Kununurra is the eastern gateway to the Kimberley and the home of outback adventure. Developed in the 1960s as a service town for the Ord Irrigation Scheme, it has a population of approximately 6,000 people. It is well serviced with a modern hospital, leisure and aquatic centre, specialty shops, air and ground passenger services.
A feature of the town is the extensive waterways, which form the basis of the Ord Irrigation Scheme. The mighty Ord River, once a series of waterholes during dry season, is now a permanent waterway. From the Diversion Dam upstream to Lake Argyle, the Ord has developed into an intricate and interesting ecosystem of rivers, wetlands and lakes.
Surrounding the town itself is a variety of unique and unusual rock formations, which are typical of the region. The colours and shapes of these formations have to be seen to be believed. Mirima Nature Park, known locally as Hidden Valley, is one such example.
The town is the ideal base for an adventure holiday, utilising one of the many 4WD, cruise or flight operators located in Kununurra. From this one centre, visitors can access all parts of the Kimberley in a variety of fashions, limited only by time, preference and budget.
Local Area
Popular destinations which can be reached from Kununurra include the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle, Gibb River Road, the Mitchell Plateau, the Ord River, Argyle Diamond Mine, plus many others. Visitors to Kununurra should beware, however - local rumour has it that once a person has tasted the waters of the Ord River, they are destined to return.
Location
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