Kununurra airport

Kununurra WA 6743 (Pop 5 800)
Pic: by Bidgee

Kununurra is an interesting and isolated service town in far Northern WA near the NT border.  Located 3 154 km n-e of Perth, it was established in 1960s with the building of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Aptly, Kununurra means ‘meeting of big waters’ in the local Aboriginal language. Ord Valley Muster (May), Mardi Gras (June), Kununurra Races (Aug), Rodeo (Aug), Apex Barra Bash (Sept).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historical Society Museum, Coolibah Dr. depicts the town’s history. Diversion Gallery, Konkerberry Dr Kimberley art exhibitions. Kelly’s Knob Lookout, off Speargrass Rd stunning town and valley vistas. Celebrity Tree Park, off Victoria Hwy celebrity planted arboretum of various native species on Lake Kununurra with nearby Lily Creek Lagoon for excellent birdwatching. Red Rock Gallery, Victoria Hwy indigenous art. Open weekdays.

Nearby:
Mirima NP (2 km east) known as a ‘mini-Bungles’ are dramatic and unusual sandstone formations that have boab trees growing on their rock faces. The area abounds in wildlife and birdlife and has a number of interesting walking trails. Lake Kununurra (2 km south) formed as part of the huge irrigation scheme which is now a popular watersports venue with abundant flora & fauna. City of Ruins (6 km north) unusual sandstone outcrops resembling the ruins of an ancient city. Ord River & Diversion Dam (7 km west) watersports, breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Ivanhoe Crossing (12 km north) ideal fishing spot. Zebra Rock Gallery (16 km south) unique and amazing zebra rock display almost 600 million years old. Middle Springs (30 km north) pretty recreational area with good birdwatching. Black Rock Falls (32 km north) stunning Wet season waterfalls with 4WD access only. Argyle Downs Homestead Museum (70 km south) (1884) Closed Nov-Mar. Lake Argyle (72 km south) features hills standing out of the water that resemble a crocodile. Watersports, camping, birdwatching and bushwalking all popular pursuits. Argyle Diamond Mine (120 km south) world’s largest diamond producing mine can be viewed by tour or scenic flight.

Accommodation:
Kununurra has a number of motels, hotels & resorts, holiday bungalows, a couple of backpackers and over half a dozen caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Coolibah Dr. Tel (08) 9168 1177.

Airport:
Kununurra Airport (KNX), Savannah Way. Tel (08) 9168 2648 (4 km west).

Hospital:
Kununuarra Hospital, 96 Coolibah Drive. Tel (08) 9166 4222.