Happening All Over Again...

Australia; Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Roadtrain from Darwin to Adelaide, Narrandera, via Canberra, SYDNEY

You know those moments in life you can’t believe that what you have been working towards is becoming reality. That every single shooting star you have wished upon, every birthday candle you have blown out has finally paid off!

Welcome to AUSTRALIA!....

Day 79- 81 Darwin

Arriving into Darwin after a 3hour flight from Bali was an exasperating time. The realisation of arriving back to Oz was making me num to all emotion. No one could stop me once those plane doors were open, I was first off the plane, first to go through passport control and I made it through customs!.... I was back in the land down under….

We had a 3night stay in Darwin giving me a chance to shop around for a new camera and to revisit familiar places. I did some touristy stuff, but mostly took it easy.

Day 82- Kakadu National Park

We departed Darwin on route stopping off to do a Jumping Crocodile Cruise, whereby they dangle fresh meat off a fishing rod from a boat into croc infested rivers. The aim is to then trick them into jumping out of the waters to catch the meat while the tourist catch a good photo opportunity.. Its crazy but it works in everybody’s favour!!

We then did an Aboriginal Cultural tour, which was run by a local family wanting to share their culture and beliefs. We first of all got given a traditional black fellas’ welcoming to their land, a ritual almost like baptism, except the waters were taken from the billabongs that was then gargled and spat onto your head by an Aboriginal?!.. Not sure if you would really consider that welcoming or insulting??! Anyway we also got taught how the men hunt and how the women weave. It was a good little experience that ended with a little song and dance.

We then proceeded onto Kakadu National Park visiting the Aboriginal art on the rock faces of Ubirr. We then had a romantic finish to the day by watching sunset over the floodplains.

We stayed overnight in a campsite with pre- erected tents. I sipped on my Tootheys New beer while gazing at the thousands of stars… totally awesome..

Day 83-86 Darwin

This was where I separated from the group while they continued to progress down central Australia to Adelaide. I caught a Greyhound (local bus network) back to Darwin to wait for my lift. One of the few things I felt missed out on my Oz travels last time round was not having rode a roadtrain, so this time round I managed to get my contacts and arrange a lift with Popeye the truckie.

Meanwhile in Darwin, I had 4 days to spare before my roadtrain adventure started but unfortunately I came down with a bad cough which needed antibiotics to treat but that didn’t stop me from making the most of the Darwin festival activities.

The recently reconstructed esplanade was boosting with people taking advantage of the man made lagoon and wave pool. The glorious weather added to the moods and the entertainment wrapped it all up. I have fond memories of Darwin from my first visit back in 2006, and it didn’t fail to disappoint this time round either.

Day 87-89 Roadtrain Darwin to Adelaide

Darwin; Katherine; TennantCreek; Threeways; Alice Springs; Kulgera; Adelaide

I caught a taxi to the TnT cargo depo where I met Popeye the roadtrain driver who I arranged through a friend of a friend. A roadtrain is a 120 ton truck that is 53.5 metres long with a 550 horse power motor that runs through an 18 speed gear box. So basically a monster on wheels!!

We were about to embark on a 3000km journey from Darwin to Adelaide in 3days. The journey was amazing. There were a few tourist stops and plenty of toilet stops. I tried to stay awake for as much of the journey as I could so I could take in the changing scenery and to keep Popeye company. I was pleased that we actually out spoke eachother so at least there weren’t any one sided conversations….like most scenarios when I am involved ;p

It was eye opening to experience the life of a truckie and appreciate the long hours they put in to earn a living… Popeye is a man with a heart of gold and I really appreciate his generosity and kindness. I shall def be keeping in touch with him through my stay in Australia :)

Day 90- Adelaide

Popeye dropped me off outside the hostel and we said our goodbyes. After acouple hours of checking into the Adelaide hostel I was joined by the rest of the Ozbus crew. They all seemed tiered but pleased to see me. A few of us went out for a few drinks to experience the nightlife in Adelaide…

Day 91- Narrandera

After a full’s day driving we arrived quite late to our hostel in Narrandera. We all went out to a local RSL (the largest ex-serviceman clubs in Australia) to mingle with the locals. And had an early night to prepare ourselves for the final day of our trip and our arrival to SYDNEY!

Day 92- SYDNEY!!!!!

On route to Sydney we had a stop at Canberra where we visited the Parliament House as well as having a bite to eat. It was then full speed ahead to Australia’s true capital. Unfortunately there was lot of traffic so it got dark before we made it to the Opera House for our final group picture so we headed straight to the hostel for a shower and then off for the final supper.

I am glad I made this journey, the physical route from one end of the world to another and the psychological journey of human behaviors. It has definitely been an experience of a lifetime.. But its now only the beginning of my Australia adventures…

To be continued…..

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