Leaving New Zealand
On the 1st of August, we finally boarded our plane to the Gold Coast – the first real leg of our move to the Northern Territory…and it already feels like three lifetimes ago.
After a month of living out of suitcases in New Zealand, bouncing between rentals, family homes, and borrowed beds, we were so ready. The kids were amazing on the flight (thank you, snack bribes). We spent two nights at a family resort, where it was juuuust a bit too chilly for the unheated pools, so we lived in the spa and kept things low key.
The Midnight Arrival in Darwin
Then came the final push: a 9 pm flight from the Gold Coast to Darwin, landing at 1 am. Both kids managed some sleep; Dave and I, not so much.
We had no clue how we were getting to our accommodation until a small miracle occurred – a delayed flight meant the airport was buzzing, and we managed to hire a massive ute on the spot to haul all our gear.
Holiday Park Life (and a New Greek Papou)
For three nights, we stayed in a cabin at a holiday park (highly recommend if you enjoy a perfectly heated saltwater pool and being adopted by a gaggle of friendly grey nomads – Gracie now has a Greek papou named Kostas).
Furnishing an Empty House in the Heat
Darwin is hot. I knew that in theory, but living in it is different. It’s the middle of winter and every day has been at least 32°C, full sun, no respite.
We had just two days to furnish our house with beds, whiteware, dining ware, chairs, utensils – with two tiny children who were tired, hot, and bored. There were tantrums in the carpark, on a display bed, in the car, in a café… you get the idea. Meanwhile, Dave had to get all his police college gear sorted.
We also bought a massive 4WD sight-unseen from Facebook Marketplace the day before we arrived. Historically this hasn’t worked out well for either Dave or myself, but so far so good with this one (fingers crossed).
Back to Solo Parenting
Now we’re in our new house (for the next four months), Dave’s started college, and I’m back to full-time solo parenting during the day.
After months of both of us being home, it feels a bit like getting thrown into the deep end wearing a weighted vest. I’ve been terrified of this part – not because I don’t adore our kids, but because they’re a lot. Gracie in particular has been having huge emotions and really struggling with the huge upheaval in her life.
Finding Our Darwin Rhythm
Some days I feel like I’m drowning trying to stay on top of everything that needs doing.
I’ve thrown around the phrase “I don’t have time” before, but this is the first time in my life I’ve meant it literally. Every moment has been taken up with logistics or caring for small humans.
But, we’re slowly finding our rhythm. The kids absolutely love playing on our covered deck and running around in the nude with buckets of always-luke-warm water from the hose. The Darwin Waterfront feels like a holiday destination. The people are friendly. The supermarkets are huge.
There’s a lot I want to write about – the bizarre pride of Aussie bogan culture?!, the huge cultural divide between white Australians and Aboriginal people – but for now, this is where we’re at: sweaty, tired, slightly feral, but… happy.
What I’ve Realised
I’ve realised that some seasons aren’t about balance or ticking things off neatly – they’re about hanging on through the messy bits, knowing the calm will come back around. For me, right now, showing up for myself looks like typing in the dark next to my three-year-old, making space for my words even when there’s no space at all.
