DESTINATION: Kununurra

Kununurra

Two key local ventures contributing to the character of Kununurra, 3214km north of Perth, are the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Scheme, a massive irrigation project harnessing the rivers of the Kimberley. With good accessibility to the striped formations of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu NP, the township also serves as a base for exploring the region's many other attractions.


Main Attractions

Visitors can learn about diamonds from local retailers selling a range of Argyle Diamonds, including white, champagne, cognac and rare, and expensive, pink varieties. Authentic Kimberley art can be purchased at Waringarri Aboriginal Arts Centre or Red Rock Art. Kununurra's highest point, Kellys Knob Lookout, offers impressive views of the Ord Valley and Lake Kununurra, an artificial lake convenient for swimming, sailing, rowing, waterskiing and birdwatching. Mirima (Hidden Valley) NP contains ancient sandstone formations known as the 'Mini Bungles'; Aboriginal rock paintings, engravings and artefacts; and a natural amphitheatre once used for corroborees. Local tours include canoe trips and cruises on the Ord River, barramundi-fishing trips, ecotours, and flights over Purnululu NP.

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Couple sitting on boat on Lake Argyle
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Nearby attractions

Argyle Diamond Mine, 250km south, is the world's largest diamond mine. Access is by organised tours only. A scenic 12km drive travels north to Ivanhoe Crossing; a local fishing hole; and returns via the natural sandstone City of Ruins on Weaber Plains Rd. Another rock formation Sleeping Buddha (Elephant Rock) is 10km south of town. Situated 70km from town on the Wyndham Rd is a deep swimming hole known as The Grotto. Massive Lake Argyle, 72km south, is the nation's second largest storage reservoir, at 1000km it holds 9 times the volume of water in Sydney Harbour and was formed by the damming of the Ord River. Argyle Homestead, on the shore, contains a pioneer museum and is the departure point for lake cruises. The turn-off to Gibb River Rd, a popular 4WD outback exploration route, is 60kms from Kununurra. The Victoria Hwy to the east leads to Katherine and the attractions of the Northern Territory.

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Copyright 2007, by the Contributing Authors. Cite/attribute Resource. cmsadmin. (2005, May 20). Kununurra. Retrieved August 30, 2008, from Plan Book Travel Australia Web site: http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/australia/wa/kununurra. This work is licensed under a Universal Publishers. Universal Publishers

Region: Kimberley

Hidden Island in the Buccaneer Archipelago
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The Kimberley is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. Covering an expanse of nearly 423,000 square kilometres and with an estimated population of just 30,000 it has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on earth. The Kimberley is one of the premier four-wheel drive destinations in the world. The biggest four-wheel drive challenge is the Gibb River Road between Broome and Kununurra. It dissects some of the most rugged country on earth and gives access to spectacular wildlife and stunning gorges. more

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Coolibah Dr,Ph: (08) 9168 1177

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