Today started more casually but as I was lying in bed thinking about dozing off again, I figured it was better to spend time in the cool of the morning and sleep through the heat of the afternoon.

Had breakfast in the hotel – probably the least satisfactory meal of the whole stay. Then discovered how to get to Crocodylus Park by bus. I wandered around to the relevant bus stop and jumped on the number 4 bus to Casurina. It was the all-stops bus through the western northern suburbs, so I got to see some of the suburbs. Lots of typical Darwin architecture: blockwork central core on the first floor with the main living area (steel framed) above – catches the breeze better and offers a safe retreat in the event of a cyclone (these days!). Not very pre-possessing though.

Finally arrived at Casurina to discover I’d missed the connecting bus by five minutes. I caught a taxi as a consequence because an hour-long wait would be a waste.

Got to Crocodylus just in time to join a delayed tour of the park. Saw lots of big crocodiles and watched a few scuffles and saw crocs jumping out of the water to feed. They are big, scary monsters! At the end of the tour, I got to hold a baby croc. Their skin is surprisingly soft. After the tour, I wandered around the rest of the park watching lions roar, tigers, leopards, spider monkeys, emus and ostriches all doing their thing. Quite a rewarding visit.

After a cab ride back to town, I lazed by the pool for an hour or so enjoying the tropical heat. Then a couple of hours bringing this journal up to date.

The sunset was about to happen so, for the last time, I crossed down to the harbour's edge and watched the beautiful sunset. I was then treated to a fascinating electrical storm out to sea. Constant lightning in sheets and bolts. just amazing.

I went to the Jetty for dinner, believing it was a seafood buffet for $22/head. It was just an ordinary buffet, but very nice all the same. I ended up in the best seat in the place and got more of the lightning show to accompany my dinner.