Syndal Combined Probus Darwin trip

10 Dec 2013

A group of 26 from Syndal Combined Probus Club, recently enjoyed a fun-filled week in Darwin.

Following an afternoon flight from Melbourne, the group was soon settled into their accommodation at the Darwin Central Hotel.

The next two days included an Orientation Tour, a WWII Frontline Tour, plus time at the Mindil Beach night market from where we witnessed a beautiful tropical sunset.

These tours included visits to the Aviation Heritage Museum, which houses one of only two enormous B52 bombers outside of the US, the Military Museum and Reserve at East Point (WWII history) and the Northern Territory Museum, featuring Cyclone Tracy displays.

We also visited the Charles Darwin National Park with a stop at one of the WWII bunkers, now converted to a wartime museum. 

Other local attractions included visits to Parliament Buildings, the Chinese Museum, WWII Fuel Storage Tunnels and, on the final evening, a lovely harbour cruise with a delicious seafood buffet dinner.

Outside of Darwin, most of us visited the Adelaide River for a jumping crocs cruise, Litchfield National Park where, after a buffet lunch, some swam at the Wangi Falls. Many also visited the Territory Wildlife Reserve to experience some of the Territory bird and animal life as well as local flora and fauna.

A few of the group ventured as far afield as Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls. 

Overall, we gained a great insight to the history of the region as well as some of the local issues related to the armed forces domiciled in the Darwin area. Our centrally located hotel was very comfortable and an ideal base for shopping, local sightseeing and relaxing walks.

The weather was fine and warm for the entire week and everyone enjoyed a delightful mid-winter holiday with the usual Probus fun and friendship.