Day 53 - Batchelor to Howard Springs (Darwin)

A short 95km drive from Batchelor via Manton Dam had us reaching our destination at Howard Springs, about 30km from Darwin.  All caravan parks seem to be well out of Darwin.  The one we have chosen is close to Palmerston which is where we are to have the car serviced next week.

There is not much at Howard Springs although we have not ventured too far yet.   We did go to Palmerston to check out how to get to the Toyota service centre.  Palmerston is a bustling outer suburb and we had to adjust quickly to traffic lights and a significant increase in traffic.  Oh! Woe is us.  We were becoming used to the "country" lifestyle.

Manton Dam was built in 1942 to provide an assured water supply for Darwin during the second world war and is now used for recreation.  Its water can be pumped to Darwin in an emergency eg after cyclone Tracey.

It is notable for its solitude and for its water lilies - our observations.

290514 Manton Dam from the boat ramp.  We couldn't find the dam wall.

290514 Water lilies on Manton Dam

290514 The solitude of Manton Dam.  Yes, we were the only ones there.