In the top east corner of the Kimberley and less than a hundred
kilometres from the Northern Territory border, friendly Kununurra
is a reasonably new town, established through the introduction of the
Ord River irrigation scheme in 1963. Although the community is in it's
relevant infancy, it has briskly developed into lively and modern
centre, with tourism becoming one of the major industries. Many
travellers use the town to base explorations to the stunning attractions
contained by the eastern stretches of the Kimberley such as Purnululu
(Bungle Bungle) National Park and Lake Argyle, though it's worthy of a
visit on it's own merits. Meaning "Big Water", Kununurra's lakeside
location lends to an array of recreational and adventure activities,
and it's surrounding tropical countryside is filled with much to do and
see.
Less than two kilometres from the town's centre, Mirima (Hidden Valley)
National Park protects a magical valley of rugged cliffs with amazing
markings reminiscent of the Bungle Bungle Range in the Purnululu National
Park. The views over this strange landscape are amazing, and a number
of lookout points are accessible via several short walking tracks which
penetrate this compact and spectacular wilderness area. Brilliant
panoramic views over the districts irrigated fields and the sandstone
formations of the Kimberley can also be soaked in from the summit of
Kununurra's main landmark, Kelly's Knob.
An interesting diversion from the natural wonders of the district are
the farms and working dairies in the fertile country around Kununurra.
The irrigation of the Ord River has encouraged agriculture on a massive
scale, and many properties are open to the public allowing visitors to
sample the quality local produce. They've also become a popular
destination for backpackers intending to top up their bank balance,
with plenty of picking work available from May to September.
Directly south and just over seventy kilometres from Kununurra, Lake
Argyle is the Southern Hemisphere's largest body of freshwater,
containing enough h2o to fill 18 Sydney Harbours. Although it's size is
impressive, the lake's most striking feature is it's sheer beauty. The
contrast of the azure blue water against the backdrop of deep orange
ridges is breathtaking, creating some of the most picturesque scenery
in all of Western Australia. Cruises and tours are the best way to
appreciate this vast area's beauty, and the resident Lake Argyle
Tourist Village offers a variety of enjoyable options.
Marking the end of the Great Northern Highway less than a hundred
kilometres north-west of Kununurra, Wyndham is a tiny port town
nestled between the Bastion Range and the expansive mud flats on the
tidal waters of the Cambridge Gulf. Smack bang in the middle of
crocodile country, this friendly town has two sites; the original and
now historical port, and Wyndham East, the present residential and
accommodation centre. Most visitors are lured here by the prospect of
fantastic, all-year round fishing, where many of Australia's most
exotic species are abundant. If not hooked on fishing, the town's sense
of history as well as numerous attractions in the surrounding
wilderness make it well worth visiting.
A must on any trip Wyndham is the Five Rivers Lookout on top of Mount
Bastion. Stunning 360 degree views allow you to follow the meandering
paths of the King, Pentecost, Durack, Ord and Forrest River's through
the wild landscape of the Kimberly, before they enter the glistening
waters of the Cambridge Gulf. Back at sea level, Wyndham Crocodile
Farm on Barytes Road have some awesome salties on display, as well as
a small number of Komono Dragons. Further out of town, the Marlgu
Billabong in Parry Lagoons Reserve, is a lovely wetlands area home to
a perpetual population of many beautiful bird species.
Travelling down the Great Northern Highway a little over two hundred
kilometres south of Wyndham, Turkey Creek is a small roadhouse
settlement owned by the local Warnum Aboriginal People. Not only is
it a welcome stop in this mostly uninhabited section of the Kimberley,
but it serves as the gateway to the Purnululu National Park.
Previously known as the Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park is
most likely the reason you've made it to this remote part of the
country! If not, adjust your agenda, as this is undoubtedly one of
Australia's most unique and exciting wilderness areas, which has
simply has to be seen to be believed. Purnululu is a crowded maze of
gigantic sandstone "beehives" towering up to 300 metres above the
surrounding savannah landscape, etched with brilliant bands of black lichen
and orange silica. The sheer spectacle and size of these curious domes is
heightened when they come together to form geographical sensation of
Catherderal Gorge. The only unfortunate slant on this fantastic and
untouched national park is it's accessability.
An eighty kilometre
four wheel drive track stemming south of Turkey Creek is the sole road
into the park, and due to it's fragility during the Wet season, is only
open from November to April. This problem has seen the popularity of
scenic flights increase dramatically over the years, with the majority
of the light plane and helicopter trips operating out of Kununurra. If
you'd prefer to go in by land but don't have a four wheel drive,
adventure tours begin precedings from Kununurra and Turkey Creek, and
4WD hire is available from the southern Kimberley town of Halls Creek
Halls Creek is an old gold rush town which now supports a vast
cattle industry, and more recently an increasing flow of tourists.
The crumbling remains of the once bustling mining town are fourteen
kilometres outside Hall Creek's new centre, from which patient
fossickers are still turning up bits of colour. Closer to town, a near
vertical quartz vein protrudes impressively from a rock outcrop,
to form the startling white and appropriately named China Wall.
Halls Creek also acts as a distant base to the near kilometre wide
Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater. Over 50 metres deep, this impressive site
sacred to the Jaru Aboriginal people, is the second largest crater of
it's kind in the world. Access is via a formed gravel road suitable for
convention vehicles during the Dry Season, and scenic flights are also
available from Halls Creek.