Darwin has grown from a pioneer outpost and small port into one of Australia's most modern and multicultural cities. Its proximity to Asia makes it an important Australian gateway to countries such as Indonesia and East Timor. The city itself is built on a low bluff overlooking the harbour. Its suburbs spread out over some area, beginning at Lee Point in the north and stretching to Berrimah in the east—past Berrimah, the Stuart Highway goes on to Darwin's satellite city, Palmerston, and its suburbs.
The region, like the rest of the Top End, has a tropical climate, with a Wet and a Dry Season. The city is noted for its consistently warm to hot climate, all throughout the year. It receives heavy rainfall during the Wet Season, and is well known for its spectacular lightning.
The original inhabitants of the greater Darwin area are the Larrakia people. On 9 September 1839, HMS Beagle sailed into Darwin harbour during its surveying of the area. John Clements Wickham named the region "Port Darwin" in honour of their former shipmate Charles Darwin, who had sailed with them on the ship's previous voyage which had ended
in October 1836. The settlement there became the town of Palmerston in 1869, and was renamed Darwin in 1911. Having been almost entirely rebuilt twice, once due to Japanese air raids during World War II, and again after being devastated by Tropical Cyclone Tracy in 1974, the city is one of Australia's most modern capitals.
I took these photos flying out of Darwin in 2002 on my way to Alice Springs and then on to Melbourne. Flying over the continent of Australia is an amazing experience so one should always try to get a window seat and have a camera handy!
This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme.
Okay, every one I saw, I thought, this is the best one yet...and then I saw the next one! That last one is positively stunning! But, I loved the "cotton-ball" clouds over the plane too. These are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteCool shots from the plane. The view looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing, happy skywatching!
ReplyDeleteAmazing view :D The last shot is something.
ReplyDeleteWollreflections
What fabulous photos you took from the plane.
ReplyDeleteLinda is right, Nick, each shot just gets better and better! Incredible skies and views! Awesome! Sorry to be so late -- too hot to sit at the desk for very long! Hope you have a lovely weekend! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI never have much luck taking photos out of plane windows. These are awesome!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenes and beautiful colours in these pics. My airplane photos never turn out so well ;-)
ReplyDeletewhat a pretty clouds!
ReplyDeleteThe last picture is very strange, and it is probably the reason why I find it amazing !
ReplyDeleteThanks this lovely sharing of your trip !