Duke Street Adventure

So back in December 2014 we spent a day driving around Darwin city, looking for little hidden gems. Duke Street was the first spot we came across. In an area of town that is mostly car yards and industrial buildings, we pulled over in front of a shrubby area with a overgrown marker. Making our way through the vines and weeds covering the entrance we came into a much cooler monsoonal rainforest. Although quite abandoned, the path was visible and the few bridges were intact. It was spectacular.
Duke Street, Noa

 

The place was teeming with wildlife. Birds, bats, insects and more were singing in our ears as we walked through.

Duke Street, Moth

 

Even evidence of Cyclone Tracey 1974. Corrugated iron and other bits of steel were strewn throughout the forest.

Duke Street, Steel in the trees

 

 

So from there we found another park nestled between old houses. From where we parked on the street, you walked down a decent slope to the bottom. Buffalo grass was well maintained but the best part was the fig trees, lots and lots of huge fig trees. Off to one side in an overgrown section, bush chooks were nesting.

Fig Park, Noa

 

 

Last but not least. Doctors Gully off the Esplanade is a good spot for finding old bits of boats or things washed up and stuck in the mud. We've managed to find handmade copper nails, old bottles and even bullet casings. It's a nice spot down there and it is close to the fish feeding plus The Rock, a rock climbing centre built inside an old concrete water tank.

Boat Bones at Doctors Gully

 Rusted Engine

 

 

Not a bad day of exploring and adventure I think.

Til next time...