Kununurra, Kimberley region, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Guide to Kununurra
Aboriginal name: Goonoonoorrang (pronounced Goo-noo-noor-rang)
Embrace adventure in a world of vast lakes, ancient ranges, iconic road trips and huge outback stations.
Kununurra is the gateway town to the East Kimberley, and a great base if you’d like to explore some of Western Australia’s most remarkable natural attractions, including World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and its beehive-shaped Bungle Bungle Range. Adventure is synonymous with Kununurra, home to lakes, rivers, waterfalls and barramundi. It’s easy to see why the name means "Big Water" in the language of local Aboriginal people, who have roamed this landscape for thousands of years.
The Miriwoong Gajerrong people are the Traditional Owners of Kununurra/Goonoonoorrang. Hear Dreamtime stories, see traditional artworks and connect to the local Aboriginal culture on one of the cultural tours run by Waringarri Aboriginal Arts.
- Traditional name: Goonoonoorrang (pronounced Goo-noo-noor-rang)
- Indigenous Peoples: Miriwoong Gajerrong people
- Traditional lands: Miriwoong Gajerrong
- Traditional languages: Miriwoong Gajerrong
Kununurra is serviced by East Kimberley Regional Airport (locally known as Kununurra Airport), which welcomes flights from all major Australian cities via Darwin, Broome or Perth.
- East Kimberley Regional Airport (KNX) is 4km (2.5mi) from Kununurra
- Car hire is available from East Kimberley Regional Airport
You can also drive to Kununurra from Broome (10.5 hours) or Katherine (6.5 hours).
Kununurra experiences a wet season and a dry season. Much of the region’s accommodation and tours remain open year-round, but many consider the drier months between May and November to be the best time to visit. With that said, visitors willing to put up with a few days of rain during the wet season will be rewarded with thundering waterfalls and fewer crowds.
- High season: Dry season (April to November)
- Low season: Wet season (December to March)