Around Kununurra: little domes, a very big lake and boabs

Kununurra gave us plenty to explore without returning to the rougher stretches of the Gibb. The 'mini Bungles' of Mirima backed onto our caravan park at Hidden Valley, and were an unexpected delight: red rock formations close enough for a walk from where we were staying, with a beautiful evening view over the valley.

Lake Argyle was an altogether bigger proposition. The amount of water was astonishing after so much dry country, with hills becoming islands and the shoreline stretching away in several directions. Shan had been hoping to visit the famous infinity pool, so discovering that access was included with our lake cruise caused considerable excitement.

The water was every bit as cold as the bush telegraph had promised. We also accepted the invitation for a swim during the cruise, after hearing about the lake's freshwater crocodiles. There were plenty of smiles in the boat beforehand.

At Argyle Downs Homestead, a great bowerbird's carefully arranged collection of bottle tops and bones held our attention. Around Wyndham, the boabs supplied another change of scale, especially the enormous tree at the caravan park.

The hollow boab on King River Road was a more sobering stop. Its history includes use by mounted police while moving Aboriginal prisoners, a reminder of the violence within the region's colonial history.

We finished with hazy light from Five Rivers Lookout and a few small roadside moments. There was a great deal more around Kununurra than a place to resupply.