East Kimberley road trip itinerary: one week from Kununurra

The East Kimberley is a road-trip region at heart. The distances are big, the scenery changes dramatically and the best moments often come at the end of a long red road. A week based around Kununurra lets you see the highlights without rushing: a sunset cruise on Lake Argyle, the Ord River, the Five Rivers Lookout at Wyndham, the gorges of El Questro and a night among the Bungle Bungles.

This itinerary is a starting point rather than a fixed plan. Adjust it to your vehicle, interests and season, and always check road and park conditions before you set out. We do not quote tour prices or schedules. Confirm those with operators.

Before you start

• Season: this itinerary is designed for the dry season, roughly May to September. In the wet season, many roads and parks close. See our wet season guide.
• Vehicle: a 2WD is fine for most of the sealed roads. A high-clearance 4WD is needed for Purnululu and much of El Questro.
• Bookings: reserve accommodation, park campgrounds, scenic flights and cruises early in peak season.
• Supplies: stock up in Kununurra. Fuel, food and water are limited elsewhere.
• Communications: mobile coverage is patchy outside towns. Carry a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon on remote roads.

Day 1: Arrive in Kununurra

Settle into Kununurra and get your bearings. In the late afternoon, walk in Mirima National Park on the edge of town, where short trails lead among banded sandstone formations sometimes described as a mini Bungle Bungles. Watch sunset from Kelly's Knob Lookout over the town, the irrigation farms and the ranges. Pick up supplies and check road and park conditions for the days ahead. Our Kununurra guide has more.

Day 2: Lake Argyle

Drive south to Lake Argyle, about an hour from Kununurra on sealed roads. Visit the Ord River Dam wall and the lookouts over the lake, and consider a lake cruise. Many run in the afternoon and finish with a sunset swim in designated areas. Freshwater crocodiles live in the lake. They are generally shy, but follow local advice. Stay overnight at the lake if you want a slower day. See our Lake Argyle guide.

Day 3: The Ord River

Take a boat trip on the Ord River between Lake Argyle and Kununurra. Several operators run cruises downstream through gorges and past birdlife, freshwater crocodiles and wallabies. Back in town, visit a local Aboriginal art centre and some of the local produce outlets, or relax by the river. See our Ord River guide.

Day 4: Wyndham and the Five Rivers Lookout

Drive north to Wyndham, about an hour and a half from Kununurra. Climb to the Five Rivers Lookout on the Bastion Range for sweeping views over the Cambridge Gulf and the rivers that drain into it. Explore the historic port, see the giant crocodile statue and look for boab trees. Return via the Grotto, a gorge with a waterhole, and consider Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve for birdwatching. Remember that saltwater crocodiles live in these waters. See our Wyndham guide and crocodile safety guide.

Day 5: El Questro

Head west to the start of the Gibb River Road and on to El Questro, a vast wilderness property with gorges, waterholes and thermal springs. Popular experiences include Zebedee Springs, a palm-fringed thermal pool, usually open in the mornings, and walks into El Questro Gorge and Amalia Gorge. Some areas require a high-clearance 4WD and a park permit. Check access conditions before you go. Stay overnight at El Questro, or return to Kununurra. See our El Questro guide and our comparison of El Questro and Lake Argyle.

Day 6: Into Purnululu

Drive south on the Great Northern Highway to the Spring Creek Track turn-off and on into Purnululu National Park. The track is slow and rough, so take your time. Set up camp in the park and head to the northern area for Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge, then watch sunset from Kungkalanayi Lookout. See our Bungle Bungles walks guide.

Day 7: The domes and Cathedral Gorge

Start at dawn with the Domes Walk and Cathedral Gorge in the south of the park, then head out before the heat builds. If you have time, add a helicopter flight over the range from within the park. Drive back to Kununurra or continue south towards Halls Creek and Broome.

Shorter and longer variations

Three days

• Day 1: Kununurra, Mirima National Park and sunset at Kelly's Knob.
• Day 2: A scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles and Lake Argyle, some with a walking stop.
• Day 3: A Lake Argyle or Ord River cruise.

Five days

Follow days 1 to 4, then take a scenic flight or long day tour to Purnululu on day 5.

Ten days or more

Add a second night in Purnululu, more time at El Questro, a multi-day tour or a section of the Gibb River Road. You could also combine the East Kimberley with Katherine and Kakadu in the Northern Territory. See our guide to the Gibb River Road from the east and our multi-day tours page.

Driving tips

• Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night, when wildlife and cattle are on the roads.
• Give road trains room. Pull over safely to let them pass on narrow roads.
• Lower your tyre pressures on corrugated gravel roads, and reinflate on the bitumen.
• Never cross flooded roads unless you know the depth and conditions.
• Carry spare water, food and recovery gear, and tell someone your plans.

Where to stay

Kununurra has a range of motels, caravan parks and holiday apartments. Lake Argyle has a resort and caravan park. El Questro has campgrounds and lodges. Purnululu has campgrounds and seasonal safari camps. See our accommodation guide.

Make it your own

This itinerary covers the highlights, but the East Kimberley rewards slower travel. Leave room for an extra night wherever you fall in love with the landscape. For the bigger picture, start with the East Kimberley travel guide.