Kununurra

After successfully negotiating the deeper river crossings on our way out of Purnululu we pulled over for lunch at Calico Springs and to try our luck for Gouldians, reputedly seen at that spot. Once again, no luck.

We broke the drive to Kununurra with an overnight at Dunham River Rest Area. Hugh and Claire almost ran head first into a big white Brahman bull when we went exploring into the bush. I've never seen the kids pull up and change direction so fast. They veritably flew back to me, while the bull looked on in slightly bemusement. After a good stare he moseyed on down to the river apparently not giving us another thought.

I'd understimated how busy Kununurra would be and felt lucky to get us two nights last minute at Hidden Valley Caravan Park, the only place to return my call. The park backed on to the small but beautiful Mirima National Park where we enjoyed a couple of short walks.

There was a small fundraising live music gig on our first night, playing radio classics that entertained the older cohort and got the little kids up dancing. The contrasting personalities of Hugh and Claire couldn't have been bolder. Hugh ran right to the front to jump and swing with the few other kids; while Claire couldn't even be cajoled to dance holding my hands at the back of the audience. But in gradual increments Claire did warm up, until about ten songs in she was able to join Hugh dancing in the wings.

We got great views over the town, the Ord Valley and expansive plains beyond from on top of Kelly's Knob. Though we didn't stay for long after reading signs at the summit advising to "leave immediately" for the threat of radiation exposure from the transmission towers that shared the lookout.

I was fascinated to learn a bit about the sandalwood plantations at the Sandalwood Factory and to drive through the expansive horticulture fields. We stopped at the Hoochery for a great southern inspired lunch and what might have been a delicious maize beer if Hugh hadn't knocked it over within moments of us sitting down.

A visit to Kununurra wouldn’t have been complete without a look at the Ivanhoe Crossing. We went there with exactly that in mind, "just having a look". But after watching other’s go through and deliberating for probably a good hour we finally bit the bullet and did an out and back crossing ourselves; for no other reason than to say we’ve done it. It scared the bejeezus out of us although it shouldn’t have, we were comfortably within the Touareg’s limits.

Before we left town we got the kids their second flu shots. They were a bit more hesitant this time but were quick to roll up their sleeves when they were promised a lucky dip present each. Instead of crying over the needle they cried over who got the better selection of toys and plastic trinkets!