Kununurra

Kununurra is where the Kimberley’s vast landscapes meet an unexpected abundance of water. Set on the banks of the Ord River and surrounded by ancient ranges, fertile valleys and remote wilderness, it is a destination defined by contrast - red earth and green irrigation, still waterways and rugged outback, quiet town life and epic adventure.

As the gateway to the Kimberley, Kununurra is both a destination in its own right and a launch point for some of Australia’s most iconic outback experiences, including the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, El Questro and the Mitchell Plateau.

This is a place to stay, explore and expand outward, where water shapes the landscape and every journey begins with possibility.

WHY VISIT KUNUNURRA

Kununurra offers a rare combination of accessibility, comfort and raw wilderness. It is one of the only places in the Kimberley where vast freshwater systems, dramatic sandstone ranges and productive agricultural landscapes exist side by side.

Days here are shaped by water - cruising the Ord River, exploring the vast expanse of Lake Argyle, or drifting through quiet inlets alive with birdlife. Beyond the waterways, the landscape opens into gorges, national parks and remote outback tracks that reveal the scale of the East Kimberley.

From Kununurra, some of the region’s most iconic destinations are within reach, making it an ideal base for both short stays and extended Kimberley journeys.

Discover Kununurra

• On the Water
• On Land
• From the Air
• Culture & Local Flavours
• Hire
• Itineraries & Packages
• What's On
• Where to Stay
• Plan Your Trip

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

On the water

Water is central to the Kununurra experience. The Ord River flows through lush irrigation country before opening into Lake Kununurra and Lake Argyle, creating one of the most remarkable inland water systems in Australia.

• Sunset cruises and wildlife viewing on Lake Kununurra
• Large-scale lake exploration on Lake Argyle
• Canoeing and river journeys through remote waterways
• Fishing and relaxed water-based experiences

On land and in nature

Kununurra is surrounded by accessible natural landscapes that offer short walks, lookouts and immersive outdoor experiences.

• Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley)
• Kelly’s Knob lookout at sunset
• Ivanhoe Crossing and the Ord River floodplains
• Seasonal waterfalls and freshwater systems

From the air

A scenic flight from Kununurra reveals the true scale of the Kimberley - vast, remote and deeply varied. From above, landscapes shift from winding rivers to ancient ranges and endless plains.

• The Bungle Bungle Range and Purnululu National Park
• Lake Argyle’s vast inland waters
• Remote waterfalls and gorges of the Mitchell Plateau
• Dramatic Kimberley escarpments and river systems

Culture, flavour & local finds

Beyond the landscapes, Kununurra has a strong sense of place shaped by its frontier history, agricultural foundations and creative community.

Relax into the town’s dining scene, where casual cafés, local pubs and relaxed eateries reflect the pace of life in the East Kimberley. Explore local galleries showcasing artwork inspired by the region’s landscapes and stories.

Kununurra also holds a unique place in Australia’s geological story, once home to the world-famous Argyle diamond mine. Kimberley pink diamonds remain a lasting symbol of the region’s natural heritage and global significance.

Explore the Kimberley from Kununurra

Kununurra is the natural base for exploring the wider East Kimberley region. From here, journeys extend into some of Australia’s most remote and iconic landscapes.

• Bungle Bungle Range and Purnululu National Park
• Lake Argyle and surrounding ranges
• El Questro
• Mitchell Falls and the Mitchell Plateau
• Wyndham and the Cambridge Gulf region
• Sections of the legendary Gibb River Road

Whether by air, 4WD or guided tour, Kununurra connects you to the scale and diversity of the Kimberley.

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.

ITINERARIES & HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Kununurra is suited to both short escapes and extended outback journeys. Its position at the heart of the East Kimberley makes it an ideal base for exploring multiple landscapes and experiences.

Suggested itineraries

• 3-day Kununurra highlights escape
• 6-day East Kimberley adventure
• 2-day Bungles itinerary
• Extended Gibb River Road journey

Holiday packages

Explore curated travel options that combine accommodation, touring and experiences into seamless itineraries. These packages are designed to help you experience Kununurra and the wider Kimberley with ease and flexibility.

EVENTS IN KUNUNURRA

Kununurra’s events calendar reflects the rhythm of life in the East Kimberley.

The highlight is the Ord Valley Muster, a signature festival celebrating music, food, culture and outback life against the backdrop of the Kimberley landscape.

Throughout the Dry Season, the town also hosts weekly markets, the Kununurra Cup, agricultural shows and a growing calendar of outdoor and adventure-based events.

WHERE TO STAY

Kununurra offers a welcoming and well-located base for exploring the East Kimberley, with accommodation options suited to a range of travel styles.

Choose from comfortable resorts close to town, self-contained apartments overlooking the landscape, or caravan parks set near the water’s edge. Each provides a relaxed base between days of exploration.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

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.

By Road

From Broome, Kununurra is 1000km via the Great Northern Highway through Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, about 10.5 hours drive. Another route is to take several days for adventure along the unsealed Gibb River Road, one of Australia’s iconic outback drives.

From Darwin, it’s an 829km, or 8.5 hour drive along the Stuart and Victoria Highways to Kununurra, via Katherine (510km from Kununurra) and Timber Creek (253km from Kununurra).

From Perth, Kununurra is approximately 3200km or 33 hours, depending on the road you choose – the North West Coastal Highway via Geraldton, Carnarvon, Karratha and onwards through Broome (3,333km), or the inland route via Meekatharra, Newman, Karratha and onwards through Broome on the Great Northern Highway (3,206km).

By Air

Kununurra is serviced by year-round direct flights from Broome, Perth and Darwin.

If you’re travelling from Melbourne or Sydney, seasonal direct flights to Broome will allow you to connect onwards from Broome to Kununurra.

Virgin Australia fly direct from Perth to Kununurra each Monday and Friday, with additional flights on Sundays from April to September, and Saturdays from May to July. 

Airnorth fly direct from Perth on Tuesday and Thursday, with daily services from Darwin and onwards to Broome. Bookings can be made through the Airnorth or Qantas websites.

Affordable Airfares Program

The Affordable Airfares program offers a limited number of discounted seats on flights between Perth and Kununurra, and Broome and Kununurra. Take advantage of the program to visit the Kimberley in 2026 with:  

• Virgin Australia discounted airfares from Perth to Kununurra from $259 one-way;
• Airnorth discounted airfares from Perth to Kununurra from $259 one-way; and
• Airnorth discounted airfares between Broome to Kununurra, from $199 one-way.

Special airfares are subject to availability, airline terms and selected travel dates.

TOURS THAT VISIT KUNUNURRA

Kununurra is featured in many Kimberley touring itineraries, from extended 4WD expeditions to guided coach and fly-drive journeys. Most tours include overnight stays in Kununurra, giving travellers time to experience the region rather than simply pass through.

During these stays, guests can take part in a range of structured experiences such as Ord River cruises, Lake Argyle visits and scenic flights, while also enjoying downtime to relax, explore the town, or prepare for the next stage of their journey. From here, tours continue on to iconic Kimberley highlights including the Bungle Bungle Range, El Questro and Mitchell Falls.

BLOGS ABOUT KUNUNURRA

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

From Kununurra, the Kimberley opens in every direction.

Travel west along the Gibb River Road, north to the remote coastline of Wyndham, or south toward the desert-edge landscapes of Halls Creek. Each route reveals a different side of the region’s scale, history and natural beauty.