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Kununurra Travel Guide: Your Gateway to the East Kimberley
This Kununurra travel guide is written for travellers who want to make the most of the town, not just pass through. Kununurra sits in a remote part of the East Kimberley, yet it functions as a rural service town. This is exactly why it works so well as a base for the region.
➡️ See the full Kimberley Travel Guide here
I lived here for six weeks and worked across the East Kimberley for nine months. This isn’t a quick-drive impression. The guide is shaped by time spent living, resupplying, and travelling from here. It is designed to give clarity rather than rush you through.
Kununurra gives you options. You can resupply, refuel, book tours, and take care of practical tasks before heading out to places like Lake Argyle, El Questro, the Bungle Bungles, or the Gibb River Road. If you treat it purely as a fuel stop, you’ll miss what makes it valuable. Used well, Kununurra is the natural pause point — and, in my view, the sweet spot of the East Kimberley.
The Best Things to do in Kununurra
Easy wins close to town
Mirima National Park
If you want a Kimberley landscape without committing to long drives, this is it. Go early or late for softer light and cooler temperatures. It’s only a few blocks from the supermarket. It is sometimes referred to as the “baby Bungle Bungles,” though it stands on its own. Day passes are available, though a WA Parks Pass is a better value for longer Kimberley trips.
Kelly’s Knob lookout
A short climb, but a steep one that rewards with big views. Perfect for dawn and dusk. If you like photography this is definitely worth the climb.
Lake Kununurra at sunrise and sunset
This is the town’s natural “exhale.” It’s also where you feel the rhythm of Kununurra—boats, birds, and that steady Kimberley pace. Kununurra is famous for the sunsets but the sunrise at differing vantage points is just as spectacular.
Ivanhoe Crossing
Ivanhoe Crossing is an easy day trip from Kununurra, located about 13 kilometres from town — roughly a 10-minute drive. You don’t need to drive across the crossing to appreciate it. Simply stopping to view the Ord River and the crossing itself is worthwhile.
Before the Ord River Diversion Dam regulated the Ord River, this route connected Kununurra and Wyndham. It was the main path for travellers heading west.
Today, the area is better known for barramundi fishing. There are crocodiles present in the Ord River. This is strictly a viewing and fishing area — swimming is not permitted.
It’s also easy to pair the visit with lunch or brunch at Ivanhoe Café, just down the road.
The classic day trips (worth building your trip around)
Lake Argyle
Cruises are the highlight here, with the sunset cruise the standout experience on Lake Argyle. I booked both the day trip and sunset cruise. This was part of an organised tour. The tour also included a stop at the Old Argyle Homestead Museum. One of the real advantages of going by bus is that everything is taken care of. This includes the drive back to Kununurra after dark. That’s when cattle, kangaroos, and other wildlife are active.
It also means you can relax on the boat with a couple of wines and snacks without worrying about driving. Book at your accommodation or the visitors centre.
I’ve also stayed in the campground, which offers a comfortable and relaxed way to experience the station. There’s an infinity pool overlooking Lake Argyle, helicopter flights operating from the property, and well-maintained campsites. Evenings are easy and social, with a restaurant, bar, and regular entertainment — a great way to wind down after a day exploring the region.
Wyndham and the Grotto ( full-day)
Wyndham is a worthwhile half- or full-day trip from Kununurra. It’s a historic port town with deep pastoral history. This includes the Wyndham Meatworks, which opened in 1919. The Meatworks supported the station economy for decades.
Two quick highlights:
- Five Rivers Lookout (The Bastion): sweeping views over the Ord, Forrest, King, Durack and Pentecost Rivers as they flow into the Cambridge Gulf.
- Boab Prison Tree: a confronting historical site that’s often included on Wyndham visits (approach with context and respect).
The Grotto sits on the drive between Kununurra and Wyndham and is an easy stop. It’s accessed via a short sealed turn-off to the car park, then a short walk down steps to the gorge and swimming hole. It is a seasonal waterfall and it’s best earlier in the season. The gorge itself is lovely. and worth a stop.
Cultural experiences
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Waringarri Arts is one of the Kimberley’s most respected Aboriginal art centres, located in Kununurra and proudly Indigenous-owned and operated. The centre showcases a diverse range of artwork by local Miriwoong and Gajirrawoong artists, including paintings, prints, and sculptures that reflect deep cultural knowledge and connection to Country.
Beyond browsing and purchasing art, visitors can join cultural tours and workshops that offer authentic insight into local traditions, storytelling, and artistic practices. Supporting Waringarri Arts means directly supporting Indigenous artists and the continuation of cultural expression through contemporary art.
Kimberley Experiences
El Questro (day trip or several nights)
El Questro Station offers a complete wilderness lodge experience, combining high-quality accommodation with access to some of the East Kimberley’s most memorable landscapes. This is where Kununurra becomes a base for something bigger.
El Questro sits at the eastern gateway to the Gibb River Road. For many travellers, it’s the natural starting point. Waterfalls, deep gorges, thermal springs, and challenging hikes are all part of the experience.
Expect:
- Riverside bungalows and lodge-style rooms
- Restaurant, bar, and regular live music evenings
- Guided hikes, gorge access, horse treks, and tours
- Private swimming holes, thermal springs, and scenic lookouts
- On-site fuel, supplies, and concierge-level assistance
If you’re beginning the Gibb River Road from Kununurra, El Questro is an introduction that sets the tone for what’s ahead — and it rarely disappoints.
Scenic flight to the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu)
Driving to the Bungle Bungles is part of the experience. The access road is corrugated and narrow in places, and depending on the season, water crossings are common. More than anything, it takes time. If time is your limiting factor, scenic flights are a practical alternative.
Seeing the Bungle Bungles from the air is genuinely impressive. It gives you a sense of the scale that’s hard to grasp from the ground. As I mention in my Bungle Bungles guide, flights can be arranged through the Kununurra or Broome visitor centres. They can also be organised from Warmun Roadhouse. This makes it an accessible option even if you’re not travelling with a 4WD.
Mitchell Falls by air
Getting to Mitchell Falls is a commitment. You have to be prepared for long, corrugated dirt roads and have a 4WD. There is another option and that includes reaching these magnificent falls through a guided tour or by air.
How long to stay in Kununurra
2 days: You’ll get the town highlights, but you’ll feel rushed.
3–4 days (best first visit): Enough time for Mirima, Lake Argyle, a cruise or river experience, and one major day trip.
5–7 days: Kununurra becomes a true base. This is where El Questro, Wyndham, and “slow evenings by the lake” make sense.
My advice: choose your big-ticket days first, then fill the gaps with local, low-effort wins.
Best time to visit Kununurra
- Dry season: easiest access, most tours, best road reliability. (April/May-Sept)
- Build-up: hot, stormy, dramatic skies. (Oct – Dec)
- Wet: fewer visitors, some closures, greener country, but you must accept constraints. (Dec – March/April)
Practical planning (the local stuff that makes a trip smoother)
Getting around – 2WD vs high-clearance vs 4WD expectations
A 2WD will get you to the main centres such as Kununurra, Broome, Derby, Wyndham, Halls Creek, and Fitzroy Crossing. A 2WD won’t take you onto the Gibb River Road or into the Bungle Bungles, where a 4WD is required.
It’s not just about ground clearance — suspension, durability, and how your vehicle handles changing conditions matter just as much. After rain, roads can deteriorate quickly, and water crossings are common. For these routes, a proper 4WD is the safer and more reliable choice for the region.
If you are only going to Kununurra, a 2WD will do the trick.
Supplies (why Kununurra is a smart stocking point)
Kununurra is well set up for travellers. There are two supermarkets, mechanics and auto electricians, camping stores, gas bottle refills, and tyre services. Fuel is often the cheapest in the Kimberley (as of 2025), which makes it a smart place to resupply. Toyota owners are also covered, with a local dealer and workshop.
Laundromat in town – it’s by the supermarket.
This was one of my best finds. After 21 days of hand-washing clothes, being able to use a proper washing machine felt like an absolute luxury. Here’s the link for the Kununurra Laundromat
Swim safety/croc reality
Crocs move around. Just follow the signs and stay safe. Check the shire and visitor centres to find out where it is safe to fish and swim.
Alcohol – understanding the alcohol limits in the Kimberley
Alcohol rules in the Kimberley are strict and vary by town. Limits apply to how much you can buy, alcohol strength, container types, and trading hours. Bottle shops often close early, some towns restrict sales on certain days, and public drinking is generally banned. Glass bottles are commonly restricted.
Rules differ between places like Broome, Derby, Halls Creek, and Kununurra, and are enforced at the point of sale. If you’re stocking up for remote travel, ask locally — some exemptions may apply, but they’re not automatic. Always check current conditions with local bottle shops or visitor centres before buying.
Most commonly, you must present your photo identification and can purchase a set daily alcohol limit at one place. If you purchase something in Kununurra, you won’t be able to purchase anything in the east Kimberley that same day.
Family vs solo travellers
I travel solo, so I am not an authority on travelling with a family. But as a solo traveller, yes, it is safe. I think you need to be situationally aware and trust your instincts wherever you go. That’s my advice for solo travellers going anywhere. Check out my post on Navigating Australia Solo.
Kununurra is very family-friendly. You’ll see plenty of families around town. There’s a water park, playgrounds, an ice-cream shop, and easy access to fishing and short walks right near town. My own children are grown now, but if I were travelling with kids, this is a place I’d happily include.
Kununurra as a gateway
- The Ultimate Gibb River Road Guide
- Kimberley hub page
- Lake Argyle guide
- Katherine → Kununurra → Broome drive
- The Bungle Bungles
Conclusion
Kununurra allows you time to breathe and gives you options. You can choose your own pace. Drive out to Lake Argyle or El Questro. Alternatively, use the town as a base while you resupply and explore locally. If you’re short on time, the visitor centre can organise big-ticket experiences such as El Questro visits, Mitchell Falls flights, or scenic flights over the Bungle Bungles. These experiences come at a cost, but they can save significant time and remove the logistics if that’s your priority.
Kununurra FAQs
Is Kununurra worth visiting?
Yes. Kununurra is a strategic resupply and refuelling town and an easy entry point to the Kimberley. It’s accessible to 2WD travellers and gives you the opportunity to see gorges, lakes, and key Kimberley landscapes without committing to remote driving. If you want to book tours or scenic flights, Kununurra has the infrastructure to support organised experiences. This is a practical and worthwhile stop.
How many days do you need in Kununurra?
Jump to How Long to Stay in Kununurra
Can you visit Lake Argyle as a day trip from Kununurra?
Jump to Lake Argyle
What’s the best time of year to visit Kununurra?
Jump to Best Time to Visit
Is Kununurra safe for solo travellers?
Jump to Family vs Solo Travellers
Do you need a 4WD for Kununurra?
No. Kununurra is accessible by 2WD, and you can still visit some tourist highlights. You do need a 4WD to experience the Kimberley region.
