Kununurra

  Kununurra is about a three hour flight north of Perth and makes a great add on to a Perth holiday or for that matter any Western Australia holiday. From Kununurra you can visit Purnululu National Park, Bungle Bungle range, Lake Argyle, Mitchell Plateau, Ord River and Argyle Diamond Mine. The off road track journeys take you through a landscape of gorges, waterfalls and cattle stations the size of some small European countries.

  Kununurra is a fairly young town which sits on an ancient landscape where early Aboriginal tribes roamed. In fact, the Aboriginal word Kununurra means 'big water'. The irrigation scheme has created a permanent waterway out of a series of waterholes.

  Lake Kununurra is a year-round playground for water sports enthusiasts and Lake Argyle is so vast that it has been rated as an inland sea. Explore the wetlands packed with bird life by cruise and canoe and then return to land to watch the sunset at Kelly's Knob Lookout, the highest point in Kununurra.  

Kununurra is a mere 30km from the Northern Territory border, but a long way from anywhere else. The drive over vast distances, through some very isolated country to get there should not be taken lightly, though with a bit of forward planning the getting there can be a great trip in itself. From Broome - The easy way is on the Great Northern Highway, taking about two days to cover the 1,044 km if you push it. The good sealed road passes through a few small towns and sights. The more interesting, but harder way, is via the Gibb River Road, taking at least seven days to trundle over it's 650km length. The Gibb is an unsealed 4WD only track across the Kimberleys northern parts, passing many gorges, waterfalls and generally beautiful country. It is prone to flooding in the wet season and may be closed entirely. It's best to check with the tourist bureau before setting out. From Darwin- The sealed Stuart Highway runs 324km south from Darwin to Katherine. From Katherine, you can turn right and drive the final 524km stretch on the Victoria Highway to Kununurra. By plane- Kununurra airport  is 4km outside of town and has flights to regional centres as well as some charter and scenic flights. The airport is small but modern and the runway has one of the most scenic approaches you are likely to find.