Approaching from the north now floating on the beautiful calm turquoise water. Reasonably shallow so we proceed slowly, as we have done for past hours as we navigated a channel between some of the larger NT islands to the north of Darwin. Weather is warm, blue skies and likely to be low 30’s in Darwin.

Again we are well positioned on our port-side balcony to be seeing the city of Darwin in the distance across the seas. Time to sit and enjoy the perspective of approaching our destination from the sea.  Just been through Van Diemen Gulf into Clarence Strait and now in Beagle Gulf. Was welcomed earlier by a beautiful sunrise over the ocean.

	Now in Darwin Harbour and with a good view of the skyline. Note Parliament House on the right, per later pictures. We have been pleasantly surprised by Darwin and the people have been most friendly and relaxed.
	This is our dock. So close to town. So clever how the big ship moves into position sideways via its several lateral thrusters. And later, we push off sideways as we set of for WA.
	Overlooking our dock and Darwin’s ‘beach’ for swimming. Our ship is behind buildings on the right. Quite a precinct here, with bars and restaurants, Convention Centre, apartments, government buildings nearby, and the commercial centre and retail area just a few blocks up. They have done very well to separate this pedestrian area, from traffic nearby, by the provision of a large bridge, into town, with the help of an elevator.
	Parliament house. First called the wedding cake, now also known as the ‘fruit cake’. I wonder why? I understand NT became self-governing around 1978 and this building dates from the 1990’s.
	Parliament House from the road. A very quiet day on the roads around Darwin. What’s that saying about being able to shoot a cannon down the street. Very amenable, peaceful, so pleasant.
	She is a lovely ship, and there will be ship pictures as an indulgence of mine. You were warned. This picture from the lovely Centennial Park looking out over Darwin Harbour and slightly west of Fannie Bay.
	Yes a tree. Surrounded by such lush grass. Thick couch or similar.  Watch out for more trees in the future too. Of course, each in their own way, they too are majestic.
	Governor’s House. Met a lovely lady in this vicinity originally from Tasmania but been in Darwin many years. She became like an unofficial tour guide, answering our several questions about Darwin. A lovely friendly ambassador for a friendly city.
	And beautiful garden. Also recovering from a category 2 cyclone in March 2018. So we were advised per above. Check out the lovely colours of these flowers. Stunning!
	A big topic now in Darwin but not much mention of it (none) when I was at school in the 60’s and 70’s. No longer censored of course, as it was back then. Possibly worse than Pearl Harbour.
	The Darwin ‘beach’ again. We had intended to swim there, but wimped it. Met a crocodile in the vicinity but only a 12 month old about 1m long, with its snout taped. Apparently crocs keep growing in their life-time, can get to 5m+ by age 50, and may live to 80 years or so in captivity. So told us by a lovely young Canadian lass.
	Darwin Convention Centre. Quiet today. Just threw that it. Nice building in a nice location by the bay and lagoon.
	Returning home to our ship. Very pleasant along these various walkways. And lots of family fun there today, in this area. A warm evening, still quite warm as we departed at 10pm.
	Buildings by the dock. Until next time Darwin, next month, when we return by road.
	And of course a sunset. Must be time for dinner and a champagne for a special someone! Again, we are bon voyage. Take care one and all. Time for that last drink and some birthday cake courtesy of Princess Cruises. They have treated us well. Good-night!

And added retrospectively is the beautiful sunset image in Darwin courtesy of Janice from Queensland. Thanks Janice!