To Broome and Back!: Day 56.Lake Kununurra/Argyle Dam day Cruise. 06/07/2015

For the first time in a number of weeks we actually woke to a cloudy sky, still warm, but we had to wait for the sun today.

We were collected from the caravan park today by J.J. Tours to be driven a short distance away to our boat that would be taking us on Lake Kununurra and then to follow the Ord River some 59 kms up to the dam wall of Lake Argyle. Today promised to be a very special tour and we were not disappointed. Firstly, the boat was very modern, comfortable and quite powerful and secondly, our Captain and tour guide, Dillon. He had our undivided attention from the moment he first spoke. We were so impressed with his knowledge and expertise in all matters concerning the Kimberley’s, Lake Argyle, construction of the Dam, the Ord River Scheme and the local flora and the fauna.

Along the way he pointed out various important sections of the river with detailed explanations of what was happening in the eco system. We learnt so much about the bats that have been flying over our caravan park each night and that the colony of bats numbers in excess of 1 million. Also we saw a number of fresh water crocs and we learnt about their breeding habits etc. The bird life was abundant and Dillon knew so much about each and every species on the river. At one stage of the journey he stopped the boat once more to go in to “teacher mode” and produced a large map of the Ord River and surrounds and explained at length, and with impressive authority, how the Argyle Dam plays such an important part in the whole irrigation scheme, the details of the actual building of the dam and many other things concerning the Dam and river system.

The trip up the river was spectacular. We were surrounded by towering escarpments and at the waters edge plenty of Cumbungi, Pandanus Palms, and many other tropical plants and trees. Each turn of the boat brought another spectacular view. At lunchtime Dillon guided the boat to the edge of the river in a small clearing that looked very much like it could contain a croc, and as we disembarked we were surprised to find a “safari “ type camp all set up with tables and bench seats with sails overhead to shelter from the sun. Much to our surprise Dillon then produced a wonderful cold selection smorgasbord with all the trimmings, cold drinks, tea and coffee. Every detail was taken care of so we enjoyed our meal very much indeed.

Back on the boat and now in full sun we continued our trip up the river until we finally reached the huge Dam wall. A trip of some 59 kms up the Lake/ Ord River at speeds of up to 40 kms hour.

Waiting for us was the coach to take us on our journey home. We stopped right on top of the dam wall for a photo opportunity then on to the Lake Argyle Resort for a brief visit. A truly wonderful setting for a Resort complete with an Horizon Pool.

Our next stop was the Durack Homestead. The Durack’s were pioneers of Kimberley’s from 1852. The Homestead was originally set in the valley that was to become the Lake, so before the land flooded it was dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt on the present site.

A very interesting tour to soak up some of the history of the Argyle district. We would recommend that anyone that comes to Kununurra must do this splendid tour.

The return trip was very scenic but there were a few sleepy heads after quite a long day and John managed to have a few zzzzzzz’s

On our return to the park we did some preparation for our departure tomorrow before darkness closed in at 5.30 pm.! Barra from the Barra Shack for tea. Excellent.

Tomorrow the Bungle Bungles.