Top four places to explore around Kununurra and the Kimberley

Kununurra is 3,020 km from Perth with no shortage of activities, depending on the length of your stay. Before you head off to explore the untamed wilderness, read on to find our top picks for the town of Kununurra.

First things first, swing by the Kununurra Visitor Centre where you can get the inside scoop on what’s on during your stay. You can also pick up maps of the region and book in any adventures you’ve had your eye on. It’s always best to book your activities in advance to avoid disappointment, but the centre can often advise on tailored experiences.

Waringarri Aboriginal Arts | Image Credit: Tourism WA

For a wholesome cultural experience, visit Waringarri Aboriginal Arts where you can observe the stunning artworks that reflect the Miriwoong cultural identity. Also available are cultural tours guided by Aboriginal staff members, both within the arts centre or through nearby nature walks.

One such walk takes you through Mirima National Park where you can learn about bush tucker or enjoy a didgeridoo performance. Mirima showcases the layers of rock sediment and is said to change as the light does, so be sure to head here with your camera for sunset.

Alternatively, the sunset at Kelly’s Knob Lookout is truly spectacular. This 1.2 km round trip provides stunning 360 views of Ord River, Lake Kununurra, Elephant Rock and the Ord River Irrigation area so be sure to pack a bag and head on out.
Top tip: Remember the sun sets early in the Kimberley so you want to get there before 5:00pm.

Due to the hot temperatures of the north west, schedule in plenty of time to cool off in a natural swimming hole, such as Black Rock Falls, located about 10km north of Kununurra, or The Grotto near Wyndham. Woolah Cultural Tours are owned and operated by a local Aboriginal family and will transport you to secret waterhole all whilst offering knowledge of the land and traditional aboriginal customs. One to add to the bucketlist!

For those looking for an all-Australian outback experience, check out:

• Muster Rodeo -  held twice a year during the dry season, it’s not to be missed.
• Luridgii tours - for locally run tours from Kununurra, operated by Aboriginal tour groups to provide a rich cultural experience.
• Aviair tours – departing from Kununurra, experience Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle by air and then by ground to appreciate the vast, rugged beauty of this World Heritage listed national park.

Black Rock Falls | Image credit: @tim.gunn

Second Stop: El Questro

Just over an hour’s drive from Kununurra, you’ll reach El Questro. The road is best suited to four-wheel drives, however, there are daily road transfers from Kununurra to El Questro. Alternatively, you can travel by charter or helicopter flights.

The El Questro Wilderness park sprawls over nearly one million acres with thermal springs, waterfalls, gorges, salt flats and rainforests. The park operates seasonally from April till October and we recommend you allow yourself a four-night stay.

Relax and refresh after your drive at Zebedee Springs, where inviting thermal pool and waterfalls await through the pre-historic forest.
Note: There is a limited number of availability to the public between 8:00am – 12:00pm each day. Guests of the El Questro Homestead can enjoy private and exclusive access to the pools from 2:30-5.00pm each day.   

When you’ve hit that reset button, it’s time to explore the gorges. Amongst the most popular canyons to venture include Emma Gorge, El Questro Gorge, Amalia Gorge and Moonshine Gorge which are all gorge-ous! The water level changes seasonally, so if you’re hoping to swim, it is worth checking the forecast before you visit.

Where to stay, you ask! There are only four styles of accommodation options at El Questro, ranging from the luxury suites at the Homestead, a tented cabin at Emma Gorge, or a family room/camping site at the station. Wherever you stay, you can end your day under the spectacular starry, night sky.

Need more inspiration? Explore this extensive list of exceptional guided and self-guided four-wheel drive tours, boat cruises or scenic flights.

Emma Gorge | Image credit: @Alexandra.Brightt

Third Stop: Lake argyle

Nicknamed “the Jewel of the Kimberley” and for a good reason, this man-made lake was engineered in 1967 and is now the largest freshwater expanse in the southern hemisphere. Lake Argyle is located 70km south from Kununurra if you wish to make a day trip. Otherwise, stay a little longer as there are a huge range of activities and experiences available.

Lake Argyle | Image credit: Tourism WA

Boat cruises can take you all over the lake in your choice of style. Get the adrenaline pumping on a speedboat, catch one of the 26 native fish species in secret fishing locations, or enjoy a glass of bubbles on the water at sunset. You can also scuba dive with the wildlife so long as you don’t mind swimming with 30,000 freshwater crocodiles (don’t worry, they’re harmless).

Enjoy a range of other water sports such as kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding. Once you’ve dried off, venture around the lake and take your pick of activities from bushwalking, four-wheel driving or mountain biking.

When you’re ready for some cultural activities book into a morning tea like no other with the “Taste of Ord Valley” . Be picked up from Lake Argyle Resort and try bush tucker made from the wild plants of the Kimberley region. To top off your cultural fix, explore the historic Durack Homestead Museum.

Our favourite place to stay is Lake Argyle Resort, where you can experience the best infinity pool view in Australia, your Instagram followers will be green with envy.

Fourth Stop: Purnululu

Purnululu also known as The Bungle Bungles is approximately 250km from Kununurra and is one of three World Heritage UNESCO sights in Western Australia.

This incredible rock formation was one of the world’s best kept secrets, known only to Aboriginal custodians until 1983 when stumbled upon by Europeans. Rising 300 metres above sea level, Purnululu means sandstone in the language of the local Kidja people. The park is only open from April till November and should absolutely be on your bucket list.

One of the best ways to see Purnululu is from our above and Aviair’s scenic Bungle Bungle flights will have you immersed in the rich beauty of the park.

If you prefer keeping both feet on the ground, explore these bee-hive like stone structures with a local guide from Kingfisher tours. Both sustainable and Aboriginally run, all the tours are unique, and none will disappoint. Alternatively, for self-guided tours, we recommend exploring Echidna Chasm in the northern end of the park and the bee-hive domes in the south.

Prepare to be awed by nature in this sedimentary wonderland!

Purnululu | Image credit: @Sahara_hammond

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