Thomas Family Road Trip: Kununurra, Wyndham & El Questro (12/5/12

Given the kids had still not got used to the time difference, they were up at 5am for the second day in a row! Which meant we were too. It also meant Simon had washed the caravan and we were all packed up and ready to go by 8am.

A 70 kilometre drive took us to Kununurra. We booked into Kimberleyland Caravan Park on Lake Kununurra with the Wise family. We had a quiet afternoon - a bit of shopping and a swim in the pool, and then watched the Eagles versus Essendon game with the Wises (who happen to be die hard Essendon supporters). Not a great outcome for the Eagles (or us).

Following the footy, Simon convinced everyone to go croc spotting. Thank goodness our campsite was away from the lake as there were crocs everywhere!! It didn't take long to spot lots of red eyes...close to the shore. We saw one exit the water and walk along the bank, very close to some caravans! Another decided to swim in our direction - not surprising given Simon had his bright torch shining in its face! Simon was a bit too close for everyone's liking, but he kept reminding us they were only freshwater crocs. We all survived unscathed!

The kids ensured Donna got the most out of Mother's Day by waking up before five! We spent the day in Wyndham with the Wise family - not the most glamorous place to spend the day, but we had a great time. The 5 Rivers Lookout was a highlight, with views of the King, Ord, Durack, Forrest and Pentacost Rivers flowing into the Cambridge Gulf. The lookout is 330 meters above sea level and provides a fantastic view. We had a look at the wharf and visited a large boab tree, which is claimed to be the largest in an inhabited area and over 2000 years old.

On our way back to Kununurra, 20 kilometres south east of Wyndham we visited Parry's Lagoon Nature Reserve, where from Marlgu Billabong we were able to watch the many birds that inhabit the area. A beautiful spot. Seven year old Daniel Wise was a walking, talking bird encyclopedia - it was absolutely amazing what he knew about birds. Very impressive!

Our last stop for the day, further east was The Grotto, a beautiful waterhole surrounded by rocks, a mere 140 steps down. We all enjoyed a swim and a swing or two from the rope swing. A great way to finish the day, even if Ben lost his goggles (he was distraught).

Simon and Paul sent Nicole and Donna off for dinner by themselves (no kids or husbands!) as their Mother's Day present. What a treat! Had a great night, yummy pizza and good company. Plus the kids were fast sleep when we got home. A fantastic end to a wonderful day.

On Monday, the Thomas and Wise families did a day trip out to El Questro station, about 100 kilometres north west of Kununurra along the Gibb River Road. There was a fair bit of reminiscing of our 1998 Gibb River Road trip as we visited these places back then. It was just as good this time as it was fourteen years ago!

First stop, Zebedee Springs, a series of thermal pools. We spent a couple of hours enjoying the clear, warm water, surrounded by big red rocks and palm trees. Just divine.

Next stop, picnic lunch at El Questro Station, 4 kilometres further on. This is where we camped when we were at El Questro last visit. Memories!! After lunch we took a four kilometre drive past the station to Chamberlain Gorge where the exclusive El Questro Homestead is.

We drove a bumpy 25 kilometres west along the Gibb River Road to the Pentacost River Crossing. A very wide, tidal river crossing that had water in it, but wasn't very deep. Great to see, although the best part was the spectacular, rugged scenery near it. WOW!

We left the best to last - Emma Gorge. A 1.6 kilometre walk into the most beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. Emma Gorge would have to be up there as one of our favourite swimming holes of the holiday. We all loved our swim despite the water being as cold as ice!

Simon achieved his mission of getting Paul and Nicole's 2wd Kluger as dusty and wet as possible and it down some of the Gibb River Road. Who says you need a 4wd!! What an awesome day.

After two big days, we had a quiet day on Tuesday. We managed to see two tourist sites - Ivanhoe Crossing and Kelly's Knob Lookout. Ivanhoe Crossing is a concrete causeway built as part of the original road between Wyndham and Kununurra. Ivanhoe Crossing used to be open to cars, however it has been closed for the past three years. Simon had his hopes of driving across, but it wasn't to be. The water is full of saltwater crocs, but is still a popular fishing spot, with people standing knee deep in water to try and catch barramundi. Mad!

The lookout provided panoramic views of Kununurra town and beyond. Beautiful.

We went croc spotting again at the caravan park. We were lucky enough to run into a staff member there, who kindly brought a large resident freshwater croc named Hiss out of the water for us. We were all somewhat nervous but he made no attempt to come near us. We also saw a smaller croc nearby. It was fascinating - our closest distance to a croc where there was nothing between us and the croc! The kids loved it.

We had another quiet day on Wednesday as the car was being serviced. Our only outing was to the Celebrity Tree Park, where celebrities who have visited Kununurra over the years have planted a tree. On Thursday morning we visited a stone work place that sells Zebra Rock that comes from the mine near Lake Argyle. The kids loved the stripy rocks and bought themselves their own piece. The rest of Thursday was spent getting organised for our trip into the Bungle Bungles. We have been promising the kids all holiday that we would sleep under the stars at the Bungle Bungles and the time has finally come. In goes the mozzie tent, sleeping bags, torches, etc. We can't wait! We made the most of one last Kununurra sunset.

We have really enjoyed our time in Kununurra, especially our two day trips and the sunsets. It was so lovely to enjoy it with the Wise's, so thanks guys. We are missing you already and hope to catch up again along the way or in Albany.

Next stop - the Bungle Bungles. Woohoo!!