WESTERN AUSTRALIA-#1

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
30th June, to 7th July.
Before crossing the NT/WA border we had 2 nights at separate rest areas. After a thorough inspection at the border gate it was only 40klms. to Lake Argyle where we stayed for 2 nights. Lake Argyle is classed as an inland sea covering over 1000 sq.klms. The Lake was formed by the damming of the Ord River in 1971 and is Australia’s largest body of fresh water and acts as a reservoir for the irrigation scheme in Kununurra and covers and area 9 times Sydney Harbour with spectacular views from the lookouts. Lake Argyle is also home to Argyle Diamond Mine which produces approximately 38million carats of diamonds per year. Making Argyle the largest diamond mine in the world. An historical attraction was the Durack Station Homestead museum, which was removed & rebuilt 16klms from its original site. A very interesting look into the lives of the pioneering family. The Caravan Park has a magnificent swimming pool overlooking the lake.
Because quarantine does not allow fruit & veges. into WA it was time to stock up. We heard about the Sat. markets in Kununurra so headed for there before taking up residence in the Kimberleyland Caravan Park overlooking Kimberley Lake. First & second nights we spent in the overflow section waiting for a site to become available. A bbq sunset cruise was on the menu for our first night and we thought it was great. The sunset was laid out beautifully for us and the food and our hosts were great.
On a trip to explore what Wyndham (100klms) had to offer we diverted to see The Grotto. A natural cave with water at the base and in the wet season flooded by waterfalls. To see this, a downward climb over 140 manmade steps to reach the bottom was the call of the day. Not so bad, it helps with the exercise and a lovely sight at the end.
Wyndham, sitting at the bottom of the Cambridge Gulf,itself is the last port northward before Darwin and services the huge cattle industry, the Ord River Irrigation Project and many mining companies. Overlooking the town, 350mts. above sea level is the Five Rivers Lookout a vantage point where the Ord, Forrest, King, Durack & Pentecost Rivers enter the Cambridge Gulf.
Another day was spent hiking through Emma Gorge, which is situated on the El Questro Station, approx. 100klms. from Kununurra. Part of the trip along the Gibb River Rd is 4WD only. The Emma Gorge trail entailed a distance of 3.2klm. return with a classification of moderate difficulty. The track is over rocky terrain and the last 200m steep in some sections and a bit difficult, but worth it at the end. The pool & falls quite icy but very refreshing for the feet. At the far side of the pool, and a bit of a climb, thermal spring water seeps through a crack at the base of the cliff. The way up took us 1 hr. and only 40mins. return. Probably because there was a lot of downhill. D’Arcy did a wonderful job of this considering he is now 75yrs. old. Really proud of him.
Further into El Questro we stopped at The Station where we had a well deserved lunch and a look around. Quite a busy place for campers who love to do the number of walking trails that exists within El Questro. Love to come back some day and experience that. Our last night in Kununurra was at a restaurant called the Pump House, an old water irrigation transfer station with all pumps & machinery still intact right on the Ord River, which had been dammed for the purpose of irrigation. Can recommend this one as the meal was beautiful.
Kununurra is also home to WA’s Oldest Legal Still, The Hoochery. Worth a visit for the tastings, lunch, and their Ord River Rum Cake.
Time to move on...............