4 days in Kununurra
East Kimberley Highlights
Warm winter days, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable waterways make Kununurra one of Australia’s most rewarding short-break destinations. Set in the far east Kimberley, this vibrant outback town is the gateway to Lake Argyle, the Ord River, ancient sandstone ranges and some of the region’s most iconic adventures.
With direct flights, a wide range of accommodation and experiences that blend comfort with adventure, Kununurra is ideal for travellers wanting a memorable escape in just a few days. This 4-day itinerary combines the highlights with enough free time to relax and enjoy the outback pace.
Day 1
Arrive in Kununurra and settle into your accommodation, with options ranging from hotels and self-contained apartments to caravan parks, resorts and boutique stays. Once you’ve checked in, ease into holiday mode with an afternoon exploring the town’s beautiful waterfront.
Lake Kununurra is the heart of the local lifestyle. Take a stroll along the walking paths near Lily Creek Lagoon, where birdlife gathers in the wetlands and the late afternoon light reflects across the water. Across the lake, the silhouette of Elephant Rock, also known as the Sleeping Buddha, becomes even more striking as the sun begins to set.
For a memorable first evening, join a sunset cruise on Lake Kununurra and enjoy drinks and dinner while you cruise - an effortless way to start your East Kimberley escape.
If you’d rather stay on land, head up to Kelly’s Knob Lookout for panoramic sunset views over town, surrounding ranges and the Ord River Irrigation Area.
Day 2
Today is all about one of the Kimberley’s great waterways. The Ord River flows through a constantly changing landscape of cliffs, floodplains and lush riverbanks, creating one of the region’s most surprising experiences.
Join a guided Ord River cruise and spend the day spotting freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, birdlife and native flora while learning how the Ord River Scheme transformed this remote region into a thriving agricultural area. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in a riverside setting.
For travellers seeking something more active, canoeing and fishing experiences are also available. Barramundi fishing is especially popular, with local guides offering half-day and full-day charters.
Back in town, spend the late afternoon sampling local flavours. Kununurra’s fertile farmland produces tropical fruit, chia, melons and other seasonal produce, while local venues often showcase regional ingredients.
Finish the day with dinner overlooking the water or a relaxed evening under the stars.
Day 3
No visit to Kununurra is complete without seeing the immense scale of Lake Argyle. Around 75 kilometres from town, the drive to the lake passes rugged hills, open country and some classic East Kimberley scenery.
Created by the Ord River Dam, Lake Argyle is one of the largest man-made lakes in the Southern Hemisphere and feels more like an inland sea than a reservoir. Spend the day exploring by boat, kayak or cruise, with options including sightseeing, wildlife and sunset cruises.
The area is home to abundant birdlife, wallabies and freshwater crocodiles, and the constantly shifting colours of the landscape make it a photographer’s dream.
If time allows, enjoy lunch or a swim at Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle, famous for its infinity pool overlooking the water.
For an unforgettable upgrade, see the lake from above on a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight from Kununurra. The vast waterways, islands and red ranges are spectacular from the air.
Return to Kununurra in the evening.
Day 4
Spend your final morning discovering the landscapes and stories close to town.
Start at Mirima National Park, often called Hidden Valley, where striking orange sandstone formations rise beside walking trails just minutes from the centre of Kununurra. Early morning is the best time to walk, with cooler temperatures and beautiful light on the rocks.
Next, visit Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, one of Western Australia’s longest-running Aboriginal art centres. Browse contemporary works by local Miriwoong artists and learn more about the deep cultural connections to Country that continue across the East Kimberley today.
If you have extra time before your flight, take a short drive through the Ord Irrigation Area to see the patchwork of farmland and irrigation channels that have shaped modern Kununurra. It’s also a great chance to pick up local products or stop for one final coffee or lunch in town.
Depart Kununurra with red dust on your shoes, a camera full of dramatic landscapes and every reason to plan a longer return visit.
Have more time?
Kununurra is also the launch point for some of the Kimberley’s biggest bucket-list adventures. Extend your stay to include a scenic flight to Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungle Range), a Mitchell Falls day tour, El Questro Wilderness escapes or a self-drive journey deeper into the Kimberley.
Plan your Kununurra getaway
With warm weather through the dry season, easy access and a mix of nature, culture and comfort, Kununurra is one of Western Australia’s most underrated holiday destinations. Four days is enough to see the highlights – but it may leave you wanting much more.