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| Western Australia, Australia |
Kununurra lies within the East Kimberley region of north-east Western Australia close to the Northern Territory border. The township is fairly isolated being approximately 830 kilometres from Darwin and 1050 kilometres from Broome, and is easily accessible by air. Kununurra makes an excellent base from which to explore this amazing area that provides visitors with spectacular scenery and some of the best adventure country in Australia. Today the township of Kununurra is the main service centre for tourism and the commercial hub for agriculture and mining in the East Kimberley region.
Kununurra is home to approximately 5,000 permanent residents and was established in 1960 for the use of construction workers and farmers involved in the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Opened in 1972 the Ord River Irrigation Scheme was not as successful as was originally envisaged, although it has left Australia with Lake Argyle which is recognised as the country’s largest inland body of water at approximately 1,000 square kilometres; Lake Kununurra and large areas of irrigated productive farm land. The most important thing however is that the scheme opened up vast inland areas and provided access to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes including the rugged grandeur of the Kimberley Ranges, the bee-hive sandstone pinnacles of the Bungle Bungles, the Ord River and the historic site of the pioneering Durack family. The Durack’s were Irish settlers and Western Australia’s early cattle pioneers who moved into the Kimberley region in the mid 1880’s and established the area as good cattle country. The reality of living in this remote part of Australia during those early years has been brought to life through a book entitled ‘Kings in Grass Castles’ which was written by Mary Durack, grand-daughter of the original settlers.
Visitors to the area can enjoy its’ open landscapes and vastness by touring in a four wheel drive vehicles or by river and lake cruises, although light plane or helicopter rides offer an excellent way to see the Kimberley and the popular Bungle Bungles which are located within the Purnululu National Park. Other places to visit include the Hidden Valley National Park which lies just out of town and is known for its rugged and unique sandstone formations; and the Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve which is located 80 kilometres north of Kununurra and is a registered RAMSAR Site and an important protected bird sanctuary being home to many rare and unusual birds. During the wet season it is also worth visiting the spectacular 30 metre high Black Rock Falls although it is probably only accessible by four wheel drive. Historically visitors should peruse the Lake Argyle Homestead Museum which relates the story of the pioneering cattle farmers on the Kimberley with a focus on the Durack family; or if time permits it is possible to enjoy a tour of the Argyle Diamond Mine which produces 30% of the world’s natural diamonds, making it the largest mine in the world.
Please note:- If you are visiting you must remember that the area is subject to distinctive wet or dry periods. The wet season occurs between November and April, and the dry season occurs between late May and October. During the wet season many of the local roads become flooded. It is also worth noting that the coastal areas and river wetlands are home to estuarine crocodiles and personal safety should always be of concern.
For your information:- The popular Bungle Bungle Range forms the centerpiece of the Purnululu National Park which is a listed U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding universal natural heritage value. The Bungle Bungle Range itself covers 45,000 hectares of banded beehive structures, sandstone cliffs and towers, while the whole park covers 240,000 hectares. The park is located approximately 300 kilometres by road south of Kununurra.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Bungle Bungle Wilderness Camp
Kununurra
 | Located in the heart of Purnululu National Park, Bungle Bungle Wilderness camp raises tented cabin accommodation standards to new levels. Our environmentally friendly permanent wilderness camp features 30 tented cabins, 12 containing a private en suite with flush toilet and hot showers. All cabins... |
El Questro Homestead
Kununurra
 |  At El Questro Homestead, you'll enjoy luxury, contrasted by the rugged Kimberley landscape. The Homestead is an exclusive retreat cantilevered over the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge. Guests are encouraged to choose from a selection of dining locations, from a private cliff top to the Homestead's s... |
El Questro Station Bungalows
Kununurra
 | The bungalows are located at the Station Township area near the banks of the Pentecost River, at the hub of El Questro Wilderness Park. The Bungalows are great for families, as well as those who prefer the little extra comforts of home. El Questro Wilderness Park is only open from April to October |
All Seasons Kununurra
Kununurra
| All Seasons Kununurra is only 1 km from the town center and 4 km from the airport. One of the town's most popular hotels with a great restaurant and comfortable rooms. |
El Questro Emma Gorge
Kununurra
 | Hidden within the fiery red of El Questro's Cockburn Ranges, lies the spectacular Emma Gorge resort. Conveniently located close to some of El Questro's major attractions only two kilometres off the Gibb River Road, and one hour from Kununurra. Nestled between palms and pandanus, gravel paths link ... |
Argyle Kimberley Resort
Kununurra
| Argyle Kimberley Resort is your 4 star luxury destination in Kununurra only just completed this year. It is the perfect place to use as a base whilst exploring the Kimberley's ancient landscape. |
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Argyle Diamond Mine Fly/drive Tour
Aerial
Kununurra |  Combine the treasures of nature with the treasures of the earth in this fly/drive day tour. From Kununurra, we fly to the Argyle Diamond Mine. Enjoy a 3.5hour (approximately) guided ground tour of the mine site, commencing with a tasty and generous buffet lunch at the Staff Village. We visit the Vil... |
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Wonders of the Kimberley
11 days |  See the Best of the Kimberley with AAT Kings, including Darwin & Broome. Enjoy a dreamtime experience, wildlife spotting cruise and El Questro Wilderness Park.
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