Scenic flight over Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle and visit to Argyle diamond mine

We were keen to take a scenic flight over the Kimberleys, but how do you choose when there are so many tours, each offering different packages and sights?

In the end, we chose Aviair’s six-hour combined fly/drive ‘Bungle Bungle Adventurer + Diamond Mine’ – and we were so glad we did! What a fantastic experience!

So, with Jen in the co-pilot’s seat (above) and John as official photographer (below), we were ready for take off!

John, our official photographer on the flight

Our flight took off from Kununurra, tracking south over the Ord River towards Lake Argyle and the Ord River Dam.

Aerial view of the township of Kununurra, Western Australia

Early morning view over farms on the Packsaddle Plains,
Ord River Irrigation Area, near Kununurra

Ord River, looking south from Kununurra toward Lake Argyle

The magnificent hills and gorges through which the Ord River flows

A glimpse of the extensive Lake Argyle from the air

Lake Argyle, showing Ord River Dam and the nearby Lake Argyle resort,
with Ord River beyond the dam wall

The rugged Carr Boyd Ranges and shoreline around Lake Argyle

Leaving Lake Argyle, en route to the stunning Bungle Bungle Range, we flew over the Bow River and two major cattle stations (Lissadel, and Texas Downs).

Bow River – supposedly the inspiration for Cold Chisel’s classic song of the same name

These ranges en route to the Bungle Bungles looked almost wavelike

And so to the Bungle Bungle Range in the Purnululu National Park, with it’s incredible ‘beehive domes’ and ancient gorges. The Bungle Bungles are thought to have been formed over 360 million years ago.

The Domes (Bungle Bungle Range) and Piccaninny Creek, Purnululu National Park

Cathedral Gorge (Bungle Bungle Range), Purnululu National Park

Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park

After about 20 minutes of very close views of the Bungle Bungles’ key features, we headed back north, flying over and then landing at Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine – home of the famous pink diamond. What set this scenic tour apart from the others was the opportunity to land and visit the diamond mine, including a delicious lunch in the staff village and a guided tour around the mine site and processing plant.

Rio Tinto’s Argle Diamond Mine, East Kimberley region of Western Australia

Some of the Argyle Diamond Mine’s precious wares

The largest diamond recovered from the Argyle mine, at 42.6 carats
– and the runner up, weighing in at 41.7 carats

Some of the miners’ quarters, Argyle Diamond Mine

We were pleased to be able to see the mine, especially since Rio Tinto has announced they’ll close operations in 2020, as the mine’s profitability is waning.

The late afternoon flight back to Kununurra provided even more stunning views over Lake Argyle, the Ord River Irrigation Area, Lake Kununurra and the Diversion Dam.

Lake Argyle, with the Carr Boyd Range in foreground

Ord River Diversion Dam and Lake Kununurra (which is really the Ord River!)

Crops in the Packsaddle Plain, Ord River Irrigation Area, near Kununurra WA

We were surprised – and, ultimately, delighted – to learn that our pilot, Paul, was also our personal guide for the entire day. His informative commentary on aspects of the region’s history, geology, diamond and agricultural industries and much more, continued through the flights and the mine tour. Yes, in addition to being a pilot, he was trained and cleared to take us through the mine, including driving the tour bus throughout the tour’s land content. Talk about chief cook and bottle washer – Paul was a one-man band! And he really made our day.