Kununurra
Arriving in Kununurra we set up at Kimberly land holiday park. Right on the river front we had some stunning views.
That night we headed out to check out the Freshwater crocs that lurked in the shallows. Seeing their eyes glowing red against the light of our torches always makes for a creepy sight!
As we searched for crocs from the river banks we couldn't help but notice the many cane toads that unfortunately had made their way to WA.. On seeing this we decided to have a few rounds of the famous "Cane Toad Golf."
The next day we decided to head out to explore Kununurra. Starting at the local markets we enjoyed strolling through the stalls. We didnt buy anything, but it was fun to look at what was on offer.
After this we headed to the Ivan Hoe river crossing to watch as the water flowed over the crossing. We even cheekily walked across to the other side without falling in the water ;)
Next up we visited the local Sandalwood factory. We were amazed to learn that Sandalwood sells for $100,000 a ton! Wow!!!!
From here we headed to Zebra Rock. Heading down to the river we had fun feeding the hundreds of Catfish! I even managed to catch one with just my hands!
From here we headed out to one of our favourite little waterholes for a swim. Molly Springs. Approx 30kms out of Kununurra, and only a short walk from the carpark, we just love this place. The water is so clear and both times we have visited we have had it all to ourselves!
We had a great time swimming and jumping from the rocky ledges.
That night Gary and the girls headed out to buy some yummy nibbles so we could have an early Mothers Day dinner on the shores of the Ord River. (Mothers day being the next day.)
After a delicious dinner we yet again headed out for another highly successful round of Cane Toad golf.
Lake Argyle
Early the next day (Mothers Day) we packed up and headed for Lake Argyle. Having been told by many people that this was one of the highlights of their trips, our expectations were high...
We were not disappointed! Wow wow and wow!!!!
Arriving in the caravan park we were impressed with the ever so friendly staff and the beautiful shady sites the park had to offer. Add to this the utterly breathtaking views of the lake and even more so the million dollar views from their Infinity Pool and we were in heaven!!!
We spent the day checking out the Lake from the various lookouts and went for a swim in the pool.
The next day we set up our boat and headed down the Ord/Argyle to Kununurra River. With so many breathtaking sights, plenty of freshwater crocs and birds to see we really had an amazing morning!
Later that afternoon we headed out onto Lake Argyle itself. We yet again spotted not only some crocs and also saw rock wallabies, birds and Tori even caught a fish!
The next day was our last day at Lake Argyle and Gary had hinted that he wanted to head back out on the river... This time he wanted to follow the river the entire 50km back to Kununurra! There was no way I could say no to this adventure, but I must admit I was a tad jealous as I would of loved to do this trip also! (Unfortunately someone had to drive the car and caravan back to Kununurra though!)
Waving Gary goodbye the kids and I drove the 70km back to Kununurra. A little over 2hrs later Gary pulled into the boat ramp. He made it and more so loved every minute.
Packing up the boat we headed up towards Wyndham for a couple of days. With the Kununurra Rodeo on in a few days we decided we wanted to stay in the area!
The next morning we headed into Wyndham. After a photo with the giant Crocodile statue, a drive to the top of the 5 river lookout, a quick walk out on the jetty, a couple of geocaches and a walk through the pioneers cemetery... well... we had pretty much seen Wyndham.
Well we were pleasantly surprised! With the sheer cliff drop and deep swimming pool at the bottom, not to mention the giant rope swing, we just loved this place! We spent the afternoon having a great time playing on the rope swing till we were exhausted!
Late in the afternoon we pulled into Buttons Crossing. A free camp right on the Ord river just outside Kununurra. Such a beautiful spot! We could easily of stayed here for quite some time.
The next day we headed out to check out Middle Springs and Black Rock. Unfortunately again due to the lack of rain this past season, the waterfalls weren't flowing.. but again the scenery was spectacular and the pools were deep with water.
That night we had a campfire right on the river. As the sunset over the river and no one else around, we could clearly hear the many dingo's howling nearby, the crocs barking, the deafening noise of the crickets and fish jumping about in the water. Love it!
Early the next morning after catching up on some school work we drove back into Kununurra and set up at the Riverside caravan park for the night. It was time to get ready for the Rodeo! Yeah!!!
The all had been really looking forward to this!
After jumping on the free shuttle bus we arrived at the Ord River Muster Rodeo.
While the sunset turned the already red hills even redder and made for a stunning setting. We spent the night cheering on all the rodeo competitors and cringing as sometimes they fell and got trodden on by the rather large bulls and horses the riders rode!
By the end of the night Ella couldn't keep her eyes open. The excitement of the day had finally taken it toll. As she fell asleep on my lap and the winners were handed their prizes, we sat back and listened as a local country singer played late into the night.
Jumping back onto the free shuttle bus we headed back to the caravan park.
What a fantastic night and way to finish off our time in beautiful Western Australia.
So after 27,635km and 379 day in Western Australia we said goodbye to Western Australia (for now anyway ;)) and crossed over the border into the Northern Territory!
With plans to catch up with many family and friends that we haven't seen since leaving home, plus so many adventures still to be had, we can't wait for this next part of our adventure to start!!
Xx
