Kununurra
Town
Population 3745
Kununurra lies in the East Kimberley region not far from the Northern Territory border. It was established in the 1960s alongside Lake Kununurra on the Ord River at the centre of the massive Ord River Irrigation Scheme. It has transformed a dusty, million-acre cattle station into a habitat for waterbirds, fish and crocodiles; the hills and ridges of the former station have become islands. Adjacent is the magnificent Mirima National Park. Lake Argyle to the south, in the Carr Boyd Range, was created by the damming of the Ord River and is the largest body of fresh water in Australia. The word 'Kununurra' means 'meeting of big waters' in the language of the local Aboriginal people. The climate in Kununurra and the East Kimberley is divided into 2 seasons, the Dry and the Wet. The Dry extends from April to October and is characterised by blue skies, clear days and cool nights. The Wet, from November to March, is a time of hot, humid days, when frequent thunderstorms deliver most of the annual rainfall to the region.
Visitor Information
75 Coolibah Dr; (08) 9168 1177 or 1800 586 868
Nearby national parks
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Keep River National Park
Keep River National Park has outstanding beehive-type geological formations of layered sandstone. The weathered outcrops and escarpments lie...more -
Gregory National Park
Gregory National Park lies in the transitional zone between the tropical and semiarid regions of the Northern Territory, and encompasses a...more -
Purnululu National Park
Lying deep in the rugged east Kimberley region, Purnululu National Park protects one of the world’s natural wonders, the Bungle Bungle...more
Nearby towns
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Wyndham
Wyndham, in the Kimberley region, is the most northerly town and safe port in Western Australia. The entrance to the town is guarded by...more -
Timber Creek
In 1855 explorer A. C. Gregory was the first European to visit this area as he followed the Victoria River south from the Timor Sea. His...more
In Town
Historical Society Museum: artefacts and photos provide an historical overview of the town; 72 Coolibah Dr; (08) 9169 3331; 11am–5pm Mon–Fri April–Nov or on request (08) 9169 1600. Lovell Gallery: art gallery exhibiting Kimberley artworks for sale; 144 Konkerberry Dr; (08) 9168 1781; seasonal opening times, check with visitor centre. Waringarri Aboriginal Arts: large and varied display of Aboriginal art and artefacts for sale; open daily, weekends by appt; 16 Speargrass Rd; (08) 9168 2212. Red Rock Art: gallery and studio for Indigenous painters from across the Kimberley; 50 Coolibah Dr; (08) 9169 3000. Birdland Functional Art: outstanding pottery and ceramics; 22 Poincettia Way; (08) 9168 1616. Kelly's Knob Lookout: panoramic view of town and Ord Valley; off Speargrass Rd. Celebrity Tree Park: arboretum on the shore of Lake Kununurra where celebrities, including John Farnham, HRH Princess Anne, Harry Butler and Rolf Harris, have planted trees. Lily Creek Lagoon at the edge of the park is a good spot for birdwatching. The boat ramp was once part of the road to Darwin; off Victoria Hwy. Historical Society walk: brochure available at visitor centre.
Nearby
Mirima National Park Known by locals as the 'mini-Bungle Bungles', a striking feature of this park is the boab trees that grow on the rock faces, the seeds having been carried there by rock wallabies and left in their dung. There are walking trails within the park, and between May and Aug guided walks are available. Details at visitor centre; 2 km E. Ivanhoe Farms: tastings and sales of melons and other local produce; Ivanhoe Rd; (08) 9168 1774; open April–Sept; 1 km N. Lake Kununurra: formed after the completion of the Diversion Dam as part of the Ord River Scheme, the lake is home to a large variety of flora and fauna and is ideal for sailing, rowing, waterskiing and boat tours; details at visitor centre; 2 km S. City of Ruins: unusual sandstone formation of pinnacles and outcrops that resemble the ruins of an ancient city; off Weaber Plains Rd; 6 km N. Ord River and Diversion Dam: abundance of wildlife and spectacular scenery and a variety of watersports and cruises available; details at visitor centre; 7 km W. Ivanhoe Crossing: permanently flooded causeway is an ideal fishing spot; Ivanhoe Rd; 12 km N. Hoochery Distillery: visit a traditional old Country and Western Saloon Bar or take a tour of the only licensed distillery in WA; 300 Weaber Plains Rd; (08) 9168 2467; open daily May–Sept; 9am–4pm Tues–Fri, 9am–12pm Sat Oct–April; 15 km N. Zebra Rock Gallery: view the amazing display of zebra rock, nearly 600 million years old and believed to be unique to the Kimberley, or feed fish from the lakeside jetty; Packsaddle Rd; 16 km S. Middle Springs: picturesque spot with diverse birdlife; 4WD access only; 30 km N. Black Rock Falls: spectacular waterfall during the wet season that spills over rocks stained by the minerals in the water; 4WD access only; Apr–Oct (subject to road conditions); 32 km N. Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve: enjoy birdwatching from a shaded bird hide at Marlgu Billabong or scan the wide vistas of the flood plain and distant hills afforded from the lookout at Telegraph Hill; 65 km NW. The Grotto: ideal swimming hole (in the wet season) at the base of 140 stone steps; 70 km NW. Argyle Downs Homestead Museum: built in 1884 and relocated when the lake was formed, the building is a fine example of an early station homestead; open 7am–4pm dry season, wet season by appt; Parker Rd; (08) 9168 1177; 70 km S. Lake Argyle: the view of the hills that pop out of the main body of water is said to resemble a crocodile basking in the sun and is known locally as Crocodile Ridge. Fishing, birdwatching, camping, bushwalking, sailing, canoeing and lake cruises are all available; 72 km S. Argyle Diamond Mine: the largest producing diamond mine in the world. Access is via tour only; details at visitor centre; 120 km S. Purnululu National Park: scenic flights available in town; 375 km S; see Halls Creek. Mitchell River National Park: one of the Kimberley's newest national parks protects this scenic and biologically important area. Mitchell Falls and Surveyor's Pool are the 2 main attractions for visitors. The area is remote with 4WD access to the park only, and is about 16 hours' drive from Kununurra; 680 km NW. Scenic flights: flights from town take visitors over the remarkable Bungle Bungles, Argyle Diamond Mine, Mitchell Plateau or Kalumburu; details and bookings at visitor centre. Tours: bushwalks, safaris, camping, canoeing, 4WD or coach; details at visitor centre.
Cafes & restaurants around town
Serving an à la carte menu or buffet, Ivanhoes inspires relaxation as you dine in air-conditioned comfort inside or out beside the pool. In case you haven’t chilled out enough, the cocktail bar is a popular... Find out more
Chill out with the locals or the other hotel guests at popular Kelly’s, where the tempting menu includes many specialities of the region. The contemporary restaurant is part of the Best Western Country Club Hotel... Find out more
Campsites around town
Kununurra Agricultural Society Showgrounds
Only visitors with pets and large camping rigs can stay at this showgrounds caravan park, on the corner of Ivanhoe Rd and Coolabah Dr, 600 m from town. It offers basic camping facilities for travellers, and is closed in... Find out moreLakeside Resort 1 km
Lakeside Resort caravan park offers travellers shady grassed sites with lake views in a tranquil, relaxing environment. It is an ideal base while exploring the raw wilderness of the Kimberley, along with... Find out moreButtons Crossing camping area 19 km
Buttons Crossing has limited facilities near scrub not far from the Ord River and Kununurra township, where visitors have a large range of activities and attractions to choose from. Use the fireplaces and bring in your... Find out moreSkull Rock camping area 31 km
This area floods in the wet season so the camping area is very rocky and sandy. There are basic facilities here and always the chance to catch a good feed of fish. Come with your own firewood and drinking water. The... Find out moreGurrandalng camping area 35 km
This basic campsite is about 15 km past the ranger station. Generators are permitted within certain times. There is no drinking water but firewood can be collected within the park.... Find out moreMambi Island camping area 36 km
This camping area has dispersed sites set among the paperbark trees near the boat ramp on the bank of the Ord River, in an area that is popular for fishing. Bring firewood and drinking water and firewood to Mambi... Find out moreLake Argyle Caravan Park 38 km
In the far north-east of WA, in the remote Kimberley region, is a vast freshwater lake nestled amongst a rugged billion-year-old landscape. Lake Argyle is Australia’s largest body of freshwater, covering over 900... Find out moreJarnem camping area 38 km
From this isolated campsite, about 30 km off the highway, you can do the Jarnem Walk. This excellent 7.5 km walk is the highlight of a stay here, with eroded sandstone beehive formations reminiscent of the Bungle Bungle... Find out moreParry Creek Farm camping area 57 km
Parry Creek Farm camping area, off the Great Northern Hwy, is surrounded by the reserve and provides visitors with an ideal base for birdwatching. Note that although dogs are allowed at the camping area, they are not ... Find out moreDiggers Rest 73 km
Diggers Rest Station is an authentic working cattle station, nestled on the banks of the tidal King River in the King River Valley. It is on King River Rd, 40 km south-west of Wyndham, with the majestic Cockburn and... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort 2 km
This is a high quality park just 600 metres from the town centre. It has excellent amenities and a wide range of facilities, including a resort-style pool with a spa. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Lake Kununurra 3 km
This caravan park is just 2 km west of town, on the banks of Lake Kununurra. The popular park is off the main highway in a picturesque, quiet location. There is a nice grassy tent area, and shady waterfront sites.... Find out moreDoon Doon Roadhouse Caravan Park 79 km
This is a new park adjoining the roadhouse and appears well laid out and competitively priced. The roadhouse sells a range of products including takeaway food. Only approved pets are allowed.... Find out moreWarmun Roadhouse Caravan Park 148 km
This park is part of the roadhouse complex, very close to Purnululu National Park. Caravan storage is available for people visiting the Bungle Bungles and helicopter flights also operate from alongside the roadhouse. It... Find out moreTimber Creek Gunamu Tourist Park 187 km
This is a caravan park complex in the centre of the Timber Creek township. It is a convenient overnight stop and has nicely shaded sites.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
With the Mirimar National Park as the camp’s backdrop, and a short distance to the town centre, the Hidden Valley Tourist Park is ideally located to explore the Ord River, Bungle Bungles and Lark Argyle. Savour the... Find out more
Offering comfortable accommodation for excellent value, Hotel Kununurra has a convenient central town location and is the perfect base from which to explore the Kimberley region. The hotel has a range of accommodation... Find out more
Although geared towards the budget traveller, guests at the Kimberley Croc Backpackers are always impressed by the standard of accommodation and facilities. All the rooms are clean, air-conditioned and secure, and they... Find out more
Centrally located in the middle of town, the Kununurra Country Club Resort is only a few minutes from the airport. Standard hotel rooms, two-bedroom apartments and club rooms for a touch of luxury are available, and... Find out more
El Questro Wilderness Park
As if the sheer size of the El Questro Wilderness Park isn’t unique enough – it’s a million acres, or 400,000 hectares – it’s the diversity of its landscape and wildlife that wows visitors.... Find out moreRest areas around town
Gurrandalng Camp Area 35 km
T/O 183 km W of Timber Creek (R) or 45 km E of Kununurra (L) Secluded camp 17 km north of the highway surrounded by sandstone cliffs in Keep River National Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road is... Find out moreNorthern Territory-Wes Australian Border Park Area 35 km
185 km W of Timber Creek (L) westbound only Small area just off the road at the agricultural quarantine station. NOTE: Not accessible to eastbound traffic. No fruit or vegetables to be taken into WA. GPS: S15 58.888... Find out moreCockburn Rest Area 41 km
152 km N of Warmun (L) or 59 km S of Wyndham (R) Large area just off the highway at the junction with the Victoria Highway. Limited shade. GPS: S15 52.124 E128 22.320 ... Find out moreDunham River Rest Area 55 km
117 km N of Warmun (L) or 94 km SW of Wyndham (R) Large area just off the highway at Dunham River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S16 07.906 E128 22.853... Find out moreSaddle Creek Rest Area 90 km
116 km W of Timber Creek (L) or 112 km E of Kununurra (R) Large area just off the highway at the base of an escarpment. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S15 57.428 E129 33.718 ... Find out moreEast Baines River Rest Area 137 km
58 km W of Timber Creek (L) or 170 km E of Kununurra (R) Large area just off the highway among some trees. Limited shade. GPS: S15 46.058 E130 01.598... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Lake Argyle Swim: May
. Ord Valley Muster: May/June.
Kimberley Moon Experience: June.
Kununurra Races: Aug/Sept.
Dam to Dam Dinghy Dash: Sept.
