We stayed in Kununurra for about 10 weeks. Dad had emailed ahead to find out about any work, and Josh had work in a gardening business. Dad and Josh also picked up some work as cleaners. Joel also picked up work at Home Timber and Hardware. While in Kununurra, we stayed at Kimberlyland Holiday Park. We were right near the pool, playground and amenities. The caravan park was right on Lily Creek Lagoon, and we all enjoyed kayaking on it. Joel also fished from his kayak.
As a nice drive, we went out to Lake Argyle. This humongous inland sea supplies water for the Ord irrigation scheme. The dam is so big, it is classified as an inland sea. You could see by the marks on the rocks that the water had been significantly higher at one time. When Lake Argyle was dammed, it drowned the original homestead of Argyle Downs.
As another nice drive, we went out to Wyndham We saw the big crocodile, and took a drive around town. We went up a steep hill to the Bastion lookout, which overlooks the Cambridge gulf. At the Cambridge gulf, 5 big rivers all flow into the sea. They are the Ord, King, Pentecost, Durack and Chamberlain Rivers.
While in Kununurra, Tahlia had her 4th Birthday. She was excited to get a few books, some little people princesses, and a couple of DVD's. We went out for lunch, and had a cake for dinnertime. Tahlia really enjoyed her birthday!!
The boys and Dad greatly enjoyed finding out the fishing prospects for their travels. Early in the morning, they went and had a fish. Not too much success sadly. They still did manage to get some lovely photos while fishing but.
We were very lucky to be able to house-sit for some families from church who where going away. We greatly enjoyed having the space to spread out so much, especially as we house-sat over Christmas.
This was to be our first Christmas travelling. We were glad to be in a house as we managed to cook up a lovely lunch that we normally would not have been able to cook. The present opening was greatly enjoyed by all.
"Gateway to the East Kimberly"
830km North-East of Darwin
Our favourite camp spot:
Kimberlyland Caravan Park: 1915 Victoria Hwy PH: 08 9168 1280
Adults Liked: Grassy sites, beautiful outlook, close to amenities and pool.
Children liked: Proximity to pool, billabong really close (splendid kayaking opportunities), little playground nearby, and big playground over the road. Plenty of space.
Places to visit:
Kununurra Visitor Information Centre: 75 Coolibah Dr
PH: 08 9168 1177
Argyle Downs Historical Musuem: Lake Argyle Rd, Lake Argyle PH: 08 9168 1177
The story of some early pioneers in the Kimberly, Durack Museum is fascinating. Durack Museum is the former home of the Duracks.
Leisure Centre: 115 Coolibah Dr, PH: 08 9168 2120
The water can get quite hot in the afternoon, so mornings are best.
Molly Springs: 30km out of town, off Victoria Hwy. Molly springs is quite small, but it;s a great family spot, usually being less crowded than the other waterfalls.
Valentine Springs/ Middle Springs/ Black Rock: 10km out of town, off Victoria hwy
4WD accesible, these falls are best seen in the wet season, or shortly after. A quicker way in is on Ivanhoe Crossing, but it's generally closed during the wet.
Family Eating Out:
Kununurra Country Club: 47 Coolibah Dr PH: 08 9168 1024
This is where we mainly went out to eat. Good priced adult meals at lunch time, and bowls of chips and wedges for the kids. There is a pool there where we did have a swim for a get together.