Destination guides > Australia > Western Australia > Kimberley region > Kununurra
Kununurra
Kununurra is a fairly modern town, coming into existence in the 1960s to serve as a base for the Ord River irrigation project. The town is now a modern regional centre for the surrounding farming regions and a popular spot with travellers as a base for exploring the Bungle Bungles, Hidden Valley and Lake Argyle.
Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park is the most accessible of the national parks – you can even walk here from the centre of town. This park offers similar features to the Bungle Bungles for a fraction of the cost. There are several short walks in this park that make it an ideal daytrip from Kununurra.
Created in the 1970s as part of the Ord River Irrigation Project, the massive Lake Argyle is worth a visit. Located 35km south of town, Lake Argyle offers cruises, canoeing and camping.
The surrounding area is very fertile and there is plenty of work on farms (Jun-Nov) and you may be able to arrange some of this through the local hostels.
Avoid swimming around here, the rivers and lakes in this region are home to saltwater crocodiles.
Practical information
Kununurra Visitors Information Centre
Coolibah Drive, Kununurra
Tel (08) 9168 1177
Website www.kununurratourism.com
Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-noon
Department of Conservation & Land Management (CALM)
Messmate Way, Kununurra
Tel (08) 9168 2000
Open 8am-5pm daily
INTERNET ACCESS
The excellent Boab Bookshop Café has internet access, provided by Global Gossip so you can use your credit here, including a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Coming & going
Kununurra is surprisingly well connected for a remote small town.
Greyhound (tel 1300 473 946) coaches to Broome and Darwin stop at the BP service station on Messmate Way.
The airport 5km north of town has direct flights on Air North (tel 1800 627 474) to Broome, Darwin and Perth and on Skywest (tel 1300 660 088) to Broome and Perth.
Hostel accommodation
Kimberley Court Backpackers
2 Riverfig Avenue, Kununurra
Tel (08) 9168 1411
Kimberley Croc Backpackers YHA
120 Konkerberry Drive, Kununarra
Tel (08) 9168 2702
Kununurra Backpackers Adventure Centre
24 Nutwood Crescent, Kununurra
Tel (08) 9169 1998 or 1800 641 998
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Kellys Knob
Kellys Knob offers an excellent vantage point with views of Kununurra and the surrounding area. Both hostels will drop you off near the summit so you only need to walk back down the hill.
Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park
This small national park is only 2km from the centre of Kununurra and it offers similar features to the Bungle Bungles. Most travellers visit the park early in the morning before it gets too hot. It is a small park and two to three hours is sufficient time even if you walk every trail in the park.
Hidden Valley Road, Kununurra
Website www.naturebase.net
Admission $10 per vehicle, free if you walk to the park
