Western Australia trip - the Kimberleys Part 1 (Lake Argyle to Derby)

 Crossing the border into W.A was such an exciting moment.... we had finally begun our W.A leg of the journey and were officially in the Kimberleys.

Our first stop was beautiful Lake Argyle - (its the second largest fresh water catchment in Australia - its man made and part of the Ord river irrigation scheme and home to over 70 islands)
This was such a lovely spot... with an infinity pool that gives a beautiful view of Lake Arglye. (I have to say it seemed sort of weird to be swimming in an infinity pool in the middle of nowhere.)

We decided to book ourselves onto a lunchtime boat cruise of the lake...  it gave us such a lot of perspective to the actual vast size of the lake - and also the chance to see the wildlife including a nesting pair of jabiru and some crocodiles.

Our next stop was Kununara ... we enjoyed our stay here and were able to catch up on shopping and planning for the next part of our trip.

We spent a morning at Minima National Park - apparently referred to as the mini Bungle Bungles.... we did 3 of the 4 walks and really enjoyed it.

Also in Kununara we visited the Sandalwood Shop . Hoochery Distillery and Zebra Rock Gallery.

Then it was onwards toward El Questro and Emma Gorge. ... we were so thankful to be able to get into Emma Gorge in the Winnie. The road was sealed most of the way but we did have to pass through quite a few floodway crossings thankfully with not too much water in them.
Emma Gorge was a stand out spot ... we loved every minute of the rock scramble climb in and then to be rewarded with such a beautiful waterfall and rock pool. No photo does it justice. I cant believe that I actually swam so long in the ice cold water - including over to the fall. There is a rock ledge behind that you can stand on with a curtain of water in front.

From El Questro we began our trek toward Derby because we had booked a trip to Horizontal Falls and we wanted to make sure it was confirmed and we were there in time. 
Derby was actually a lovely little stop for a few nights. It was a chance to catch up on washing too.

The sunsets were amazing and the tide was huge. We walked to the jetty a few times, visited the prison boab tree and we even played golf on a beautiful boab tree lined golf course.

The things we missed?

• More sights at El Questro like Zebedee Springs (we travelled as far as 2wd would take us)
• the Bungle Bungles
• Mimbi Caves - Mount Pierre Station
• Geikie Gorge - Fitzroy Crossing (probably 2WD friendly but the timing didnt work for us)
• Tunnel Creek National Park which joins to Windjana Gorge 

The most expensive fuel?

• $2.90 at Warum

Caravan Park Stays - 6

Off Grid / Rest Stops - 2