Continental Drifting: Australia Part I

Living in South Africa the majority of my life and having done some travelling, I have been privy to the vast contrast between the first and third worlds and many ‘in-between’. But that still did not prepare me for my arrival in Australia after three months travelling countries that would be classed third world or developing economies. The intensity of the grilling immigration officials and the airport security was enough to encourage the beads of sweat growing in number initially due to the heat and humidity to make me look like there was nothing but narcotics and weapons stuffed away in my backpack. But with the first world restrictions comes manicured lawns, luxury I’d long forgotten such as comfortable pillows, western food, efficient and relatively comfortable public transport and many more pleasures. Especially when you are fortunate to have some family residing in Darwin - my first stop on the island.

Marion is my Dad’s cousin and I was spoilt for the full eleven days I stayed with her and her husband Robert. Simon, their son, is living the dream with his family at their home on the marina and the whole family was extremely welcoming and kind to me, it really was a welcome relief from backpacking. My stay included a trip to Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, a sunset cruise around the Darwin Harbour, trips to various museums, galleries and monuments and some great chill out time. I then headed across to Cairns to meet up with Helen who had a week off from work with the plan to head up to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge. The weather didn’t really play its part, but the environment was still spectacular and we had a really good time exploring the area and making the most of it. Unfortunately that did mean that diving the Great Barrier Reef was on hold until sunnier days.

Helen went back to work and I made my way down the coast to Townsville - Piers and Shelley’s old stomping ground. It was great to place some images alongside some of the stories they had shared and I took their advice and saw some great sights. Magnetic Island is indeed magnetic. Despite not managing to take a picture of a Koala, I did see some, and exploring the island by bus and on foot was great. As usual, I also met some interesting people along the way.