We were quite looking forward to our
visit to Kununurra after our friend Mel in Perth had lived there and
had told us so many nice things about it. Our drive from the Bungles
was beautiful with tree lined creeks, numerous national parks and
large escarpment surrounding the highway. There were many fires
burning along-side the road, no cautionary signs, no one even cared.
In fact, through most of our drives along the west coast and into the
Northern Territory, there seems to be very little concern for
roadside fires as they just put themselves out once the grass had
burned.
As we approached Kununurra, a little
oasis once again amongst a dry landscape we were pleasantly surprised
by the sight of so much water flowing from the Ord River and into the
lake which the town surrounds.
We stayed at the Big 4 caravan park
right on the lake and a short distance into town. On the night we
arrived it was Barramundi Burger night which was a fundraiser for the
local Ambulance service. It was a lovely night on the lake eating
burgers, listening to live music and enjoying the serenity of sunset
by the lake.
Our stay in Kununurra was very
relaxing. We had planned to take the tent to El Questro and have a
slightly more active stay but after chatting with people at the park
we decided to stay away from the crowds and heat and enjoy the pool
at the park instead.
Not far from Kununurra is the Argyle
Diamond Mine, home to the famous and very expensive pink diamond. So
an obligatory visit to the fine diamonds shop in town was in order.
Josh was, of course, very keen to have a look and although showed a lot
of interest in listening to the lady describe the complexities of
these diamonds, was quietly relieved to hear Trace didn’t really
like them. It was however made clear to him that he wasn’t going to
be let of scot-free, but rather she was waiting for a larger white
diamond in the near future. Great!
Time was also spent visiting some art
galleries which showed art from a variety of local artists and the
surrounds. Each visit giving us a bit more of an insight into
Indigenous art, the styles and prices. After a very ordinary Thai
lunch we headed home for some rest and relaxation back at the pool and some salon work.
The area around Kununurra is known too
for a very unique rock called Zebra rock, obviously named this
because of the stripes which run through the rock in various colours.
We visited a gallery with numerous pieces, all very expensive and
heavy when shaped or formed. Rubes purchased a round unvarnished
piece as a memento.
The kids hadn’t been horse-riding
since Margaret River and were keen to get back in the saddle. Just
outside of town was Yeehaa….a trail riding station with a great
name to boot. So, off Trace, Rubes and Oscar went to experience the
wild west of Kununurra. It was a hot day, the sun blazing, fires
burning and whistling kites circling the skies. It was another great
morning riding, Rubes taking on her first cantor on a horse and Oscar
galloping up a hill with the instructor. The kids were becoming
nearly as experienced and well ridden as Trace was. Josh and Jem
enjoyed their usual milkshake and Lego in town.
A visit to Kununurra wouldn’t be the
same without a sunset at Kelly’s Knob. A beautiful view of town
and the fertile green valley as it glows red and orange as the sun
sets.
Our next stop not far away was Lake Argyle and the kids were
excited to once again see the kids and family we met in Broome.
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