Judy & Brian Tour Oz: Royal Darwin Show, Darwin NT, Orchids cymbidiums

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Royal Darwin Show, Darwin NT, Orchids cymbidiums

So, it's our last day in Darwin. Where have the weeks flown to? Anyhow, having done everything to do and some things twice, we went to the Royal Darwin Show, which starts today and stays open for Friday and Saturday, which seems odd.

We were expecting a huge affair with lots of both city and countryfied exhibits like they have in Sydney. Well we were disappointed as they have very little of that type of thing and that which they do have is on tomorrow. What they do have is an overflow of those tacky tacky sideshow stalls selling a plethora of useless goods in lurid colours to the unsuspecting public.

Even the rides seemed a bit light on, they had a 'Claw' but no ferris wheel, no slingshot, no hit-the-bell-and-win-a-prize. I saw some clowns, and some of those floating duck pond things. Pretty boring, maybe it all happens at night?

We found some food, though, and decided on a hamburger from this innocent looking stand. Judging by the state of panic that ensued when we ordered something, my guess is that the two kids behind the counter had not actually done it in anger before! The burger was really good though which was a pleasant surprise.

Then we found the horticultural shed and spend a bunch of time looking at orchids and oncydiums and a bunch of others not known to me. Some are so tiny and so cute, others are just beautiful. Mind you, it was stifling inside the shed, but when we went onto covered grassed area the humidity just went through the roof.

Down the back of the 'ring' we found the cat-house, which I graciously allowed Judy to go and explore while I sat in the shade and watched the Ag School student being put through their 'Show Display' techniques using size large cows as props.

We slid out the side door and headed back to camp. We put a few things away but gave that up in favour of a swim, a snooze, another swim, a cold drink, another swim etc. But, all things come to an end and we finished putting our toys away, just waiting for a decent hour to go and eat at the bar and then retiring for the night. Up and away tomorrow, heading down to Katherine, where its still in the 30s but much cooler at night. Sad, but true.

A couple of snaps to prove we was there: