Darwin Part 1: Welcome to The Jungle

Cairns, AU Airport 2019

I flew from Townsville to Cairns… Then from Cairns to Darwin… It was summer in Aus and the sun was piercing through what’s left of the ozone layer.  As for me, I was dressed from the top down in a tank, board shorts, and cheap thongs (flip-flops).  Made my way through the Darwin airport and to the carousel to get my checked luggage.  Heavy shits these things have become.  I promised myself then that was the last time I lug my diving kit across the world.  I am not dragging one large hikers pack, a large duffle on rollers, plus a 3 day back across Darwin so I went straight away to, what look like, the cab concierge podium.  Folks, I get I was still beyond exhausted, but I was polite when asking the mate where the uber pick up point was.  The response I got was an arrogant pinky-out-whilst-holding-my-teacup response, “There’s  no  Uber  here!”

Fine mate… Sweet-as…  Cool story bro! 

When I stepped out prepared to hail a taxi, guess what I was faced with?!  A giant f-off sized billboard sign for none other than… You may have guessed it, UBER!  Yet still I could not hail one from my app.  So bloody weird. Honestly, just because McCunt-Dundee’s response I’ll ruck-up and trek the two plus miles in the 35° C+ (95° F) temperature, with full on humidity, lugging about 55kg of scuba gear and luggage (that was supposed to sustain me for relocation to Aus), and just so the taxis services of Darwin do not get one dollar from this Yankee.  

I felt like that scene from Independence Day… The with Will Smith dragging that alien across the desert.  Only I didn’t kick my own luggage… Mostly because I was wearing my thongs (flip-flops). 

I finally got outside the 2-mile bubble and was able to hail an uber.  This new mate from India told me all about how the uber and Darwin airport contract fell through and gave me a huge travel tip.  Next time this happens I can simply place my pick spot outside the "no Uber bubble" and once I have a ride confirmed simply text the driver where I am located.  Sweet tip my guy!  What wasn’t sweet was the fact he dropped me off at the wrong damn street.  This is how I found because both our GPS said I was at the right address.

So there I was, dripping sweat in all the places, uber already gone, and thinking I was finally at Susie’s The Jungle Airbnb.  I walked inside the house, there sits a very blonde Aussie lass in nothing but a sun dress (you could tell and no I wasn't trying to have a tom-cat look at her), and I ask if this was my Airbnb and if she was Susie.  The answer – nope.  If you did this in the States… likely to get yelled at or shot.  Thankfully, no issues came, and she was very kind whilst I apologized.  I was able to contact Suzie for the correction.  Ms. Susie volunteers to pick me up because for some unknown reason Uber drivers always drop people off at the wrong street.

The Jungle Darwin,  AU 2019

Her volunteering was a nice gesture. Seriously folks, it was a break in this crazy down under adventure. She pulls up, looks at me from my toes to head and simply says, “oh mate you’re stressing me out… You got too many clothes on. You gotta take it all off.”  Well now… you’re friendly! I didn’t respond.  I was just grateful for the ride to what is known as The Jungle.  Ready to relax and get out of the tropical heat.

We pull into the driveway and there stands a massive two-story house.  This thing looks like the Jungle is trying to take back a piece of property.  Suzie shows me the outdoor downstairs kitchen and a motley crew of Aussies greeted us with a half hearted warm “g’day”… Definitely a bungalow down under for the Bogans.  But all were nice enough.  Reminded me of a line crew in a diner kitchen for you that do not know what kind of scene I am talking about. 

First Night in The Jungle 2019

Upstairs was something straight out of Susie’s mind – A woman well traveled and educated but doesn’t mind drum circles and hosting the rough and wearied travels – like me.  Seriously folks, despite the exterior façade and crew to match this is a great backpackers stop in Darwin for camaraderie and storytelling.  And I am sure all sorts of elation occurred in this house. 

The one thing Susie told me before leaving me to get sorted out at The Jungle was the shower and toilet… “You can pee on the frogs, they don’t mind.”   Should not have been any surprise really… The entire house was open air with fans blowing constantly.  I cannot remember seeing any air conditioning unit during my stay.  So, frogs and all sorts can easily find access to all the places in this house.  At this point nothing really surprised me in Aus… Truly just another romp down under.  

Back yard Pool at The Jungle 2019

And yes, there was a frog in the toilet the next morning.  I was greeted by an amphibian, looking straight up at me as I emptied out my bladder.  Splish splash, froggo stayed in that warm bath… Thank God he/she didn’t jump out.  Gross and weird.  That morning it was already 30° C before 8AM.  Don’t bother with a shower… Straight to the pool I go to cool off already.  

So I guess… Welcome to The Jungle.  

Dustin Jay Casey 2025©