Destinations
Kununurra, WA
Why Visit
The remoteness, the landscape, and the sense of community. Kununurra, in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is a long way from anywhere. Driving nonstop from Sydney or Perth takes at least four days. There are direct flights from Darwin, Perth, and Broome.
Kununurra is a local aboriginal word meaning ‘meeting of big waters’.
Why Locals Love It
Special spot for coffee and lunch
The Ivanhoe Cafe is this locals favorite because you can sit under the mango trees, enjoy fresh, wholesome local fruit and vegetables straight from the farm gate, with plenty of parking, and hosts are friendly to children and animals.
Exercise
Running through Mirima National Park and the ‘Airport run’ are both enjoyable. It depends on where you’re starting from. Kelly’s Knob is a favorite too.
Dining
The Pumphouse Restaurant is built in the old Ord Irrigation Pump Station, an iconic structure on Lake Kununurra, the pumps have been decommissioned since 1971, and the current owners now focus on serving the freshest local produce of the Kimberley region. Definitely worth the visit.
Outdoor Adventures
Kununurra is stacked with adventure and waterfalls which many locals keep quiet from visitors. Luckily you can find many of these beautiful spots by simply following the waterfall upstream, packing a picnic and making a day of it.
Middle Springs and Blackrock Falls have epic upper pools above the main event, and you can hike from one to the other along the top of the escarpment.
If you have four wheel drive and are a confident driver, you can go anywhere. For this local, Thompson Springs is a favorite. The spring is nestled against a rocky ridge, and the access route is along Thompson Springs Road near the WA/NT border. About 5 kilometres down the road, a track on the right veers west and leads to Thompson Spring itself in just over two kilometres. This lovely swimming hole is surrounded by Pandanus palms, and there is a small camping area nearby. Rumour has it when Queen Elizabeth came to the Kimberley in 197x the spring was dammed for her convenience.
Mirima National Park in the Wet Season is worth a look too – if there is water running under the bridge on the Victoria Highway between town and Lakeside then head over to Hidden Valley and park at the end of Dryandra Road. Follow the unmarked walking trail upstream and in approximately 40 minutes you should arrive at a stunning collection of waterfalls and pools nestled amongst the mini bungles. This is a medium to difficult trek and this local recommends only going if you have some mad orienteering skills or a drone to scout ahead.
Unique Tours and Experiences
If you want to experience what makes Kununurra unique check out these venues and tours.
- Lake Kununurra
- Kununurra Picture Garden
Day trips and overnight stays
The following places are worth a visit from Kununurra:
- Lake Argyle | 1 hour drive, accommodation and tours available
- El Questro | 2 hour drive, accommodation and tours available
Whereas if it’s time to depart and you’re headed West, take the Gibb River Road to Broome and stop at the following stations:
- El Questro
- Hidden Valley
- Drysdale
Events worth travelling for
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