TIME
TRAVEL


Click on the Holiday
Destination of your Choice!

Back To:

KUNUNURRA

Introduction

Kununurra is the main population centre of the East Kimberley region and is the gateway to some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes on the planet. By road Kununurra is situated 830 kilometres from Darwin and approximately 3,300 kilometres from Perth. There is a thriving agriculture industry courtesy of two man made dams that ensure permanent water to this tropical corner in the state of Western Australia.
Water is the key to this areas success and can be a welcome site to what appears to the casual observer a harsh environment. The visitor will soon discover how relevant this is as most recreational activities are centred around some form of water.

Attractions

  • Ord River The Ord River has two man made barriers along its length. There is the Diversion Dam which is about 6 kilometres west of the town and its purpose is to allow water to be diverted to the irrigated farming areas. Below this dam the river flows to the Cambridge Gulf. This stretch of river is a haven for barramundi fishing and also home to large saltwater crocodiles so swimming is not advised.
  • If visiting in the wet season after heavy rains you will witness many waterfalls cascading into the gorge
  • The permanent waters of Lake Kununurra have formed wetland areas which are fast becoming internationally recognised for the wonderful range of bird life they support.
  • Kelly's Knob Lookout Check out the views of Kununurra and the Ord River Irrigation Area from this local landmark. You get a great perspective of the town and this is a great spot to view your first Kimberley sunset.

  • Black Rock Falls The falls get their name form the 30 metre rock cliffs which over the years have been stained black from the minerals in the water. 

  • Stockman's Grave This is the grave of pioneer stockman David Suttie who is featured in Jeannie Gunn's famous book "We of the Never Never". The grave is marked by a tin cross

  • Waringarri Aboriginal Arts This is the place  to view and/or purchase a range of authentic Aboriginal art from the Kimberley region

  • Aboriginal Rock Art As with most regions in the Kimberley there is a wealth of aboriginal art to be found within close proximity of the town.

Activities

  • Lake Kununurra is home to the water sports enthusiast. Various companies operate boating tours along the 56 kilometre stretch of water between the diversion dam and the dam wall at Lake Argyle.

  • Hire a canoe and paddle from dam to dam. Allow three days for such an adventure.

  • Ivanhoe Crossing is a very popular fishing spot for locals and tourists alike.

  • Valentine's Pool This series of rock holes is a popular swimming spot best visited during or shortly after the wet. A shady and pebbly beach invites you to stay and relax for a while.

  • Fishing is one of the great pastimes of many locals and is enjoyed by the many visitors that pass through the region. The prize species is the barramundi but various species of catfish (one known as silver cobbler) and black bream can also be found.

  • Birding