Kununurra

Kununurra is the first town you'll come across in Western Australia when travelling from the Northern Territory on the Victoria Highway from Katherine.

Located 825km from Darwin it's the eastern gateway to the Kimberley and Northern Western Australia. Surrounded by water and spectacular rugged ranges it's the perfect location to start exploring the east Kimberley area.

Kununurra was developed in the 1960's to support the huge Ord River Irrigation Project, which involved damming the Ord River and forming Lake Argyle. Now Kununurra is the base for not only the Ord River Project but also the nearby Argyle and Bow River Diamond mines and a variety of tourism adventures. Nearby destinations include the Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, Lake Arygle, Gibb River Road, the Mitchell Plateau, Argyle Diamond Mine and El Questro Station.

Check here for Kunnunurra Accommodation and Tours.

KUNUNURRA ATTRACTIONS

Argyle Diamond Mine
The mine produces around 34 million carats of diamonds per year. This is over one third of the world's production and includes the rare Argyle Pink Diamond. Available locally at Nina's Jewellery and Kimberley Fine Diamonds. Tours are available but bookings are essential as access to the mine is restricted.

Dairy Farm
Situated on the Research Station Road, 6km north of Kununurra, this farm offers a rare look at dairy farming in the Kimberley. Milking takes place in the afternoon.

Hidden Valley National Park
Adjacent to Kununurra is the Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley). It's often described as the mini Bungle Bungle. Only 3km from Kununurra, the park is well worth a visit. It has some great walking tracks along the valley and ridges and offers good views of the park and Kununurra.

Ivanhoe Crossing
The crossing at the Ord River near the Ivanhoe Station Homestead along Ivanhoe Road forms a permanent waterfall and was previously part of the original road to Wyndham. Crossing the river at this point by vehicle is not recommended due to plant quarantines. It is also a popular spot for fishing.

Kelly's Knob
Located just 2.4km from town is Kelly's Knob Lookout where a panoramic view of Kununurra and the Ord Valley can be seen.

Lake Argyle
Lake Argyle, created when the Ord River was dammed, is located 72km south of Kununurra. It contains 12 times the water volume of Sydney Harbour and covers 1,000 square kilometres. Mountain peaks have been transformed into islands where a variety of wildlife and birdlife make their home. A cruise on the lake is a great way experience the scenery and wildlife

Lake Kununurra
The township of Kununurra was built alongside this man-made dam which has an abundance of wildlife and vegetation. Scenic cruises are available, as are barbeque and shade areas for picnics.

Sleeping Buddha
The Sleeping Buddha, sometimes called the Sleeping Mummy, Carlton Ridge is featured alongside the Ord River and from a distance looks like a person sleeping. Some also say that from either end it looks like an elephant head complete with trunk and ears.