The Heartbeat of the East Kimberley
The heartbeat of the East Kimberley, Kununurra is a thriving town approximately 42 kilometres from the Northern Territory border. Taking its name from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘Big Water’ Kununurra acts as the gateway to the Kimberley, and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, rock formations, farmland, and waterways, including the famous Ord Irrigation Scheme. Boasting a wide range of services, facilities and amenities (including Kimberley Experiences’ head office), it’s not only a welcome stopover for travellers, it doubles as the pickup and drop off location for many surrounding tours and experiences.
We love Kununurra for its abundance of fresh water and Kimberley character.
Here you’ll find a vibrant town where the mighty Ord river is the lifeblood. Almost all the locals own a boat and enjoy the pristine freshwater on the doorstep of the town. The upper Ord is a place for swimming, waterskiing, paddling, cruising, houseboats, fishing, abseiling, waterfalls and more. The plethora of wildlife attracted by the abundance of freshwater is astounding.
If Kimberley icons are your drawcard, then Kununurra will tick many boxes. The East Kimberley boasts an impressive number of the region’s ‘must see’ natural wonders, and Kununurra is the epicenter of exploration when it comes to tours and accessibility.
Add Kununurra to your itinerary as a base destination for:
- The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park
- Lake Argyle
- El Questro
- Waterfall chasing
- Barramundi fishing
- Kununurra Diversion Dam
- The Gibb River Road
- Elephant Rock
- Waringarri Arts
- Lake Kununurra
- Ivanhoe Crossing
- Mitchell Falls
- The Hoochery
- The Pumphouse Restaurant
- Emma Gorge
- Mirima National Park
Don’t miss …
With its dramatic landscape and proximity to Purnululu National Park, no trip to Kununurra is complete without taking to the air for a scenic flight. Award winning air services, Aviair and HeliSpirit, offer a variety of tours that allow you to witness the remarkable colour and contrast of the Bungle Bungle’s famous striped domes, the beauty of the East Kimberley waterways, her rugged ranges and canyons, and the magnificence of Mitchell Falls in full cascade. From twenty-minute flights to full day explorations departing from Kununurra Airport, a bird’s eye view of the East Kimberley’s greatest gifts will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Top Tip: Don’t forget your camera!
Accommodation and Amenities
All budgets and tastes are catered for at Kununurra from self-contained deluxe apartments to well appointed caravan parks and campsites, and hotel-style accommodation. We can recommend suitable accommodation based on your unique requirements and itinerary wish list.
Kununurra’s appeal extends to the diversity of accommodation and amenities for visitors. Check into Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments – Kununurra’s newest and only 4.5 star accommodation for a deluxe multi-night layover, then treat yourself further for a true bush experience with eco-accommodation at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge in the heart of Purnululu National Park. It doesn’t get much more Kimberley than that!
Kununurra offers a comprehensive retail and service scene, making it a great place to stock up on essentials, or indulge in a bit of shopping. Apart from boutique outlets showcasing the world-renowned Argyle Diamonds, you’ll find everything from locally-made souvenirs and keepsakes, to supermarkets and surplus stores, camping and caravan supplies, medical centres, take-away stores, and restaurants. There’s even an outdoor cinema and leisure centre.
Which tours and experiences will you add to your Kununurra wish list? Explore below.