18 Epic Things To Do in Kununurra For An Unforgettable Adventure In The Kimberley
Kununurra might be a bit off the beaten track, but trust us – it’s a hidden gem in the heart of the Kimberley.
Located in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, this little town is your gateway to some seriously stunning landscapes, wild adventures, and a whole lot of culture!
From the vast expanse of Lake Argyle to the iconic sandstone formations of Mirima National Park (often called the “Mini Bungle Bungles”), there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore.
If you’re into fishing, you’ll be in for a treat – the river is full of barramundi, just watch out for the crocs! And speaking of wildlife, Ivanhoe Crossing and the nearby wetlands are a birdwatcher’s paradise.
For your culture fix, don’t miss the town’s Aboriginal art galleries and the Kununurra Museum. And don’t forget to check out the local produce, those mangoes are to die for.
This town isn’t just one end of the Gibb River Road, it’s a destination in itself. This guide will help you plan your visit, know the best things to do in Kununurra, where to stay, eat, and more. Buckle up!
Table of Contents
18 Top things to do in Kununurra
We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Miriwoong Gajerrong people.
1) Go to Lake Argyle
Even though it’s a 50-minute drive from Kununurra town centre, the scenery surrounding the lake makes the drive SO worth it.
Now, there are freshwater crocodiles in the lake, but these are generally considered not dangerous to humans.
You can go kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing in Lake Argyle. You can swim too – there’s even an annual swimming race held every May.
We went twice during our visit. The first time was just to explore, the second for the must-do early morning cruise.
It’s also worth visiting for the wildlife – over a third of Australia’s bird species can be found here at various times of the year!
2) Fish for barramundi at Ord River
The Ord River is 650 kilometres long – no wonder why it’s a key part of life in the Kimberley!
The Ord Irrigation Scheme turned this harsh landscape into essentially a food bowl for crocs back in 1971, thanks to the engineering marvel of the Ord River Dam.
Nowadays, you can take a cruise along the river or fish for barramundi from a boat.
3) Watch the sunrise/ sunset at Kelly’s Knob
Kelly’s Knob is a quick 5-minute drive from town and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the town and the surrounding Kimberley region – it’s jaw-dropping.
The walk to the Kelly’s Knob lookout is short but a bit steep, however, it’s the best spot in town to see the sunrise or sunset.
4) Hike at Mirima National Park
Mirima National Park, often called the “Mini Bungle Bungles,” is famous for its unique sandstone formations.
The park is a stone’s throw from Kununurra and it’s a great spot for hiking. There are four walking trails that showcase the park, ranging from easy walks (like the Hidden Valley) to more challenging routes.
The park’s landscape is stunning, with towering rock formations that look especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Mirima NP is also rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage, with interpretive signs along the trails explaining the significance of the land.
5) 4WD at Ivanhoe Crossing
Ivanhoe Crossing is a historic bridge that you can drive through if the water levels are low enough, usually in the dry season (April to October and with 4WD only).
Even if you don’t have a 4WD, it’s worth visiting – the crossing itself is gorgeous.
There are lots of green plants around and a chance to see freshwater crocodiles in their natural habitat! You can also fish for barramundi there.
The area is also great for birdwatching, with many bird species found in the nearby wetlands. It’s a peaceful place, perfect for a picnic or just enjoying the view.
If you want to drive the Ivanhoe Crossing, check the local conditions before going – it might be closed due to flooding shortly after the wet season.
6) Enjoy Celebrity Tree Park
Celebrity Tree Park in Kununurra is a peaceful spot known for its beautiful trees planted by, well, different celebrities.
Each tree in the park is planted by a well-known person from around the world, with a plaque explaining who planted it and when.
There’s a collection of local plants, including the iconic Boab tree! The park is located along the waterfront, offering great views of Lily Creek Lagoon and the Sleeping Buddha.
It’s perfect for a relaxed walk or a picnic, with plenty of shaded areas and pretty spots to enjoy.
7) Swim at The Grotto
The Grotto is a beautiful gorge between Kununurra and Wyndham, with a natural waterhole surrounded by cliffs. It’s a popular place to swim, especially during the hot Kimberley summer!
Reaching The Grotto can be challenging for some, as you have to go down a series of steep steps to the water and there’s no handrail. But the effort is worth it, you’ll have the most refreshing dip of your life.
The area around this gorge is also great for exploring the rock formations.
8) Swim at Galjiba (Molly Spring)
Galjiba, also known as Molly Spring, is a beautiful waterhole with a small waterfall surrounded by lush plants, a 20-minute drive from Kununurra.
It’s not as well-known as The Grotto, so it might be less crowded in peak season. Plus it’s a bit easier to access as you don’t have to go down a steep set of stairs to get there – just walk from the car park along a well-marked trail.
There are picnic areas nearby as well as toilets, so it’s perfect for a full day out!
9) Sample the local produce
Kununurra’s produce is mouth-watering thanks to the fertile soil and warm climate of the region. The mangoes, bananas, and melons are incredible!
Many local farms offer tours and tastings, giving you a chance to learn about the area’s agriculture and sample some delicious fresh produce. It’s a must-try for food lovers and anyone interested in sustainable farming.
10) Visit the Aboriginal Art Galleries
Kununurra is known for its incredible Aboriginal art galleries, like Waringarri Aboriginal Arts and Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery.
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts is one of the oldest Aboriginal-owned art centres in the country. It’s not only an art gallery though – you can also take cultural tours to experience the local traditions and landscapes that inspire the artwork.
Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery features a diverse collection of both new and well-known artists. The gallery has vibrant paintings and detailed artifacts that highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Both galleries display a mix of traditional and modern Indigenous art, offering a deep look into the culture and stories of the local Aboriginal communities. You can view and buy the artworks, with the proceeds going to support the artists and their communities.
11) Visit the Kununurra Museum
The Kununurra Museum gives you a fascinating look into the area’s history, covering topics like the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and local Indigenous cultures.
It’s run by passionate volunteers, with exhibits including photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays. It’s a great place to learn about the development of the area from its early days to today.
12) Check out Hoochery Distillery
Hoochery Distillery, located just a short drive from Kununurra’s town centre, is Western Australia’s oldest continuously operating legal distillery.
It’s famous for its award-winning rum and other spirits, all made using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.
You can do liquor tastings and a behind-the-scenes tour. The distillery also has a café serving their famous Ord River rum cake and other meals and snacks.
13) El Questro
If you visit between April and October, you must go to this iconic wilderness park – it’s a 1.5-hour drive from Kununurra!
It’s famous for its gorges (like Emma Gorge and Chamberlain Gorge), thermal pools (Zebedee Springs), and lots of awesome hikes. The setting is beautiful – lush tropical forest.
You can easily spend a full day here, but if you can, try staying 1-2 nights to really enjoy the place.
14) Marlgu Billabong
Marlgu Billabong is located in the Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve, a 1-hour drive from Kununurra.
It’s a beautiful wetland area that’s a haven for birdwatchers – there are even migratory birds from as far away as Siberia!
The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. The area has a bird hide, which is easily accessible.
15) Day trip to Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park)
If you want to see the famous Bungle Bungle Range as it was intended – with a scenic flight and a hike – definitely book a full-day tour from Kununurra!
These tours are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit these iconic beehive-shaped sandstone formations, seeing them from the air and exploring with a hike.
Plus you won’t have to do the 4.5-hour drive (one way) to the park, you’ll only have to focus on enjoying the trip! Check out the full-day tour here.
Awesome spots at driving distance from Kununurra
16) Wyndham
Wyndham is the northernmost town in Western Australia and it’s a 1-hour drive from Kununurra. It’s steeped in history, with its roots in the gold rush and pearling industries.
Today, it’s known for its spectacular Five Rivers Lookout, where you can see where five mighty rivers converge into the Cambridge Gulf. It’s a jaw-dropping view, especially at sunset.
The town has a unique charm, with quirky attractions like the big crocodile statue and the Wyndham Museum, which showcases the region’s rich history.
It’s also a gateway to some incredible natural attractions, like the nearby Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve.
17) Timber Creek
Timber Creek is a 2.5-hour drive east of Kununurra, in the Northern Territory. It’s located along the Victoria River, making it a top spot for fishing – the river is teeming with barramundi.
The area around Timber Creek is rich in Aboriginal history and culture. One must-visit is the Gregory Tree, a significant cultural site with markings from the 1855 Gregory expedition.
The nearby Gregory National Park offers stunning landscapes, including rugged escarpments and serene waterholes. It’s a great place for hiking and exploring, with plenty of trails to suit all levels. The park is also home to some impressive Aboriginal rock art sites.
18) Gibb River Road
Well, this isn’t so much a specific spot, it’s the ultimate outback adventure. It’s an iconic dirt track (4WD only) that stretches over 660 kilometres through the heart of the Kimberley, from Kununurra to Derby!
It’s something we think everyone should do at least once in their lives, as it will show you what true Australian wilderness looks like.
The drive itself is half the adventure, with its river crossings and corrugated sections. The landscapes are the other half – there are heaps of gorges to stop by and swim (like Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek) and remote cattle stations to stay overnight.
The best time to do the Gibb River Road is during the dry season, from April to October when the road is most accessible.
Want to learn more? Check our ultimate guide to the Gibb River Road (don’t make our mistakes)
When is the best time to visit Kununurra?
The best time to visit Kununurra is during the Australian winter and Top End Dry Season, from April to October. But that’s also the busiest time! So make sure to book everything you want to do well ahead of time.
During the Wet Season (November to March), the region gets very humid and rainy, which might limit your outdoor activities. However, this is when the rivers and waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Just be prepared for potential road closures due to flooding.
How to get to Kununurra (by plane, car, and coach)
Most people get to Kununurra by plane or car, but there are coaches available from Darwin:
Getting to Kununurra by plane
This is the easiest way to get to Kununurra, as there’s an airport right in town, the East Kimberley Regional Airport.
There are direct flights from Darwin (1-hour flight), Broome (1.5 hours), and Perth (3 hours).
The average cost for a round-trip ranges from $400 to +$1000 depending on where you’re departing from. It can be very pricey, that’s why we recommend booking your flights via Trip.com.
They compare all the flights available for your selected date and have price alerts like Google Flights, but often with better deals (sometimes even better than booking with the airlines directly). Check Trip.com here.
But regardless of where you’re visiting from, you will have to rent a car at the airport to move around.
We love using Rental Cars for hiring vehicles because they have excellent prices and perks like unlimited mileage for some vehicles. Check Rental Cars here!
Getting to Kununurra by car
The drive from Perth to Kununurra is QUITE long – 32 hours if you go inland, 38 hours if you go through the coast. The latter can be the most epic road trip if you have 4-6 weeks to do it, though – there are SO many cool spots to see:
You could do the road trip from Perth to Exmouth and continue from Exmouth to Broome. Then from Broome to Kununurra via the Gibb River Road if you have a 4WD or via the Great Northern Highway if you don’t have one.
However this might not be feasible for most people, you’d need at least 4-6 weeks available for this. But if you really want to get to Kununurra by car, you can do so from:
Darwin – It’s an 8-hour drive and you can split the trip at Katherine and Timber Creek.
Broome – It’s an 11-hour drive. You could split the trip at Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Warmun, and/or Durack… Or do the Gibb River Road to get there!
Should you rent a caravan?
Absolutely! There are dozens of campgrounds in Kununurra and its surroundings, with the most incredible settings. If there’s a place where you should definitely sleep under the stars, it’s here.
If you want to rent one, keep in mind that, if you want to go off the beaten path, you might need a caravan with 4WD.
Here are a few great caravan rentals to check out (double-check for 4WD before booking):
Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.
JUCY campervans is the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.
Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.
Getting there by coach
This is the cheapest albeit less convenient way to get to Kununurra. Greyhound Australia coaches can get you there from:
Broome, it’s a 13.5-hour trip that costs $150-$400.
Darwin, it’s an 11-hour trip costing around $120-$350.
How many days to stay in Kununurra?
A solid stay in Kununurra is about 3 to 5 days. This gives you enough time to explore the main attractions without feeling rushed.
But if you want to go further – like El Questro or a full-day tour to Purnululu – try staying for at least a week.
Top accommodations in Kununurra
Here’s our pick of the top accommodations in Kununurra, offering everything from waterfront views to spacious cabins. Whether you’re after a family-friendly spot or a cosy retreat, these options cater to all kinds of travellers.
Best caravan park: Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra offers a comfortable stay right on the waterfront, perfect for families or small groups. It’s a 4-minute drive from Kununurra Airport.
Best camping: Riverfront Retreat Camping & Cabins offers a peaceful stay with both camping spots and cosy cabins right by the river. It’s a 10-minute drive to the town centre and sleeps up to 6
Best for families and groups: Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park offers spacious cabins with stunning views over Lake Kununurra. It’s a 17-minute walk to the town centre and sleeps up to 9
Best hotel: The Kimberley Grande Resort offers spacious, comfortable rooms with a great outdoor pool and a laid-back vibe, perfect for unwinding. It’s a 13-minute walk to the town centre and sleeps up to 3.
Where to eat in Kununurra?
Here are the top spots to eat in Kununurra. From local flavours to quick bites, there’s something for everyone.
- Gourmet Camp Oven Experience ($$$) is a must-do dining experience. It has an incredible atmosphere with exceptional food, impeccable service, and stunning surroundings.
- Wild Mango Cafe ($$) offers a perfect breakfast or lunch, with a great selection of delicious meals with prompt and friendly service. Their eggs benedict and fresh smoothies are highly recommended.
- PumpHouse Kununurra ($$) is a fantastic riverside restaurant offering exceptional food, welcoming staff, and stunning sunset views. Perfect for a romantic evening or a Sunday woodfired pizza night.
- Kimberley ($$) offers delicious, generous portions with a wide variety of options on the menu. Great for a special occasion, with friendly service and a smart-casual atmosphere.
Top Tips
Pack plenty of water and sun protection, Kununurra can be very hot as hell, especially during the dry season. Also, download all maps you will need, reception can be spotty.
Keep an eye out for crocs if you’re near any body of water. The area has mostly freshies, but salties can be around too. Ask locals where the safe swimming spots are.
Did you know?
Lake Argyle is Australia’s largest body of fresh water… and it didn’t occur naturally!
It was formed when the Ord River Dam was slapped across the river’s narrowest point in an incredible feat of engineering and construction that drowned valleys, pastoral leases and a whole mountain range.
Kununurra is famous for its stunning pink diamonds, primarily sourced from the Argyle Diamond Mine, which was the only mine in the world consistently producing these rare gems.
You can see these rare rocks at Kimberley Fine Diamonds jewellery store, near the town centre.
FAQs
Is it safe to walk around Kununurra?
Yes, it’s very safe. But it’s wise to still be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
Are there crocodiles in Kununurra?
Yes, mostly freshwater crocodiles. But don’t assume there won’t be any saltwater crocodiles inhabiting the area, especially around water bodies.
The bottom line
Kununurra might seem like just another small town, but it’s packed with adventures that’ll blow your mind!
From kayaking and fishing at the stunning Lake Argyle to catching the perfect sunrise at Kelly’s Knob, this place is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
And let’s not forget the adrenaline rush of driving through Ivanhoe Crossing – make sure your 4WD is ready to roll. For a more chilled vibe, dive into the cool waters of The Grotto, or explore the incredible art at the local Aboriginal galleries.
Don’t miss the chance to fish for barramundi in the Ord River or just relax at the Celebrity Tree Park. And if you’re into birdwatching or epic landscapes, the diversion dam area and Marlgu Billabong are absolute must-visits.
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Kununurra won’t let you down. Get ready to explore this gem in the Kimberley!
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