Australia's Coast from the Air Detour to the Argyle Diamond Mine, Western Australia

During the "Australia's Coast from the Air" flight, a detour was made to the Argyle Diamond Mine, Western Australia. This blog post adds to the first post of "Diamond Adventure".

The Argyle Diamond Mine, located in the East Kimberley area of Western Australia, near Kununurra, is the world's largest single producer of natural coloured diamonds and is famous for its rare pink diamonds.

A commercial joyflight was taken from Kununurra to the diamond mine airstrip and then a bus tour followed. The bus trip was hot and dusty but FIFOs (people who Fly In and Fly Out) enjoy the work and the big money from mining in the Outback. A great lifestyle for people who want to work away from home and save their money. Western Australia really is the "State of Adventure and Excitement" with loads of opportunities for people who want to work hard and reap the monetary rewards.

Argyle Diamond Mine, Kimberleys, Western Australia - Fran West

 The mine area is quite extensive with several buildings around the place (like those above and below).

Argyle Diamond Mine, Kimberleys, Western Australia - Fran West

However, the most impressive sight is that of the open pit mine (below) which is huge.

Argyle Diamond Mine, Kimberleys, Western Australia - Fran West

You can read more about the Argyle Diamond Mine and Rio Tinto's operations by clicking here.

As with any marathon flight or holiday, you need to take a break and let someone else do the flying (or driving) and just enjoy.

It was worth the effort of researching side trips for my flight and having time off every now and then.

By visiting the mine I learnt something special about my own country and I learnt more about diamonds. As far as I'm concerned diamonds aren't always a girl's best friend. Give me a beautiful blue Australian sapphire any day!