Update 2: Darwin

We made it to Darwin!

Have spent this morning sorting out a few bike problems (warped front brake disc and shattered headlight mounts), washed off some of the red dirt, and am now looking forward to a few free days in the city.

We spend the last few days in Kakadu National Park and stayed with Franco's school friend Sean and his wife Rachel. They run tours through the park and organised for us to take a trip through Yellow Waters. We greatfully thank the management at Gagudju Lodge, Cooinda, for the tickets. The wildlife on the tour was amazing (especially for a Pom) as we same Jabiru, Brolga, Crocs, Kingfishers, Brumbies etc.

We have now got used to the bikes and are confident riding them loaded with all our luggage. Despite our trim packing I still think we could lose another third of what we packed!
Our next step is to travel to Katherine Gorge and then on to Western Australia via the Gibb River Road. We will be in Broome in about 2 weeks.

We have been given lots of both good and bad advice from fellow travellers. It is clear that fellow bikers are the most acurate and the grey nomads are more likely to offer a bum-steer. We met Peter from Sydney on his 800GS BMW at Hellsgate roadhouse and he gave us many great tips about adventure riding in general, and about the road to NT in particular. (Peter, we got through with few problems, and think our many trips to Fraser Island had prepared us well for the loose sand.)

Franco's family have joined us in Darwin for their annual reunion. It is great to meet Lisa (sister)and Angela (Mum) for the first time, and I am sure we will have a good few days together.