The major event of our 85 Transport Platoon Reunion was held yesterday, on August 18, at Reg Hillier House in Darwin. This venue is the home of NT Vietnam Veterans and named after the only Territorian killed in Vietnam. We, and local veterans, assembled and after all the dignitaries arrived we formed up to march into the ceremonial area to the applause of the official party.
Vietnam Veterans Day is always commemorated on August 18. It was on this day that Australian soldiers originally faced their most significant action during the Vietnam War at the Battle of Long Tan.
It was a very special event with the official party including the Territory Administrator, miltary commanders of Australian and American forces along with the Chief of Police, Fire Service and representatives of many other community organisations. The address was given by a Naval Captain, resplendant in his white uniform, and speaking well. I was impressed to see that so many of the military and community service leaders were women.
We had some free time earlier in the day so Jill and I drove back to Darwin City to see some of the main sites of the city. One of them was Government House. When we were here some years ago, it was bounded by a white picket fence with purple Bouganvillia flowers behind it. Perhaps because of increased security needs in these modern days, that simple fence has been replaced by a high metal one. It still looks impressive, but not quite as pretty.
We drove along The Esplanade to the Gardens and stopped at the War Memorial. It shows many names from the time that Darwin was bombed by the Japanese as well as one name from both the Vietnam and Afghanistan Wars. The memorial is positioned in a nice peaceful park along the cliffs of Fannie Bay.
Further along the bay, we found a series of signboards that described Darwin’s war story. World War 2 had a profound impact on Darwin, making it one of the most significant locations in Australia during the conflict. Darwin was the site of the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia,
There were many memorial plaques along the path and I noticed that one of them recorded the service of the AirForce in this conflict. Jill’s father spent time here as an Air Force officer around 1942 when much of this action occurred.
Today, Jill and I took some time out and drove south to Adelaide River and Litchfield National Park. Adelaide River is a small town located approximately 113 kilometers (70 miles) south of Darwin. The town is situated along the Stuart Highway and is known for its historical significance, particularly during World War II.
During World War II, Adelaide River became an important military base. It was far enough from Darwin to be safe, but still close enough to be a strategic location. It served as a staging and supply point for Allied forces defending northern Australia from Japanese attacks. On the way we saw the remnants of a number of WW2 airfileds that operated next to the highway
One of the most significant landmarks in the town is the Adelaide River War Cemetery, which is the final resting place for 434 military personnel who died in the Northern Territory during World War II. The cemetery also includes the graves of 63 civilians who died in the bombing of Darwin and other wartime events. It is a solemn and well-maintained site, attracting visitors who come to pay their respects.
We spent the remainder of the day in nearby Lichfield National Park. It is one of the Northern Territory’s most renowned natural attractions, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Darwin. Covering approximately 1,500 square kilometers (580 square miles), the park is known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, monsoon rainforests, and unique geological formations.
We reached the car park of our first stop at Buley Rock Hole by lunch time and enjoyed a picnic lunch in one of the covered shelters. It was a hot day with temperatured as high as 37 degrees, so any shade was welcome. The Rock Holes are are a series of cascades witn pools that are ideal for swimming – especially because there are no crocodiles in this vicinity.
We then stopped at the nearby Florence Falls. There is a designated viewing platform located at the top of the falls, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the falls themselves. This spot is perfect for taking photographs and seeing the natural beauty of this area.The twin waterfalls with two streams of water plunge approximately 15 meters (50 feet) into a deep, cool plunge pool below. The water is fresh and clear, making it another ideal spot for swimming.
On the way through the Park, we stopped to see a field of giant termite mounds. These are one of Litchfield National Park’s most impressive sights where hundreds of Magnetic Termite mounds standing up to two metres high on a wide flat plain. They look something like an enormous set of gravestones or a mini city of buildings. Like magnetic compasses, their thin edges point north-south and their broad backs face east-west. This aspect thermo-regulates the mounds for the termites inside, who prefer high humidity and stable temperatures. Because one side of the mound always remains shaded, they do not overheat.
Our final stop, before returning to Darwin was at Wangi Falls. These are one of the largest and most accessible waterfalls in the park. With a broad, cascading drop into a large, deep plunge pool, it is a popular place for swimming during the dry season (now). The area around Wangi Falls offers picnic facilities, a café (curently closed), and some walking trails. It’s a great spot for both relaxation and exploration. There were lots of people enjoying the water while we were visiting and I’m sure that on such a hot day, the cool water was very welcome.
