We have loved this city in the very north of Australia. The lush tropical plants are beautiful and are everywhere and, although the temperatures are well into the 30’s, there is plenty of shade. The dry season is coming to an end and the wet season officially begins 1 October. In many ways it is a city of shade – there are magnificent mature trees, many parks, and large shade structures providing relief from the heat at playgrounds, bowling greens and other sports areas, picnic areas, eating areas and even over a couple of swimming pools. The apartments have been cleverly designed to provide interesting shade awnings and canopies over windows that face the sun. The disappointing thing about the North of Australia is that you cannot swim at most of these beautiful beaches along the coast because of the stingers and crocodiles. However, the cities have provided extraordinary large pools that stretch out in different directions with water fountains, water parks with slides, wave pools and even sand so that they become mini beaches. Today the lovely water park is very busy with families having picnics under the trees while the children swim. This is the first week of the school holidays. The park has numerous sun loungers and seating for people to stay and enjoy the surroundings in comfort. Our time in Darwin finishes tonight with a sunset dinner cruise and tomorrow we travel to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks and stay out there until Friday before starting the journey south on Saturday.
Port Douglas, Northern Territory and Red Centre 2026 