After our very bumpy long ride out of the Bungle Bungles, during which we saw a few broken down vehicles, we travelled through some more rich red landscapes to the eastern ‘gateway’ to the Kimberley - the town called Kununurra. Along the way we saw some of the Ord River, which is part of an incredible irrigation scheme that has allowed huge tropical plantations to be developed. Mangoes, for example, are grown here. As well there are pastoral lands, with cattle stations along the river as well.
As we drove past the river, we were told a very sobering story. Some men were travelling along the river in their boat when they spotted what they thought was a cow stuck in the mud on the embankment. When they got closer, they realised the cow was stuck alright, standing bolt upright, but missing its head! A crocodile had taken it!
We had a great picnic lunch in the ground of the Zebra Rock Gallery, and were most intrigued with the very unusual rocks of all sizes on display here. These were found locally and we soon could see why they were called ‘zebra’ rocks. They look like they have been hand-painted.
After a short wander around the town of Kununurra, where many shops were selling the famous, beautiful Argyle diamonds that are mined near there, we stayed at the local Country Club Resort. What bliss after all our nights in freezing cold tented cabins! And we could even call home.
It was so sad to know that was to be our last night in the magnificent Kimberley! The Kimberley region is simply spectacular - in my view, one of the most stunning beautiful, rugged places in the world! (I was lucky enough to sail along the Kimberley coast again on another trip, this time along the coast of Western Australia and through the Pilbara, but that is a story for another time.)
The next day we crossed the state border from Western Australia into the Northern Territory, to go to the stunning Nitmiluk National Park - the famous series of gorges more commonly known as Katherine Gorge. I had seen this on an off-train excursion as I travelled to Darwin on the Ghan (see my earlier story about that), but this time we went on an unforgettable ‘Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Cultural Cruise’ run by the Aboriginal people who manage the park. We cruised even further along the series of spectacular gorges, which glowed an even richer red as the sun dipped lower in the sky. The red cliffs were mirrored in the water as well, creating a beautiful panorama. Then, as we enjoyed a gourmet dinner on board, we watched the sun finally set over the water in the distance. What a magical sight! And a magical night!
That night we stayed in a hotel in the township of Katherine. Another night of luxury before we headed off the next morning to the Kakadu National Park and more tented cabins . . .
The first photos were all taken at Zebra Rock Gallery and in its gardens.
Crossing the border:
The remaining photos were taken on our sunset cruise in Katherine Gorge.
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