Kimberley's

July 26 Th We headed off towards Kununurra, crossing the border into Western Australia. We were welcomed into the West by an inspector who checked us out for fruit and veggies, most of which we had eaten along the way. We had to erect the van for an inspection and sadly had to give up 2 onions and our container of honey but the staff were friendly.

We prebooked at Kununurra at the Discovery Park and were pleased with our shady, cool site. After much discussion we decided to book a tour with Triple J Tours of the Argyle dam and river system and Alligator Air for a flight over the Argyle Dam and Bungle Bungles. At $980 for both, this is a comprehensive tour package for this area.

Tuesday 27 th July we were picked up for a bus ride to the Dam at 8am, a very informative driver/ guide kept us amused with a mixture of history and humor during the ride to the Dam. We were transferred to a Tour Boat on the lake with another guide who took us for tour of the Dam, showing us Rock Wallaby's on a cliff side, and Freshwater Crocs (They have just found out they also have salt water crocs in the Dam). We also fed fish the feeding being interrupted by a croc coming in for a fish lunch.

The overall impression of the Lake is that it is just so huge, it goes for miles and holds an enormous amount of water for the size of the wall. It generates power for the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Towns of Kununurra and Wyndam and supplies water for the Ord River Irrigation System (which is now being extended). All in all this is a most impressive set up and this area is a food bowl of the future. With abundant sunlight, stacks of water and good soil, I think that this area will boom in the future.

We did a quick visit to the original homestead of the Durack Family, the early settlers who pioneered this area and the into the Argyle Village for Lunch. After lunch a visit to the lookout and down to the river for our trip back to Kununurra via the river a distance of approx 50 K's.

For the trip back we had the best guide we have met so far, Grant obviously loves his job and is passionate about this area and in particular this river and its wildlife. I could relate to you some of the information we gleaned on this trip, but I would not know where to start or what to leave out. Ask me more over a happy hour sometime. Needless to say he dropped us off at the bank of the river 50 meters from our van after dark that night, we were totally exhausted but were more than pleased with our day (do not miss this tour with Triple J and ask for Grant, it is simply a must do).

The next morning we were picked up at 8.30 am for our flight at 9am. It was after 10 by the time we took off, after waiting for the arrival of a bus. A total of four 8 seater Cessna's took off for the 2 hour flight. I managed to get the 2 Nd pilots seat and Judy sat behind the pilot, both good seats. We had a lovely young pilot Emma who handled the plane really well. It was a really different perspective to be going over the same area in the air that we had seen the day before, the Lake just seemed to go forever and when we reached the Bungles they looked amazing. The return flight went over the Argyle Diamond Mine, the largest open cut diamond mine in the world. This is not just a mine, it is a village and one could not help but be impressed. Back for a perfect landing, Emma certainly impressed me with her skill and manner.

But I would not do that flight again! The plane was hot and noisy, the ride was rough and we were upset that we were not kept informed on the holdups at the start. I was bloody glad to get off that plane, both Judy and I were feeling ill at the heat and closeness of the plane.

A better option would be to fly out of Turkey Creek with Slingair over the Bungles, its cheaper, less people in the plane and shorter.

The other big interest we had in Kununurra was in "Zebra" Rock. This type of rock is only found in this area in the world. It is formed millions of years ago and is really quite rare, there are 3 different outlets for this Rock, we visited all three. We were very selective in purchasing a beaut candle holder and a necklace for Judy (she really wanted a pink diamond from Argyle but at $47k I said no). I also picked some unpolished rocks to see what I can do with them.

We also visited the "Sandlewood" Farm just outside town. This is a wood that is rare but grows well in the irrigation area, it is prized for its oil which is used in the perfume and cosmetics industry. It has a 15 year growing cycle so the local trees are not yet producing, it is another interesting project in this area. Just up the road is a hoochery which make rum and other products, after a sample of its products I have to say that I think it might have to be a developed taste.

We decided to do a day trip to Wyndam and enjoyed going to this tough little town. It is tough because it has survived many downturns throughout its history. We enjoyed its wetland area and beaut lookout over the port and salt pans and the cold beer with the lady publican was an enjoyable experience.

Lunch at the nearby pumphouse was a treat and lastly the "Hamburger Night" at the caravan park with the best burger in town was also a treat. But once again its time to hit the road towards Derby.