We really enjoyed our stay in Bali but we were anxious to move on and arrive in Australia . We had heard many stories concerning earthrounder's who had experienced difficulties with customs and immigration entering Australia . We understood that Australians are very protective of their country and require extra measures of security such as quarantine and strict inspection procedures. So I called Australian customs before departing from Bali . The very helpful officer who spoke to me on the phone recommended that we use a handling agent in Darwin . He did acknowledge that Australia requires a significant amount of paperwork and understanding of procedures but also told us if we wanted to do self handling we were free to do that. We contacted Pearl Aviation to make arrangements for them to handle our inbound clearance.
We had full tanks of fuel and the weather was beautiful from Bali to Darwin . We even enjoyed a slight tailwind for most of the ride. As a result we arrived earlier than expected and were able to clear customs and immigration during their normal working hours. This saved us considerable money as overtime charges apply with the ground handler if you arrive late.
For a good deal of the flight you are out of range of VHF radio coverage so you either rely on HF radio, commercial airliners overhead or have no communication until you are within range of the next station. It did not seem to bother ATC if they had no communication with us but you are over a large expanse of water and it is good to be able to communicate out there.
Upon landing in Darwin we were met by our handling agent and an officer from the quarantine department. You are required to spray the inside of the airplane with a special disinfectant that they provide then wait 5 minutes before opening the aircraft doors. The quarantine officer will take away your garbage and does an inspection of the aircraft. This is all done very efficiently and in just a few moments – later I found the quarantine service costs 130 U.S. dollars. However I cannot complain as I think the Australians are very wise to protect their country. Passing through customs and immigration was very straightforward and the officers were helpful and pleasant. We were finished formalities and on our way to the hotel within 1 hour of landing.
The next order of business was to have our H.F. Radio installed in Darwin . We had bought the radio from another pilot friend in Denmark but had no opportunity to install it until now. We were definitely going to need it as we crossed the Pacific. Our handling agent had arranged for me to meet Kim Squirrel of NT avionics. Kim has a great deal of experience with HF as they are more widely used in this area. We agreed to do the installation and certification but it would take several days.
Lec and I decided to rent a car while waiting and head to the outback exploring the northern territories . This is real wilderness and the most striking part of our outback experience was the numerous flies and huge termite mounds that pop up and all over this area. There are many beautiful waterfalls, lakes and ponds but it is rather a desolate part of the country. Great for campers and real outdoorsmen……
Huge termite mound in the outback…
One of the waterfalls….
Our first night out we kept driving until quite late. Not realizing that there were not many motels in the area. We were actually very lucky, well after dark, to find any accommodation. It was not luxurious but at that point we were delighted just to find a place to sleep. Our room turned out to be a converted 20 foot, metal shipping container which had been turned into a basic motel room. When we arrived at our door, in complete darkness, we could not unlock the handle. Two nice ladies who were staying in the next “container” came over and unlocked the door for us!!!!!!
Friendly neighbours in front of their “container” in the morning…..
The next morning we woke up early and headed off to for the river - crocodile cruise, down the Adelaide River . The scenery was just like the movies, remember Crocodile Dundee, with peaceful still water and mud banks along the river's edge. The tour operator passed lots of interesting information about crocodiles. For example, the males are very territorial and will flight to the death to protect their area. As a result they often lose legs and other parts of their body. They are able to reduce their heart rate to about ¼ of the normal rate in order to reduce blood flow as they recover from these battles. Their reaction time is 40 times faster than ours, they can run as fast as a race horse for short distances and they can swim at more than 20 kilometers per hour. So, don't jump in the river and try to outmaneuver a crocodile!!!
Meet three legged Stumpy…..
Of course the crocodiles are accustomed to the sound of the riverboat and swim out for their food. Nonetheless seeing them in the water, watching them circle and close in on their meal give you an eerie feeling of what it would be like to be in the water. Not for me!
They mean business; and eat anything that comes their way.…
The installation of a radio took two days as expected. The result is that we did not leave Darwin until Wednesday, October 24 th . We now have to juggle our remaining schedule in Australia in order to leave Asia , insurance requirement, on November 2. It will likely mean that we cannot go to Sydney as planned to meet her friend Jim. Sorry about that Jim but we hope you will make your flight to Thailand and we will see there…….
Bali to Darwin, Australia
Friendly neighbours in front of their “container” in the morning….. 
