On Sunday 28 June we left Kununurra for a day trip to Lake Argyle. The road in is very picturesque with towering hills and craggy outcrops. After about 2 hours of driving we came to the dam wall which you can drive across.
The lower part of the road runs alongside the Ord River so we stopped to take some photos.
It was around lunchtime and as we had our flask and sandwichs with us we drove on to the picnic area at end of the road. The bower birds came right over and ate biscuit out of Jennifer's hand.
I just had to take a shot of this lovely flower. I don't know what it's called but it's gorgeous.
After taking a few photos we drove back across the dam and up to a lookout.
What an amazing sight to see all that water. Lake Argyle - the largest body of fresh water in Australia - was formed in the 1960s as part of the Ord River Scheme. It has transformed a dusty cattle station of about 400,000 hectares into a habitat for waterbirds, fish and crocodiles; the hills and ridges of the former station have become islands. Jennifer is sitting in front of a plaque which details the size of the dam, how much water etc etc.
After leaving Lake Argyle we stopped at Durack Homestead. Mary Durack wrote the book "Kings In Grass Castles".
Here we wandered through the house and saw the lovely old furniture and photos of the Durack Family. The homestead was moved here when Lake Argyle was formed and the land flooded. I took a photo of Jen standing in the doorway.
In the garden there were these lovely birds called Double Barred Finchs.
I don't know the name of this bird but took a photo of it anyway.
Also in residence was a Frilled Neck Lizard. It has lived on top of this palm for 3 months. I don't know if it climbs down for food or stays up there.
Arnold and I are standing in the garden at Durack Homestead.
We left Durack Homestead and drove back towards Kununurra, stopping on the way at Zebra Rock Gallery. Jennifer bought an owl carved out of the rock.
This little green tree frog has made its home in a piece of rock.
Jennifer is standing on a landing overlooking a lake at Zebra Rock Gallery. Here you can feed the catfish which fight for any morsel they can get.
It was a very interesting place to visit. It was getting late and we had one more place to stop before heading back to the caravan. It was a lookout which overlooks the township of Kununurra.
Then it was back to the caravan park. What a full day of wonderful vistas, birdlife and history.
Look out for the next entry which will be the Bungle Bungles. Byeeee..
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