be one of them, and as they made their last purchase they were suitably corralled back to the ship by a crew member, and just like an Indiana Jones movie, the gangway fell away behind them with each step, and they won the prize for last on.
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| Everyone from Stokes Wharf waved us goodbye. |
Sail away was lovely, and in the daylight you could now see the Darwin skyline and notice how much it has changed.
And so it is “Sea La Vie” from the beautiful Sun Princess.
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