Day 33: Lake Argyle to Violet Valley Campground

Originally we planned  to stay the next 3 nights at The Bungle Bungles Caravan Park, near the entrance to Purnululu National Park, where the Bungle Bungles are located. About 2 months ago we received advice that the caravan park was closing at the beginning of June and all bookings past that date would be refunded. No explanation for the closure was given, other than it was an economic decision "due to unforeseen business and economic strains". The park is owned by Andrew and Nicola Forrest's agribusiness, Harvest Road.

So like everyone else whose plans were upended, we sought an alternative place to stay, within a reasonable distance to the park. Violet Valley campground seemed the best option.

First we had to drive back through Kununurra, which at least gave us an opportunity to top up with cheaper diesel, $2.20 per litre. From there the towns are sparse with only 2 possible stops before our destination, Doon Doon Station Roadhouse  and Warmun Roadhouse. We ended up stopping at both.

Doon Doon was our choice for morning tea, and despite the outside appearance of the roadhouse, they had very good coffee, and the roadhouse was staffed by backpackers. The diesel was outrageously priced so we waited till Warmun to top up.

Doon Doon Roadhouse

It looked better inside

They also had a caravan park, but occupancy was low at this time of day

Warmun Roadhouse was no more impressive, and at only $2.96 per litre for diesel, I reluctantly topped up as it is the nearest station to the National Park, but 30 km North of us, and roughly 60km from the turnoff to the National Park.

The communication we received from Violet Valley Campground was that the access road is 13.2 km, of gravel road only accessible by high clearance 4WD vehicles with low range and single axle off road caravans and campers. It is a pretty rough narrow track with 4 creek crossings and some steep grades. It was a good test for our rig and slow going.

Arrival is an informal affair as everything had to be paid up front. On one side of the Bow River is the cattle station, and just over a causeway is the campground.

Causeway across to the campground

There is a map of the campground, and you simply settle in to any of the unoccupied sites you choose. We chose site 19.

The sites are large and the signs merely indicate an area where you can set up, there are no defined boundaries. Toilets, showers and garbage bins are provided.

All set up we relax and have lunch

More campers arrived throughout the afternoon, but there are still spare sites. The Bow River runs through the property and has a few resident freshwater crocodiles. There are also plenty of whistling kites and other birds.

Cattle on the other side of the river

Maybe there are fish in this river

A couple of freshwater crocodiles waiting for a feed

This kite is probably doing the same

I did try my hand at fishing in the river as the sun went down. Unfortunately the mosquitoes were biting better than the fish, so despite a couple of small fish following the lure, it won't be fish for dinner tonight.

Pork ribs on the BBQ was great alternative