Kununurra & Lake Argyle

Kununurra is the gateway to the rugged Kimberley region, a frontier town where the vast Ord River irrigation scheme has created a lush oasis of mango plantations and boab trees. Just 70 kilometres away, Lake Argyle – one of the largest man-made lakes in the Southern Hemisphere – is the star attraction, with its flooded sandstone ridges creating a stunning archipelago of islands. This is a place for epic landscapes, croc-spotting cruises, and a genuine outback welcome.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Argyle Cruise – Glide over the flooded ranges, spotting freshwater crocodiles, wallabies on the islands, and a dazzling array of birdlife. The sunset cruise is unforgettable.
• Lake Argyle Lookout – Drive to the dam wall for panoramic views that stretch to the horizon. The scale of the lake is best appreciated from here.
• Ord River Tour – Take a boat tour from Kununurra through the dramatic Ord River gorge, past ancient rock formations and abundant wildlife.
• Miranu Walk & Lookout – A short, steep walk near the dam that rewards with sweeping views over the lake and surrounding ranges.
• Kununurra Town & Markets – Browse the Saturday markets for local art, sandalwood products, and fresh mangoes. Don’t miss the famous Kununurra Museum for local history.
• Ivanhoe Crossing – A low-level river crossing that’s an iconic Kimberley photo stop, but be croc-wise and never swim here.
• Hidden Valley National Park – Just south of Kununurra, this small park has a scenic walk through boab trees and ancient rock formations.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors base themselves in Kununurra for three to four days. This allows a full day for a Lake Argyle cruise (half-day or sunset options), a day for an Ord River tour or self-drive exploring, and a day to enjoy town and nearby gorges. If you’re self-driving the Gibb River Road, Kununurra is a natural start or finish point – budget at least two nights here to recover and resupply.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – A 3–4 hour drive south, the beehive-shaped domes are a must-see. Combine with a scenic flight from Kununurra for a day trip.
• El Questro Wilderness Park – A 90-minute drive west, this iconic station offers thermal springs, gorges, and luxury camping. Ideal for a two-night stop.
• Wyndham – The historic port town, 100 km north, with the famous Five Rivers Lookout and a classic outback pub.
• Gibb River Road – Starting just west of Kununurra, this 660 km dirt road is the ultimate Kimberley adventure, linking to El Questro, the Bungle Bungles, and Derby.
• Keep River National Park – Just across the border in the Northern Territory, 2 hours east, with striking sandstone formations and Aboriginal rock art.

Please check official sources for current details.