G’Day from all the Westprint Crew.

I received an email recently that gives a bit of local knowledge about what to see and do in Wyndham. It made me think about what snippets of information we could all share about our own area. So here are two of my favorite ‘snippets’ about Nhill.

1. Near Nhill is an area of bushland called Mallee Dam. It is no more than two minutes from the highway and you don’t need 4WD. There is a bird hide at the dam and even though it is close to the road it is usually very quiet and peaceful. In spring there are lots of native orchids for those with a keen eye. Mosquito repellent is a good idea and keep an eye out for snakes in summer.

2. In Nhill is a craft shop where one can buy all sorts of treasures (lovingly made by those with more patience than me) and Friday is traditionally baking day. What the locals know is this; the person who recently won a swag of First Prizes at the Royal Melbourne Show for the best sponge cakes also bakes sponge cakes for the craft shop. So for $4.00 you can buy a sponge cake, filled with fresh cream and topped with strawberries that is of show standard (okay, so maybe it’s not true that every sponge is of show standard, but the $4.00, fresh cream and strawberries is true). You think us mere mortals (the locals) bake our own when we can buy that? Not likely!

Until next time, Happy travelling.   Jo

What to see in …

Wyndham 

Yes, the fuel is cheaper in Wyndham than  Kununurra, but there is more than cheaper fuel to take you to Wyndham.

There is the most fantastic lookout, particularly at sunset, of the five rivers that enter Cambridge Gulf . There are the bronze statues. They are located just off the main drag through town. There are also a flock of Gouldian finches about town, and if you ask nicely, the locals are bound to tell you where they are. There is the wharf, croc farm, the pub, prison tree and the list, if you are interested, goes on.

Curly and Blu (Kununurra residents)  

Kununurra  

 Kununurra is certainly the gateway to the East Kimberley , and our “district” is a little larger than most people expect.

On the very edges of town we have Hidden Valley NP, Kelly’s Knob and the lookout over part of the irrigation area and Lake Kununurra .  In town there are a few art galleries and two jewellery shops showing off some of the Argyle diamonds. The Ord River passes by town a little way out and in the irrigation area there are farm shops selling produce, the Hoochery where they make rum and other spirits, the sugar mill and the most wonderful scenery, that is the bit I love the best.

A couple of hours drive will take you to Lake Argyle, Wyndham, Keep River NP, Point springs Nature Reserve, El Questro and the Chamberlain Gorge, fishing spots and great places to get away and go camping.  A long weekend could see you get to the Bungle Bungles, or even up towards Kalumburu and Mitchell Plateau Curly and Blu  

Serviceton

Next time you are driving along the highway between Melbourne and Adelaide (and looking for a break in our fatigue zone) think about taking a look at the Serviceton Railway Station. The township of Serviceton lies about 2Km south of the Western Hwy, just on the "Victorian" side of the border, and right in the ‘Disputed Country’ between South Australia and Victoria . The railway station was funded by states in 1889. It was (and still is) a grand affair and functioned as a customs post, railway station, post office and police station. The basement rooms were used for many purposes including mortuary, bond store and jail before the eventual closure in 1986. You can have a look through the station by asking at the local store.  

...from Birdsville.

Great news from Birdsville, I attended the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards in Mitchell on Saturday night, 1st October and we picked up a Highly Commended for the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre and Birdsville Races won Significant Event or Festival Category for best event in Outback Queensland . Go Birdsville....needless to say I was very happy on the night and am still very happy today. Cheers and thanks. Ali  (from Wirrari)

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