At the heart of the East Kimberley is Kununurra, a green oasis in the dry red dirt that in the local Aboriginal language means “the meeting of the big waters.”
Closer to Darwin than its capital city Perth (over 3000 km or 1860 miles away), Kununurra is a great base for exploring the “last frontier”.
Although approximately 100 km from the ocean, it is surrounded by rivers, gorges, creeks and waterways, many filled with crocodiles. It pays to take note of signage and talk to the locals before taking a dip to escape the heat.
It is hot all year round in the Kimberley with two distinct seasons; the wet (November – January) and the dry. Many roads are closed during the wet season so it is best to travel in the dry and plan ahead.
Things to Do and See in Kununurra
Exploring the region starts in the town site with most of the following highlights being only a walk or short drive from the centre.
Kelly’s Knob Lookout
On the edge of the town centre, a walk away if fit and active, is Kelly’s Knob – a large rock that is just over 190 metres high. There is a road most of the way to the top but the final stretch is a small hike.
It is best done in the cool of late afternoon or early evening where the climb will be rewarded with an amazing sunset over the surrounding plains, farmland, town site, lake and ranges. The colours are spectacular so don’t forget the camera.
Elephant Rock or Sleeping Buddha
This is a large rock formation that from one angle looks like the head of a large elephant and from the other, a Buddha sleeping. The rock can be seen from the shores of Lily Creek Lagoon at the town’s entrance.
For an even better view, hire a small dingy from the local caravan park and cruise around the creek and Lake Kununurra. In the wet, there are small waterfalls to be seen only a short distance along the lake.
At the foot of Elephant Rock there is some Aboriginal rock art only a short walking distance from the edge of the lake. This is where local knowledge comes in handy so ask around and the locals will be happy to help out and point the way.
Mirima National Park (or Hidden Valley)
Again this is only a small distance from the edge of town. Known as the mini Bungle Bungles, Mirima is a great place to get a feel for the ancient Kimberley landscape if time is short. The national park has great walking tracks and the rock colours are amazing. Don’t forget plenty of drinking water to counter the heat.
Celebrity Tree Park
For a walk in the shade, check out Celebrity Tree Park which is located on the main highway on the edge of Lily Creek Lagoon. The park displays a variety of tree species that were planted in honour of famous visitors to the town, including Princess Anne and movie legend Baz Luhrmann. One of the highlights has to be a large boab, an unusual tree that is a true Kimberley icon.
Paddy’s Market
For those wanting to taste the local produce, see Kimberley art or just experience a mango ice-cream, visit Paddy’s Market. This runs in the dry season on Saturdays from 8.00am till lunch and is held at Whitegum Park just across from the Kununurra Visitor Centre.
There are many other wonderful things to see only a short drive from Kununurra. These include Ivanhoe Crossing, the Diversion Dam, Packsaddle Plains and Molly Springs.
There are also endless day trips options from Kununurra. Some include Lake Argyle, the Ord River, Wyndham and its famous crocodile park, El Questro and the Bungle Bungles. Contact Kununurra Visitor Centre for further details.
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