The vast, stunning landscapes, remarkable waterways and lush farmland around Kununurra are both surprising and awe-inspiring.
Kununurra is the perfect backdrop for an outback adventure and your gateway to the eastern end of the Gibb River Road.
Allow some time to experience the range of things to see and do in Kununurra and within easy range of the town itself. Kununurra is also a great base to join tours to some of the region’s major attractions, including the Mitchell Falls, the Bungle Bungles and Lake Argyle.
How to get to Kununurra
Kununurra is located on the banks of one of the Kimberley’s main waterways – the Ord River – and sits close to the Northern Territory border, just 225km from Timber Creek.
Broome is 1000km from Kununurra via the Great Northern Highway. Direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Broome operate seasonally, with connecting flights from Broome to Kununurra.
Airnorth offers services from Darwin, Broome and Perth to Kununurra. Bookings can be made through the Airnorth or Qantas websites. Virgin Australia fly direct from Perth to Kununurra from 29 March to 30 September 2021, with fares starting from $249.
Heritage
First gazetted in 1961 as the centre for the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, Kununurra is the Kimberley’s youngest town. The name is derived from the word “Goonoonorrang” in the language of the local Miriwoong people, meaning river.
The construction of Diversion Dam in 1962 and the completion of the Ord River Dam, which created Lake Argyle, provided for the development of over 14,000ha of irrigated land. A later development was the construction of a hydro-electric power station at the base of the Ord River Dam which supplies renewable power to Kununurra, Wyndham, the Argyle village and the Argyle Diamond Mine. A diverse range of crops is produced in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), including sugar cane, chickpeas, melons, pumpkins, mangoes, bananas, citrus and sandalwood. Further expansion of ORIA took place in from 2009, with over 15,000ha of irrigated land released.
Explore
Discover more about Kununurra’s waterways and lakes with tours from Lake Argyle and Kununurra. Connect with nature and take in some of the seasonal and spring-fed waterfalls and swimming holes located within a short drive of town, and visit Mirima National Park, often described as the mini-Bungles. At Kelly’s Knob, view the sunset over the majestic hills and ranges surrounding Kununurra.
Kununurra & Lake Argyle tours on the water
Lake Argyle and Kununurra's many waterways make it an excellent spot to join a scenic cruise or fishing tour.
Extended 4WD Tours
Kununurra features in the tour itineraries of many tour operators offering extended Kimberley tours.
Small Group Touring & Private 4WD Charters
Consider a small group 4WD charter for a more intimate Kimberley tour experience or a short tour around Kununurra.
Kununurra Accommodation
Much of the accommodation Kununurra has to offer promises more than just a comfy bed for the night. Many have spectacular settings where wildlife abounds. You’ll find four-star resorts, self contained apartments and backpacker accommodation in Kununurra itself, as well as a selection of caravan parks for those travelling with their own van in tow. And beyond the town, vast homesteads and luxury wilderness retreats offer a real taste of outback adventure.
Scenic Flights
For an unforgettable perspective on this beautiful part of the Kimberley, see the sights from the air, including the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle and the Mitchell Falls. Fixed wing light aircraft and helicopter tours are available.
Hire
Hire a car or camper to explore the Kimberley, a camper trailer to tow behind your own car, or take to the waters of Lake Arygle with boat, canoe and pontoon hire.
