Kununurra, Australia - The Big Waters
The Gateway To The East Kimberley
Kununurra in Australia is a lively, booming town on the eastern edge of the Kimberley.
According to the Mirima Language Centre the name is based on the Miriwoong word "Goonoonoorrang", which simply means big water.
The vast majority of the attractions here involve water, lots of water. And water means life, both an amazing flora and abundant wildlife. (And of course excellent fishing!)
Ivanhoe Crossing near Kununurra, a great place to relax and to fish.You will also find information claiming that Kununurra in the local Aboriginal language means "The Meeting Of The Big Waters". An appropriate name indeed, as water is the most noticeable feature of this region. However, the traditional owners of this area obviously prefer the correct translation.
Typical waterfalls near Kununurra
Countless gorges and waterfalls, several big tidal rivers, dozens of smaller streams and creeks, Lake Kununurra, and of course the huge expanse of Lake Argyle...
This photo does not show the huge expanse but the tiny inlet where you access Lake Argyle.
I avoided the term "tourist attractions", because after eighteen years here I can assure you that Kununurra is also a very attractive place to live.
I freely admit that living here means that of course I'm biased, but you can also
read what other readers think of Kununurra .
Water is not the only reason the area is so attractive. The East Kimberley looks very different from the Broome region. You will notice immediately that the country here is a lot more scenic. The west is mostly flat and sandy, open and dry. But around Kununurra you have a myriad of ranges and gorges and cliffs and escarpments...
Ranges reflecting in Kununrra's Ord River
No matter which way you drive or look, the beauty of this region is astounding. After all these years here I can honestly say that I haven't got used to it one bit.
Evening light at Spillway Creek, between Kununurra and Lake Argyle.
So please, come in and have a look around. Welcome to my home town and the East Kimberley.
Kununurra - Australia Visitor Information
Tourist Attractions In And Near Town
This page covers all the things you can see and do without venturing too far out of town. There's enough there to keep you busy for a couple of days at least...
Waterfalls And Rock Pools
The best time of the year to see the waterfalls is the wet season, or shortly after. But there are plenty of permanent rock pools here to go for a swim any time of the year.
Great Day Tours
This is where Kununurra beats the pants of all other Kimberley destinations. There are so many attractions within your reach if you base yourself here, you could easily spend a few weeks and keep yourself very, very busy with trips into the surrounding areas...
Maps
Some overview maps the Kimberley, and an excellent printable street map of Kununurra that even highlights and describes all the attractions.
Find accommodation in Kununurra
Considerations when looking for accommodation in Kununurra and booking recommendations.
The FREE Kimberley Pocket Guide
A great introduction to travel in the Kimberley region and along the Gibb. This free resource will answer all the questions you might have in the early stages of planning a trip.
Destination Kimberley
The full Kimberley travel guide shows you how to make the most of your adventure at Australia's last frontier. Destination Kimberley includes the most detailed and most current guide to the Gibb River Road available anywhere. Also called "The Bible" by its readers.
What Do You Think About Kununurra?
Did you have a great time or were you disappointed? What did you like, what could you have done without? Would you visit again?
Do you have a story, a picture, or a tip to share? Tell others about your trip. Show off your photos.
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Read what others had to say.
Here's what others think about Kununurra
Click below to read the contributions from other readers and Kimberley fans...
New Automatic Transmission and Radiator
Stopped over in Kununurra on our trip, went out to Wyndam for a drive and decided to check the prison tree on a dirt track. It was the worst road I personally …
Kununurra in August 2007
We arrived in Kununurra the day after their show. As it was the busiest season we went to the overflow on the showgrounds. Show people were moving out …
Kununurra - What a fantastic part of the world
We first went to Kununurra and the rest of the Kimberley in 1995 as part of a round Australia trip. My wife and I went back about 6 years ago to do all …
Chasing the mighty barra
Kununurra is a really top spot, if you like adventure that is. It is a place that is too good to be true when you find the heart of the landscape, natural …
Cruise in Paradise
Among other things, we took a cruise on the Ord River/Lake Kununurra. It included a bus trip to the boat, and both the bus tour and the boat tour was cram …
Campervan from Kununurra?
I am thinking of hiring a 4wd campervan to drive along the Gibb River Road from Kununurra to Broome and skipping out on the Darwin to Kununurra leg altogther …
Andy's Chasm
I know you said Andy's Chasm is a wet season destination, but do you think that it would be ok at the end of July? Am I too optimistic?
Four Years in Kununurra
Living in Kununurra for four years gave me the opportunity to see a lot of the Kimberlies. Especially with my job. I was working at Argyle Diamond Mine …
Travelling to the Kimberley?
The FREE Kimberley Pocket Guide
A great introduction to travel in the Kimberley region and along the Gibb. This free resource will answer all the questions you might have in the early stages of planning a trip.
Destination Kimberley
The full Kimberley travel guide shows you how to make the most of your adventure at Australia's last frontier. Destination Kimberley includes the most detailed and most current guide to the Gibb River Road available anywhere. Also called "The Bible" by its readers.
Travelling to the Northern Territory?
Destination Top End offers the same comprehensive, detailed insider information for the tropical regions of the Northern Territory. Be the best informed traveller in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge national parks and beyond!
A must have if you travel to or from Darwin.
NEW! Destination Red Centre is the latest addition in this popular series. Monica Coleman takes you through Australia's red Outback heart, offering all the detail and insider tips that you have come to know and love about our guides. With special emphasis on Aboriginal communities and culture.
A must have if you travel to or from Alice Springs/Uluru.
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