Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Kids go for a cantor in Kununarra


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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