Return to Darwin

A week ago, I left Sydney on a cold morning for Darwin again. Six years ago, this blog started partly because MSN Spaces had shut down my old blog, but also I wanted to write about my time in Darwin. What a fantastic year I had in Darwin in 2011, with some epic adventures, great friends and lots of laughter. What will happen this time, I wonder?

The weather has been sublime. I really arrived at the right time this year – right at the end of the Wet, just the occasional tropical shower here and there but doesn’t feel soggy at all. The skies are a majestic blue and some day they seem to stretch forever into the sea. The clouds are just as fluffy as I remembered, big blobs of marshmallows to break up the piercing blue. The heavens open and the rain pours down, but ten minutes later it is clear again. The dragonflies are out, and the dry season is coming!

Every day that I was near the sea for sunsets, I couldn’t believe this is where I am living again. 

These sunsets are just some of the best I have ever seen in my whole life.

I remember all the little things I loved about Darwin – no traffic, no looking for parking, no parking signs (mostly), no meters to feed. You just drive where you need to drive, and park right outside. I love not being stuck in traffic, and the word “commute” means so little here. People are friendly, and most people are so unbelievably down to earth that it feels like the real Australia. 

Can’t beat this amazing view at De La Plage, the new cafe next to the Surf Lifesaving Club.

Foreshore cafe, Nightcliff

And of course, the hipsters are slowly infiltrating Darwin too – I have heard of so many cafes in Darwin now, and there is even a wine bar and a microbrewery! For the most part though, the city remains compact and unpretentious.

Rapid Creek is the same as ever. The lady who sold me papaya salad every week has the same beaming smile, and we were like longlost sisters. The noodle man is still there (expanded to a lot more eskies than last time!) and the tofu lady is still in the same spot too. I recognise many of the people at the markets and had fun chatting with them whilst shopping for fresh vegetables.

First market haul 

I went for a daytrip to Litchfield, revisiting all my favourite spots.

So much water at Wangi falls!

I also discovered Tolmer falls this time, which is now my favouritest waterfall in Litchfield. What an incredible setting it has, at one end of a deep gorge, plunging into a deep green pool.

I enjoyed reading my first book in Darwin – burnt shadows by Kamila Shamsie – by the shady creek near Florence falls.  

And before I know it.. my little moving holiday (Toronto -> Sydney -> Darwin) is over, and it's time to go to work. I quote myself, 19 January 2011 

I am filled with so many unanswered questions - a giant adventure lays ahead of me.