Darwin Week 8

Sunday 29th August to Saturday 4th September 2021

Sunday

This week brought about some firsts for us. Sunday was the first time we got to experience Cracker Night, the only night of the year when you can purchase and let off fireworks.

Sunday was a usual weekend day for us with mass and grocery shopping. Madeline bought a Bluey swimming pool with her birthday money.

This meant that when mum wanted to go to the beach detecting, Madeline was hell bent on staying home and playing.

Mummy went beach detecting on her own.

Cullen Bay beach is Darwin’s newest beach, constructed in the mid-1990s as part of the redevelopment of Cullen Bay, which replaced the tidal flats and mangroves. Cullen Bay Beach is a popular area for dog walkers and tourists and a good fishing spot.

As the evening drew near, families started setting up picnics for the long night ahead, getting the best vantage point for the fireworks.

Madeline went to bed at 7 and the fireworks started during around 30min later.

Most of the noise had settled by 11pm but there was the odd cracker until around 2am.

Madeline woke with a start around 1030, but didn’t remember it the next morning.

Monday

Mummy went to work and Madeline and Daddy went to the library for toddler time.

Madeline rearranged the furniture in the library.

Tuesday

Mummy was running late at work tonight.

We had takeaway pizza tonight.

Wednesday

Today we decided to visit Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin City.

It’s a centre that is known for its crocodile feeding demonstrations, reptile display and the cage of death.

Freshwater Aquarium

A 200,000 litre freshwater aquarium modeled on a typical river system in the Top End.

The Reptile House

Crocosaurus Cove presents the World’s largest display of Australian Reptiles, with over 70 species of reptiles on display.

Most reptiles on display are from the Northern Territory’s Top End and Kimberley region. There is also a new Desert region which is home to a range of species found in Australia’s Red Centre.

Big Croc Feed Show

Starting with the Bite Force demonstration, witness the force behind the jaws of a crocodile as a purpose built machine makes a meal out of a solid block of ice!

Crocodiles have a bite strength of 3 tonnes while humans about 20kg.

All the crocodiles here, are here as they were a menace to society and needed to be removed. After trying crocodile farms, most of them required a more solitary life.

Axel – a 5.1m crocodile removed from Roper River in 1980s. His presence at the boat ramp was getting a little too close for comfort for the local fisherman, as was his trademark move of snapping at boat trailer tyres and puncturing them! Relocated into captivity, Axel was formally a breeding crocodile before moving to Crocosaurus Cove in 2014.

Burt – a 5.1m crocodile and a famous movie star. Burt is the oldest and most famous resident. He has starred alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the original Crocodile Dundee movie as well as providing the basis for the digital crocodile in the film, Rogue. Burt has been in captivity for over 30 years and has starred in a host of other documentaries and awareness programs throughout that time. Burt is now a confirmed bachelor with a grumpy attitude!

William and Kate – To mark the Royal Wedding in 2011, Crocosaurus Cove has given the honorary names of William & Kate to their loved up couple, Houdini & Bess. A successful escape artist, Houdini gained his name for his ability to climb into a trap and steal the bait before escaping from the enclosures at the Darwin Crocodile Farm. However, since being introduced to the very petite Kate in 1991, William has stayed put. They are now a successful breeding couple, producing a clutch of eggs in November 2011.