18th June 2014 Saddle Rest Area

Left Keep River National Park approx 11am, taking it pretty easy, this area is one of the nicest camps we have been too, the road in was dirt but you could drive a fancy saloon car in at the moment.
We planned on staying at the zebra stone mine site, they have a camp there, they also advertise cruises on the wetlands, this area adjoins the other side of Lake Argyle, so we thought we maybe able to take our canoes out if not the boat.
The road going in was pretty rough, when we got there sure enough there was a camp and a shop that sold fish and chips and of course zebra stone.
We asked about getting down to the water, we were told it was 3km and we not permitted to go down there unless we went on one of there expensive tours, or they would take us and our canoes and pick us up at the end of the day, at a cost of $40.
So needless to say we left, and camped at a free area, tomorrow we will head into an area on the Victoria River.
It is very frustrating at Lake Argyle, the lake was built with public money, but it appears everything possible is done to stop public access if you are not with the commercial operators at HUGE prices.
Right around Australia, lakes and dams have picnic or park areas that the public can spend the day, not here.