Kununununurra

 None of us know very much at all about Kununurra, so we arrive with no expectation. Today is the earliest we find ourselves checking into a caravan park. First stop the obligatory visit to the Visitor Centre. Kununurra is the eastern gateway to the Kimberley region. Here we discover that bush fires have closed the Purnululu National Park, the home of the Bungle Bungles. This will have to be added to the list for next time. So with all necessary tourist info in hand, we head off to the caravan park. The park we choose is set right on the banks of  Lake Kununurra ( we do really like saying this word!!!!).

 This is the view from the front of our caravan!!! We decide to have a slow morning and head up to Wyndham after lunch. Wyndham is 100kms north of Kununurra. It is known geographically as the Top Town of the West.

 Linda's favourite tree, for the moment.

First stop The Grotto. In the peak of the dry season this is a popular swimming hole for the locals and tourists. Set in a gorge, it is 140 steps down to the water. For us there was no swimming as the water was stagnant, but an incredible view and a lot of fun had as the kids discovered its echoing acoustics. Weather is hot, 40 degrees plus.  

Going down the steps of the Grotto.

Next stop some 4 x4 along King River Road. Off to see some abriginal rock art, the Moochalabra dam and a prison boab tree. The scenery here is incredible. You will have to trust us on that one, as bumpy roads and some videoing has amounted to no still pictures to post. They say this area is not passable during the wet season. There is still water around at the moment, due to the massive rains earlier this year.  

The prsion boab tree. Thought to be at least 1500 years old. It is naturally hollow inside, with it's cicumference about 14.7 metres. It was used as a prison holding cell by local police back in the 1890's, to lock up Aboriginal prisoners over night as they were travelling towards Wyndham, the closest town. 

Not long after this picture was taken we begin to have some car trouble. It put an immediate halt to the rest of our Wyndham visit. Thanks to the management of Wyndham Caravan Park for being so hospitable to us, thanks to their kids for making the few hours we were there fly by for our kids and thanks to the RACV and the WA state equivalent, for being so helpful in getting us back to Kununurra by taxi, a 100km trip that cost the RACV $350!!!!! Thanks to Brighton Toyota, thanks to our neighbour who provided a replacement fuse, thanks to our other neighbour down the road who offered to take us shopping, and sorry to our other neighbour who was worried about us when we did not get home!!!

Despite not being able to catch the sunset at the five river lookout in Wyndham, another one for the list for next time, we still manage to capture one in the Wyndham Caravan Park whilst waiting for our taxi ride.

The kids never miss an opportunity for a swim!!! Making themselves quite at home!!!

The cute little green tree frog. You find them everywhere. This little friend Timna found when she opened up her chair in the morning!!!

This buddy Benj found when having his shower. He was hiding in the hinge of the shower door! We also found one in the toilet bowl! He, however, missed his photo opportunity!!! We did not mind these little frogs hanging around, as opposed to the cane toad. The cane toad has become prolific in WA and they cannot get rid of it.

A large goanna on the bank of the river in front of our van. A couple of nights later Robbie found a 2 metre freshwater croc in the same place!!

After a couple of quiet days around the caravan park waiting to get all clear for the car, we decide to take a short drive to Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park. Some call this the mini bungle bungles. This beautiful was spot was aprox 10 minutes from our park.

Note the foot attire, not a very strenuous walk, but the views were fantastic!!!

Yes, we stayed away from the cliff edges......

 ....well, not too close to the edge!!!

Some beautiful wildflowers.

Only a few minutes away from town is Knob's Lookout - it looks out over the township of Kununurra and surrounding sandalwood and melon farms.

A beautiful place to watch the sunset.

I'm king of the world!!

Must always be vigilant for wandering stock!!!!

Just behind our Caravan Park, the local golf club. Robbie still hasn't hit one golf ball!! Too busy!! 

Back at home...our first movie night. We kick back to watch Crocodile Dundee. We thought it quite apt as we have visited so many of the places that were part of the film, and even met some of the stars. Burt, the croc who now lives at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin and Charlie the bull, whose stuffed carcass stands on the bar in Adelaide River.

We truly met some wonderful people here in Kununurra. Chris & Rod, we loved chatting with you whilst watching the thunder and electrical storm roll in over the Lake. The boys love their new sunnies and Timna loves the clips, did you notice them in the pics??? And thanks for the binoculars....the kids felt so special with all the attention. Happy and safe journeys. We look forward to hearing what it is really like living through the wet season.

Tomorrow as long as we get the all clear for the car, we will continue our journey west. Next stop Fitzroy Crossing, only a mere 700kms from Kununurra!!!!!