Kununurra

Discovering Kununurra: The Gateway to the East Kimberley

Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Kununurra is a small town with big appeal, offering stunning landscapes, rich Aboriginal culture, and a wealth of natural attractions. Known as the gateway to some of the Kimberley’s most iconic destinations, Kununurra is a place where dramatic gorges, vibrant wetlands, and towering mountain ranges meet, creating a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.

From cruising along the Ord River to exploring the lush Mirima National Park, Kununurra is brimming with experiences that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing escape in a remote part of Australia, Kununurra is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the East Kimberley.

A Brief History of Kununurra

Kununurra was established in the early 1960s as part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, a project aimed at developing agriculture in the region. The town's name comes from the Gija word “Kununurra,” meaning "big water," in reference to the nearby Ord River. While it’s a relatively young town, Kununurra is steeped in Aboriginal heritage, with the Gija and Miriwoong peoples being the traditional custodians of the land.

The development of Kununurra brought about rapid growth, and today, it serves as the economic and cultural hub of the East Kimberley. It’s a town that embraces its past while looking towards the future, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural innovation, and rich Indigenous culture.

Natural Wonders Around Kununurra

Kununurra is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, from dramatic rock formations to expansive wetlands, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. Here are some of the top natural attractions near the town:

Lake Argyle

One of Kununurra’s most impressive natural wonders is Lake Argyle, an enormous artificial reservoir created by the Ord River Dam. With a surface area of over 1,000 square kilometers, it’s one of the largest man-made lakes in Australia. The lake is a haven for wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and hundreds of bird species.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on the lake, including boating, fishing, and cruise tours. A Lake Argyle cruise is an excellent way to see the stunning surroundings, with the chance to spot wildlife and take in the views of the surrounding Carr Boyd Ranges and Mount Valentine.

For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are also bushwalking trails around the lake, offering incredible vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park)

Just a short drive from Kununurra lies Purnululu National Park, home to the world-famous Bungle Bungles. These unique, beehive-shaped rock formations, made of layered sandstone, are a striking feature of the Kimberley landscape. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning hiking trails, picturesque gorges, and beautiful scenery.

Highlights in the park include Cathedral Gorge, where you can explore the incredible acoustics of a massive sandstone amphitheater, and Piccaninny Creek, a beautiful area perfect for photography and nature walks.

Helicopter tours over the Bungle Bungles are a popular way to experience the formations from above, offering a truly awe-inspiring perspective.

Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley)

Just on the edge of Kununurra, Mirima National Park (also known as Hidden Valley) is a lesser-known gem offering striking landscapes and scenic walks. The park is characterized by rugged, red rock formations, similar to those found in Purnululu, but on a smaller scale. A short walk from the park’s entrance will take you to a series of viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic views over Kununurra and the surrounding countryside.

Mirima is also significant to the Gija people, who have strong cultural connections to the area, and the park is home to fascinating rock art and other signs of Aboriginal habitation.

Cultural and Indigenous Experiences

Kununurra is a fantastic place to experience Indigenous culture and learn about the traditional landowners, the Gija and Miriwoong peoples. Several local businesses offer cultural tours and experiences, giving visitors the chance to connect with the region’s heritage.

Gija and Miriwoong Art and Culture

Kununurra is home to a vibrant arts scene, with several galleries showcasing Indigenous artwork from the local Gija and Miriwoong communities. Waringarri Aboriginal Arts Centre is one such gallery, offering a wide range of paintings, carvings, and prints. It’s an excellent place to learn about the stories and traditions of the Kimberley people while supporting local artists.

Kununurra Aboriginal Cultural Tours

Several tour operators offer cultural experiences that provide deeper insight into the region’s Aboriginal heritage. These tours often include visits to ancient rock art sites, traditional bush tucker experiences, and storytelling from local Indigenous guides. Exploring the Kimberley through an Aboriginal lens gives travelers a more meaningful understanding of the land and its people.

Adventure and Activities in Kununurra

In addition to exploring the stunning natural wonders, Kununurra offers a range of exciting activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure of the region.

Ord River Canoeing

One of the best ways to explore the stunning Ord River is by canoe. Several operators offer canoeing tours, which take you through scenic wetlands, past towering cliffs, and along the riverbanks where you can spot wildlife like crocodiles, birdlife, and fish. It’s a great way to experience the Kimberley from a unique perspective.

Fishing and Wildlife Spotting

Kununurra is a fantastic base for fishing enthusiasts, with the Ord River, Lake Argyle, and nearby Kununurra Waterhole offering abundant opportunities to catch barramundi, one of Australia’s most prized fish. Even if you’re not an angler, fishing in the region is a wonderful way to relax while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Wildlife spotting is another popular activity, with freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and a variety of bird species frequenting the wetlands and waterways.

Hiking and Outdoor Exploration

For those who prefer to stay on land, Kununurra offers a variety of hiking trails. Whether you’re walking through the stunning Mirima National Park, tackling the more challenging trails around Lake Argyle, or exploring remote gorges in the Kimberley, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had.

Where to Eat and Stay in Kununurra

Kununurra offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from campgrounds and budget motels to more upscale options like resorts and eco-lodges. Lake Argyle Resort, located near the reservoir, offers a unique stay with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

When it comes to dining, Kununurra has a variety of local eateries offering delicious, fresh produce from the region. The PumpHouse Restaurant and Wild Mango Café are two popular spots, serving up a mix of modern Australian and international cuisine. For a more casual experience, there are also several cafes and takeaway spots offering a range of local dishes.

When to Visit Kununurra

The best time to visit Kununurra is during the dry season (May to September), when temperatures are warm but not oppressive, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The wet season (December to March) can bring intense humidity and tropical storms, making travel and exploration more challenging. However, this is also when the landscape comes alive with lush greenery and flowing waterfalls, offering a different but equally stunning experience.

Conclusion: Kununurra – A Hidden Kimberley Treasure

Kununurra may be remote, but it’s a destination worth the journey. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and range of outdoor activities, it offers an authentic Kimberley experience that’s hard to match. Whether you’re hiking through ancient rock formations, cruising along the Ord River, or learning about the region’s Indigenous culture, Kununurra is a place that will captivate your heart and leave you longing to return.