Yeah, civilised. It started when they moved the tank division from Bandiana up to Palmerston in the mid 90's. Since then, things have really changed. When I was there half the population lived in the long grass. Photo's a friend sends down now show suburban housing developments and no more shanty. I'd call that civilised.

I think you have to go out past Humpty Doo now to see what Darwin 'used to be like'.

December is the worst time of the year for southerners in Darwin, take heart that once the rain really gets going, it is all a lot more comfortable. And once the dry begins next year, you'll be able to wear a pair of levis comfortably again.

It just takes a year or two to adjust to the different climate. I spent 3 1/2 years in Darwin and only wore a jumper on one occasion.