The East Kimberley is the far north-eastern corner of Western Australia, close to the Northern Territory border. Its hub is Kununurra, a town of a few thousand people built in the 1960s for the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. From here you can fly over the Bungle Bungle Range, cruise the Ord River to Lake Argyle, soak in the gorges of El Questro and start the legendary Gibb River Road.
- 2003Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) World Heritage-listed
- ~55 kmOrd River from Kununurra to the Ord River Dam
- 1971Ord River Dam completed, forming Lake Argyle
- May–Septhe main dry-season touring window
Tours from Kununurra
Most visitors base themselves in Kununurra and book day tours: Ord River cruises, Lake Argyle boat trips, El Questro cultural days and scenic flights. Live availability for tours departing Kununurra is below.
The big four
The Bungle Bungle Range. Orange-and-black striped beehive domes in Purnululu National Park — one of Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes, best seen from the air and then on foot in Cathedral Gorge.
Lake Argyle. Australia’s largest freshwater reservoir by surface area at normal levels, studded with islands and home to a large population of freshwater crocodiles.
The Ord River. Cruising the river between Kununurra and the Ord River Dam is the region’s classic day out, with cliffs, birdlife and sunset light.
El Questro. A vast wilderness park on the Gibb River Road with gorges, thermal springs and river cruises.
Planning essentials
- When: the dry season (roughly May to September) is the main season. Many roads and attractions close in the wet. See best time to visit.
- Getting there: fly to Kununurra, or drive from Darwin or Broome. See getting to Kununurra.
- Getting around: distances are huge and many roads require a 4WD. Tours and scenic flights solve most problems. See without a car.
- Safety: heat, remoteness and crocodiles demand preparation. See safety.
Start with the complete East Kimberley guide or a ready-made 7-day itinerary.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Where is the East Kimberley?
In the far north-east of Western Australia, near the Northern Territory border. Kununurra is the main town.
What is the best way to see the Bungle Bungles?
A scenic flight from Kununurra gives the best overview; flights that land in Purnululu let you walk into Cathedral Gorge too.
When should I visit the East Kimberley?
In the dry season, roughly May to September, when roads are open and temperatures are more comfortable.
