Kununurra: Hot Driving tour

After leaving Broome we did a two day trek to Kunnunurra

The first day of driving was actually the longest day we have driven so far. It was definitely not a planned thing we intended to stop at a free camp but soon discovered if you are not in early (by 3pm) there is not a lot of spots left if any. So we pushed on and stayed overnight at a roadhouse.

On our first full day in Kunnurra we did a tour with Harvey Outback Tours. 

Above: middle springs

The tour started with Ian our guide picking us up from the caravan park he took us straight out to Ngamoowalem Conservtion Park. As he drove Ian provided us with a lot of information on the history of the area.

He took us to several spots where we could have swum if we wanted to but the water holes were still a bit chilly , well for this chicken anyway.

Black Rock falls, which featured in the ABC program Mystery road. When we asked about Mystery road and its filming, Ian was full of stories about how the film crew filmed in  so may different locations and the pieced it all together, about the roles the locals and their homes played in the production.

This is hard to see properly ,but it is a rainbow bee eater, which i was so lucky to be able to capture not one but three photos. Ian was very knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and was more than patient to wait for me to take photos, even reversing the car back on several occasions.  This photo was actually taken out the car window, obviously this bird was not phased by the engine noise.

A bit of a fun water crossing which apparently gets totally impassable during the wet season.

Secret springs ,not so secret now  Ian takes people there  mind you, you would have to be a reasonably confident 4WDer to get there. We actually walked up to the top of the springs and Ian pointed out some infinity ponds up there.

We were provided with a fabulous morning  tea

 Brolga’s  i ve never seen one before let alone had the opportunity to photograph one. 

A crazy looking boab tree  which is actually several boabs that have all grown together. The tree has a carving on one side  JD this was carved by John Durack, as this tree marked the border of their property. The Duracks played a  large role in the history of this area, but you will hear more about that later.

On the opposite side the traditional owners of the  land had also marked the tree to show that emus could be found in this area.  The other super amazing thing we learned about Boab trees and traditional owners was that when the seed pods fell to the ground , the traditional owners would carve designs on them and  leave them at the base of the tree to communicate to others. For example the may have carved a kangaroo, or a turtle , which would tell others that there was food to be found in this place.

I was watching this kite closely and seen him take off , and snapped several photos in succession. This was my favourite shot.

We had a great half day tour with Ian, we learned lots and had a great time bumping along the tracks and seeing just what secrets this part of the Kimberley’s hides.

Until the next blog

Travel safe

The Touring Knights