East Kimberley Tours & Travel GuideIndependent guide · Kununurra, Bungle Bungles & Lake Argyle
Calm water and cliffs along the Ord River in August

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Ord River cruise

A fast boat trip through gorge country to the base of the Ord River Dam — the East Kimberley’s classic day out.

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The Ord River between Kununurra and the Ord River Dam runs about 55 km through spectacular country. Cruises travel this stretch with stops for wildlife and scenery.

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More verified East Kimberley tours

Kununurra: Ord River Cruise Experience with Riverside Lunch

About 7 hours · pickup available · lunch included

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Kununurra: All-Inclusive Lake Kununurra Sunset Dinner Cruise

About 3 hours · pickup available · dinner included

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Kununurra: Ord River Discoverer Cruise with Sunset

About 6 hours · pickup available

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Cruise options

Products listed for Kununurra include:

  • Full-day cruise with riverside lunch — typically combining a coach transfer to the dam and the cruise back, or vice versa, with a lunch stop.
  • Afternoon cruise with sunset — timed so the return journey catches golden light on the ranges.
  • Lake Kununurra sunset dinner cruise — a shorter evening option close to town.
Ranges reflected in the still water of the Ord River
Ranges reflected in the Ord. Photo: Longy089 / CC BY-SA 4.0

What you might see

Freshwater crocodiles basking on the banks, birds such as egrets, jabirus and kingfishers, and rock wallabies on the cliffs.

Season

Most cruises run through the dry season, roughly April to September, with limited services outside it.

Tips

  • Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for the wind.
  • Keep your camera ready for wildlife.

Which direction?

Some full-day packages take a coach to Lake Argyle and the dam in the morning and cruise back downstream to Kununurra, while others do the reverse. Either way, the river scenery is the same. Afternoon cruises are designed to catch sunset light on the return.

Combine with Lake Argyle

If you have a car, consider a separate day for Lake Argyle so you can enjoy the resort’s infinity pool and a lake cruise without rushing.

Who it suits

Ord River cruises suit almost everyone: the boats are comfortable, the scenery is spectacular, and there is no strenuous walking involved.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Ord River cruise?

Full-day packages take around 6–7 hours including transfers; shorter sunset cruises are also available.

Will I see crocodiles on the Ord River?

Freshwater crocodiles are commonly seen basking on the banks.

When do Ord River cruises run?

Mainly through the dry season, roughly April to September, with limited services outside those months.

Do Ord River cruises include pickup?

Most include pickup and drop-off from Kununurra accommodation; check the listing.