Darwin was meant to be a quick reset, but it turned into a whirlwind of cancelled plans, new ideas, and bold moves for the Send it for the Strays campaign. Between fish feeding, haircuts, and backyard dinners with our Darwin “family,” we found ourselves pitching to sponsors, applying for jobs, and even landing a chat with ARB. By the time we left for Gunpoint Beach, the campaign had real traction, and our little pit stop had become the launchpad for the next big chapter: East Arnhem Land.

From iconic outback pubs to bush camps lit by wildfire skies, this stretch of the NT gave us some of our most unexpected memories yet. We finally bought our dream HJ47 Cruiser for the Send it for the Strays project, had a spontaneous jam session in the bush with friends (yes, we recorded our first song), and soaked in the quirky chaos of Daly Waters Pub. Between chance encounters, new partnerships, and big wins for the project, this was the week everything started to feel very real.

Between thermal springs, dusty tracks, and endless corrugations, our hunt for the “Lost Cities” led us deep into the Northern Territory. These aren’t real cities, but ancient sandstone domes rising out of the red earth, best discovered by 4x4, drone, and plenty of patience. From floating in Mataranka’s crystal waters to waking up at the base of the Southern Lost City without even realising we’d camped there, it was a journey of surprises, dust, and the kind of magic you only find when plans change.

A loud bang, 31 km of corrugations to go, and Pumba’s trailing arm bolt had fallen out, our weekend just got interesting. With ratchet straps, some creative engineering, and a painfully slow crawl down the highway, we made it to Katherine. After a tense wait and a bit of local heroism from Tom (and his dogs), a spare bolt appeared, and Pumba was back on the road. Adventure, frustration, and kindness all rolled into one unforgettable repair story.

The Kakadu or Kada-don’t debate had us curious, so we had to see it for ourselves. From croc-spotting at Cahills Crossing to the stunning plunge pools of Gunlom Falls, Kakadu delivered epic scenery, challenging drives, and plenty of wildlife surprises. Mosquito swarms, smoke-filled nights, and a few mechanical dramas couldn’t stop us from soaking it all in and discovering that sometimes the best adventures come when plans change.

12 days in Darwin gave us sun, food, puppy cuddles, and more than a few surprises. From backyard adventures and rooftop possums to croc-filled rivers and birthday celebrations, here’s a snapshot of what made our Darwin stay unforgettable.