We Have Arrived in Darwin

We are now in Darwin, Australia’s most northern city. It’s the location of the 85 Transport Platoon (Vietnam) reunion. These reunions are held every two years in different locations around the country Those who served in this unit came from many places across Australia. 

Flights to Darwin often arrive late at night or early in the morning due to the absence of a curfew at Darwin Airport. The airlines are therefore. allowed to schedule flights that maximise aircraft utilisation through ‘back of the clock’ flights. These schedules provide an opportunity to generate revenue from aircraft that would otherwise sit idle overnight. As a result, the airlines run red-eye flights, particularly on routes to / from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which have stricter curfews. Consequently, flights often leave Darwin around midnight or early morning to align with these schedules, making daytime flights less common and more expensive. 

We arrived at Melbourne airport in plenty of time and headed to Gate 25 – a long walk from security and the Qantas Club. We had just settled in when it was announced that our flight for the first stage of our trip via Sydney was now leaving from Gate 7 – almost at the other end of the opposite airport wing. It was a long walk. Jill was able to drive her buggy right to the door of the plane where it was taken to the hold. We next saw it at the oversized baggage counter in Darwin.  

The flight to Sydney was completely full and although we departed nearly half an hour late, we arrived in Sydney just a few minutes late and then had a niney minute stopover before flying on to Darwin. 

We arrived here in Darwin just before 1.00 am at the same time as two other flights and it was mayhem around the baggage carousel. We finally collected our stuff and were met by a transfer to our hotel. We collapsed nto bed at 3.00 am. I was out by 10.00 am to pick up our car that we will use for transport for almost all of  the next four weeks. 

Our day was busy as we stopped off at a disability store to pick up an appliance that Jill needed. Then it was off to Bunnings to buy a small chiller bag. After the reunion we will be driving around 3800 kilometres back to Melbourne. It will be quite an adventure and will take us to some interesting scenic and historical places. 

Finally, we paid a visit to the supermarket to buy some food for picnics and lunches as we travel. We also need some snacks and breakfast while we are at the resort.

Our reunion is being held at the Free Spirit Resort, a large place that is a combination of cabins and caravan park. It’s at Palmerston, a Darwin suburb, around 15 km from the CBD. At the centre of the resort is a nice pool area with a cafe and bar.  This part of the world is quite tropical so a pool is essential.

Our first reunion activity was a ‘meet and greet’ function where around eighty of us met for an introduction and a meal. It was really good to see so many old mates again and I’m looking forward to spending the next four days with them. I was a bit surprised to see so many people here but glad that they have all come.