5 Reasons to Put Kununurra on Your 2023 Bucket List

REASONS TO PUT KUNUNURRA ON YOUR 2023 BUCKET LIST

Kununurra is known as the ‘gateway to East Kimberley’ for good reason. It is the perfect base to discover some of Australia’s most remarkable natural attractions such as the

World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park and the beehive shaped Bungle Bungle Range.

In a rush to see it all, it’s easy to be tempted to skip through the start of your

Kimberley journey if you aren’t familiar with what’s what and where to stop. So you don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique outback town, we’ve detailed the five top reasons to put Kununurra on your bucket list for your next Kimberley trip.

1| BIG WATER According to the Mirima Language Centre, the name Kununurra is based on the Miriwoong word ‘Goonoonoorrang’, meaning big water. Once you have visited, you will understand why there has never been a more apt name for a town.

Kununurra is surrounded by water. The vast Lake Argyle, the magnificent Ord River and the many gorges and waterfalls are just waiting to be explored. Hire a barbecue pontoon for the afternoon to meander up Lake Kununurra, join a sunset cruise on Lake Argyle, or simply head to Swim Beach to watch the sky turn into a kaleidoscope of colours. Whatever you adventure you decided to take, just make sure you add water! 2 | FRESHWATER EAST KIMBERLEY

APARTMENTS

If there is one place to stay in Kununurra, it is Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments. Located amongst lush tropical gardens, Freshwater provides the ideal relaxing environment for your stay in this incredible location. The fully self-contained apartments with modern fittings and décor, large balconies and resort-style pool will allow you to experience life in the beautiful Kimberley climate.

Spend your day exploring the area and then come home to Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments to refresh and recoup for your next adventure. 3 | GATEWAY TO THE

BUNGLE BUNGLE RANGE

Located in the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle Range is a must-do when travelling through the Kimberley. The park is accessible by air or land, with options to fly into the park on a scenic flight with Aviair before joining a guided walk tour. Or for those keen to take on an adventure, the 53km track into the park is suggested only for the most experienced four-wheel drivers.

However you decide to make your way into the park, one thing we can guarantee is once you are there you will be in awe of it all

– from the bee-hive domes in the southern end, to the towering rocky chasms of the northern end.

The walks into Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm are must-do highlights when you visit the park.

For those who are wanting a delicious chef-prepared meal and a comfy bed at the end of day out exploring, Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge is the ideal place to rest and recuperate before another big day in the park. And, if you still haven’t got your scenery fix after your walk through the park, we suggest a scenic helicopter flight with HeliSpirit to really top your visit off. The views cannot be beaten.

4| EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY

OF THE MITCHELL FALLS

The Mitchell Falls are undeniably amongst the most stunning and renowned waterfalls within the Kimberley.

For the ultimate Mitchell Falls experience, you can’t go past Aviair’s Mitchell Falls Discoverer Tour. Departing from Kununurra, this tour starts with a scenic aeroplane flight to the Mitchell Falls, giving magnificent views of the Ord River Irrigation Area, Carlton Hill Station, Wyndham and the Cambridge Gulf, before reaching the coast.

Once reaching the falls, your plane will land at the Mitchell Plateau Airstrip where you will be met by a HeliSpirit helicopter. This helicopter will fly you to the start of the hike into the falls – you will disembark here and either take a scenic hike into the falls, or helicopter straight to the top. Both options are incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in the surrounding natural splendour of this place.

Once at the falls, the views are even better. Here you can take the time to marvel at their beauty, take a swim in the Mitchell River above the falls and admire the fascinating flora and fauna of this area. You will be transferred via helicopter from the top of the falls back to the airstrip, where you will board your return scenic flight to Kununurra.

5| ORD VALLEY MUSTER The Ord Valley Muster is the event not to be missed in the Kimberley. Spread over 10 days, this annual event features over 30 events such as a rodeo, comedy nights, cultural performances, floating yoga boats and the highlight of the muster, the Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience.

The Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience is the ultimate party in the Kimberley and we can’t wait for the event to be back bigger than ever in 2023. Find featured experiences to book at visitbroome.com.au/members. For more insights into what to do in Kununurra, visit the Kununurra Visitor Centre at 75 Coolibah Dr, Kununurra.

HPH Kimberley experiences