We arrived at the port of Darwin, Australia about noon, after sailing through the night. Darwin, named after the naturalist Charles Darwin, is the largest city in the continent's northernmost region. As cities go, it is relatively small, but it has a rich history which includes its role in the defense of the country during World War II.
The morning's lecture was given by the Resident Historian on the history of Australia from earliest times through the European settlement which included the convicts from England.
The afternoon's activity was the city tour by motorcoach - mercifully air-conditioned, as it was 94 degrees outside. Highlights of the tour included a stop at the East Point Reserve, which gave us a sweeping view of Darwin's harbor and the Timor Sea, and a stop at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northwest Territory. (The photo shows the red cliffs of the Reserve).
The museum had on display an exhibition of the art works by Aboriginal artists including pieces made using the bark of trees. On the way to the museum we got our first glimpse of wallabys - smaller kangaroos.
The day was completed by another delicious meal in The Restaurant - one of five places aboard to find Viking's excellent cuisine.
Tomorrow we remain in Darwin for the day, so our plan is to walk into the city for a closer look at some of the historic buildings there. More to come...
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