Kununurra - Ord River Country

Well, Lake Argyle Kununurra is where the Old River irrigation development project commenced back around 1950. Back then one of the founding Durack family member convinced the government to build a diversion dam on the Ord River to hold back the millions of litres out water that was just flowing out to sea. The project was a roaring success and from that the area became one of the most productive irrigation schemes in Australia. Cotton was very big to begin with but failed due to bugs attacking the plant. Rice was also trialed back in the late 70's but that failed because it turned into just a large feeding ground for the geese. The major crops around here now are Sandalwood trees, corn, mangos and numerous vegetables. After years of research to ward of the bugs, cotton is making a return. we have had a relaxing three days here in Kununurra after a couple of nights at
Lake Argyle dam commenced construction in 1969 and took three years to build. Cost $21Ml.

Hopefully those barstards in Queensland growing cotton might move over here (where there is an abundance of water) and let the water start flowing in the Darling and other rivers again. Might be the only way to fix the water problems we have at home with the MDBA not able to do anything because they have their heads stuck up a certain orifice and not listening to the farmers. (Ah I feel better now).

We have been out and about around Kununurra exploring what they have to offer. It has been pretty hot (35 degrees) each day so it was out in the morning and back to the aircon of the van and a swim in the pools. Yesterday we went out to the sandalwood outlet where they had everything possible made into perfumes, deodorant and all sorts of other nice smelly things. The rum distillery just down the road and the mandatory grocery shopping. Today we went out to do a bit of off roading to visit a few out of town attractions. The corrugations in the road test your eagerness and willingness to want to really see these attractions. Sometimes it can be a little disappointing once you get there but at least we made the effort. The drive home was the highlight as we had a river crossing to navigate, something Janine wasn't expecting. After convincing Janine everything would be fine we pressed on over the crossing. It was such a great experience I turned around and crossed over and back once more. All fuelled up with diesel ($1.40) and beer ready to conquer to Bungle Bungles tomorrow. The rock in the pictures is called Zebra Rock and this is the only place in the world it can be found. Hope you enjoyed my new found skill in attaching the links.









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