We have thoroughly enjoyed a second week in Darwin, taking in more of the local sights and attractions, and making the most of the local hospitality. Sailing has of course been at the front of the agenda, and we have now been out twice for late afternoon/sunset sailing in the harbour on friend Adam’s catamaran which he moors at Cullen Bay Marina, which is just 2 kilometres from Darwin’s CBD. The marina hosts some of the cities best restaurants, and it is fringed by some of Darwin’s most prestigious homes.

Cullen Bay Marina’s lock system at work

But the most interesting feature for boaties, is that because of the significant tidal movement in the north, the marina is maintained at a constant level of 5 to 5.7 metres thanks to a huge 8 door lock system. Sailing in and out of the marina is an experience – and there is absolutely no sensation of water movement in or out, which can be thousands of tons depending on the tidal movement at the time.

In the marina, looking across to homes and apartments

As you can imagine, it has been wonderful to back on the water, of course in stunning conditions, relaxing, then stirring to make the  occasional change in direction, tweaking a sail here and there, and meeting more of the locals who have also been out with us. On our first evening, we were treated to the soulful sound in the distance of piping – yes bagpipes at sunset – what a treat. We quietly sailed toward the piper, who we were surprised to see was a mature female, on the back of a very nice catamaran moored in one of the bays.

In the lock – Steve and Kerry about to tie the boat to the lock wall

We had to have another treat for our second sail, and lady luck must have had us in her sights. I was off for a cycle, and only got as far as the back of the camp ground and there were our friends Therese and Kerry (who live in Tauranga, and who have been travelling a few weeks behind our schedule) who had just arrived in town, and who had cycled from their camp overs to ours to announce their arrival. So, they joined us for our evening sail. It was lovely to catch-up and learn more about their exploits over the last month or so.

Steve and Adam, relaxing on the back of the boat – its a tough afternoon!

Getting a cultural fix when travelling can be challenging! We have been lucky, and spent an evening at live theatre at Brown’s Mart Theatre in the city, seeing a play called The Hoist (for the Aussies that read this, yes, this means the good old Hills Hoist, which was the main prop mid stage), which was the winner of the NT Literary Award 2013 – Best Script. Because its an intimate theatre, we also got to meet the playwright and chat with her for 10 or 15 minutes.

Several days ago we visited Berry Springs Nature Reserve, which is about 45kms south of where we are staying. There are many different springs and rivers in the NT, and what makes this so attractive is crystal clear spring water that is warm and flows into several levels of natural swimming pools that are surrounded by lush bush and lots of bird life. Not far from here is the Darwin River Dam, Darwin’s major water source, where the water flow can’t be regulated. It covers an area of 3,400 hectares and is just like an inland sea. What fascinated us is that there are signs all around announcing ‘Crocodile Safety Danger – Crocodiles live in the dam’. In other words its no different than the rivers and waterways all around the Territory.

Whilst out exploring, we found a four wheel drive river crossing, so of course we had to have a play! Steve couldn’t resist and it is good practice for future ventures.

Finally, a river crossing!

Yesterday and today we have been getting the Suzuki serviced because the air conditioning system is dying and that’s not good in this part of the country. We did have it back for the evening yesterday so that we could enjoy another meal at the Darwin Yacht Club with friends and hopefully it will be back to new later today. We plan to go into the Casino tonight, to watch the State of Origin game on their outdoor big screen. And then its pack up and hit the road tomorrow morning, heading for Jabiru and Kakadu. We have applied for a permit for the remote Koolpin Gorge and hope on Monday and Tuesday that we are able to four wheel drive in and camp for a couple of nights so that we can experience what many say is one of the best attractions in Kakadu. It will though depend on whether or not they manage to trap the crocodile that is there! National Parks will not open camping areas like this unless they are absolutely sure they are croc free. Because there were late rains this year, trapping is a little later than normal. Needless to say we are very supportive of their approach to safety with crocodiles. We’ll be out of contact for some of time whilst in the national parks so the next update will be when we have good coverage again.