Kununurra was established in the 1960s to support the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, on Miriwoong Country. It is a relatively young town surrounded by spectacular ancient landscapes.
Things to do
Lake Argyle. Cruise the vast reservoir created by the Ord River Dam, spotting freshwater crocodiles and wallabies, and swim at the resort's infinity pool.
Ord River. Boat tours along the river between Lake Argyle and Kununurra pass gorges and wildlife.
Mirima National Park. On the edge of town, its banded sandstone formations resemble a mini Bungle Bungles; walk the short trails at sunset.
Scenic flights. Flights over Purnululu, Lake Argyle and the Argyle region give a perspective you cannot get by road.
Wyndham. About 100 km north-west, the Five Rivers Lookout views the Cambridge Gulf.
History and Country
Kununurra is on the Country of the Miriwoong people, whose Native Title was recognised in the region. The town was built in the 1960s to support the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, which aimed to turn the Kimberley's tropical rivers into productive farmland. The Diversion Dam was completed in 1963, and the main Ord River Dam, which created Lake Argyle, in 1971. The old Argyle Downs Homestead, home of the pioneering Durack family, was relocated before it was flooded and is now a museum near the dam.
Lake Argyle
Lake Argyle is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Australia, and the Ord River Dam holds back a volume of water many times that of Sydney Harbour. The lake is a Ramsar-listed wetland, home to freshwater crocodiles and many waterbirds. Cruises run from the resort and village.
Purnululu (the Bungle Bungles)
Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Area about 250 km south of Kununurra, protects the beehive-shaped sandstone domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Access is via a rough 4WD track off the Great Northern Highway; many visitors take scenic flights from Kununurra instead.
Agriculture and produce
The Ord Valley grows tropical fruits, melons, sandalwood and other crops. Farm stalls and distilleries sell local produce, and the town has several cafés using local ingredients.
Aboriginal art
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, one of Australia's oldest Aboriginal-owned art centres, represents Miriwoong and other artists. Visitors can view and buy art.
A three-day itinerary
Day 1: Mirima National Park walks, Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, and sunset at Kelly's Knob lookout.
Day 2: A Lake Argyle cruise and the Durack Homestead Museum.
Day 3: A scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles, or a drive to Wyndham's Five Rivers Lookout.
Seasons
The dry season (May to September) is best. The wet season (November to March) brings heat, humidity, storms and flooding.
Getting there
Kununurra has direct flights from Perth, Darwin and Broome. By road, it is about 830 km south-west of Darwin and 1,040 km east of Broome. There is a quarantine checkpoint at the WA–NT border; fruit, vegetables and some other items can't be brought into WA.
Safety
Saltwater crocodiles live in the lower Ord River; follow all warning signs.
The Ord River
The Ord River flows north from the Kimberley plateau to the Cambridge Gulf near Wyndham. Between the Ord River Dam and Kununurra, the river runs through gorges and wetlands. Boat tours along this 55 km section pass sandstone cliffs, freshwater crocodiles and abundant birdlife, and canoe trips allow travellers to paddle the river over several days with camping on the banks. Below the Diversion Dam, saltwater crocodiles may be present.
Mirima National Park in detail
Mirima, sometimes called Hidden Valley, sits on the edge of town. Its eroded sandstone ranges have the same banded appearance as the Bungle Bungles. Short walks lead to lookouts and through narrow gullies, and the park is significant to the Miriwoong people. Sunset is especially beautiful. Wildlife includes short-eared rock-wallabies and many birds.
El Questro and the Gibb River Road
West of Kununurra, the Gibb River Road heads about 660 km to Derby through the heart of the Kimberley. The eastern section passes El Questro Wilderness Park, with gorges, hot springs and accommodation. The road is mostly unsealed, has river crossings and is only suitable for well-equipped 4WD vehicles in the dry season. Check Main Roads WA for conditions.
Where to next
- Wyndham — about 100 km north-west, with the Five Rivers Lookout.
- Purnululu — the Bungle Bungles, south via the Great Northern Highway.
- Timber Creek and Katherine — east into the NT along the Victoria Highway.
- Halls Creek — south-west, gateway to Wolfe Creek Crater.
More things to do in Kununurra
Kelly's Knob Lookout (Thegoowiyeng). The Kununurra Visitor Centre describes 360-degree views over the town and valley. It's a favourite spot for sunrise or sunset.
Celebrity Tree Park and Lily Creek Lagoon. Opened in 1984, the park has trees planted by famous visitors. It sits on Lily Creek Lagoon, with views across to Elephant Rock, which also looks like a reclining Buddha. Freshwater crocodiles and plenty of birds live in the lagoon.
Ivanhoe Crossing. This long, curved concrete causeway over the Ord River was opened in 1954. It was built to raise and improve a causeway from around 1930. Water levels can change significantly, so check road conditions with the visitor centre or the Shire. Fishing is popular, but the visitor guide says there's no swimming under any circumstances.
Molly Springs. In the Ngamoowalem Conservation Area, about 30 km west of town via a 3 km gravel road, a spring-fed waterfall usually flows all year.
Picture Gardens and the museum. The visitor guide lists the open-air Picture Gardens on Coolibah Drive, which run from May to November, and the volunteer-run Kununurra Museum.
Are there crocs in Lake Kununurra?
Yes. Freshwater crocodiles live in Lake Kununurra, and the visitor centre advises swimmers at Swim Beach to keep away from the reeds. Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles have also been confirmed in the Lake Kununurra crocodile control zone, where Parks and Wildlife runs a trapping program. Swimming is at your own risk. Stay well back from the water's edge, and see crocodile safety.
Camping rules
The visitor centre says free camping isn't legally allowed in the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley or along the Gibb River Road, except in designated 24-hour rest areas. Kununurra has seven caravan parks. Fresh water is available from a tap next to the visitor centre.
How many days in Kununurra?
The visitor centre says a week isn't long enough to see everything in the region. Allow at least three days for the town, Mirima, Lake Argyle and an Ord River cruise, and more for a Bungle Bungles trip. In the dry season, from about April to September, book tours and accommodation early.
Practical tips
Kununurra is the last major supply point before the long drives west and south. Stock up on fuel, food and water. Remember the WA–NT border quarantine rules: eat or dispose of fresh fruit and vegetables before you cross into WA.
Practical information
Kununurra has an airport, hospital, supermarkets and accommodation. Many tours run only in the dry season (roughly April to October). Note quarantine checkpoints at the WA–NT border.
Explore nearby
See the Kimberley region guide and Kimberley road trip itineraries.
Nearby: Lake Argyle.
Nearby park guide: Judbarra/Gregory National Park.
Nearby park guides: Mirima and Keep River.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kununurra from the Bungle Bungles?
Purnululu National Park is about 250 km south by road, the last 53 km on a rough 4WD-only track. Scenic flights from Kununurra are a popular alternative.
How big is Lake Argyle?
Lake Argyle, formed by the Ord River Dam, is one of Australia's largest freshwater reservoirs. Its area varies with water levels.
Is Kununurra worth visiting?
Yes. It's the gateway to Lake Argyle, the Ord River, Mirima National Park, Purnululu (the Bungle Bungles) and the eastern end of the Gibb River Road, on Miriwoong Country.
How many days should I spend in Kununurra?
Allow at least three days for the town, Mirima, Lake Argyle and an Ord River cruise, and more if you add Purnululu or El Questro. The visitor centre says a week isn't long enough to see everything.
Are there crocs in Lake Kununurra?
Yes. Freshwater crocodiles are common, and saltwater crocodiles have been confirmed in the Lake Kununurra crocodile control zone, where Parks and Wildlife runs a trapping program. Swim at your own risk, and stay away from reeds and the water's edge.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Visit Kununurra — Kununurra Visitor Centre
- Mirima National Park — Parks and Wildlife Service WA
- Purnululu National Park — Parks and Wildlife Service WA
- Frequently Asked Questions — Kununurra Visitor Centre
- Local Attractions — Kununurra Visitor Centre
- Warning - Crocodile Sighting - Lake Kununurra — Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley
