Darwin Vacation-Day 3

We headed north into Darwin for the day and started it off on the East Point Reserve at the Darwin Military Museum and Defense of Darwin Experience. The Darwin Military Museum flies the flag of the USA as an indication of their sacrifice in defending Australia in partnership during WWII. A Memorial Wall is there to remember them. 

We started off inside, learning about the Japanese attack on Darwin and their role in the war.

This room went from artifacts and information to a video on the attack.

Although it was impossible to anticipate the speed of the Japanese conquests in South-East Asia, it was evident that Darwin could be in danger. Evacuations of women, children and non-essential personnel were arranged within days of the attack. By 18 February there were probably only 70 women, plus army nurses, left in Darwin.

Outside, we saw military vehicles, weapons, equipment, memorials, memorabilia, and more information regarding the war.

1942 Willys Jeep with ambulance behind

The Watsons in the searchlight

9.2" Gun Emplacement

                                      

Model of East Point Defenses during WWII

So, since the girls endured something that Mommy & Daddy wanted to do, it was then time for a kid activity…and this one was AWESOME!!  A free, YES, FREE waterpark in Darwin!  This place was amazing and we all had so much fun!  They had this great play area for the kids, a large pool, a bunch of small pools for the littles and 3 great waterslides that we were THRILLED Kyla was big enough for!

They had 2 single ride slides and one double tube slide and we loved them all-so fun!! We just took turns with Hallie playing in the pools and she honestly was having so much fun that she didn’t even know or care where her sisters were!

A shower and ice blocks after.

We drove out on the wharf to check out the restaurants and views, but had to take turns as someone had to stay with these worn out girls!

Thought this was a strange piece of art to have out on the wharf…

Annually, the families of the deceased, as well as wharfies and seafarers, meet here to pay their respects and to remember the workers who were killed when the wharf was bombed on 19 February 1942.

Our last stop for the day was to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

The markets are on every Sunay & Thursday.  Everyone grabs food and enjoys dinner while enjoying the beautiful sunsets.  Then they shop!

We enjoyed the entertainment, food, and buying souvenirs.  We even picked up an original Aboriginal painting that we are excited to hang in our next house.