WELCOME TO KUNUNURRA (Goonoonoorrang)
Kununurra is a relatively new town and was only established in 1961 as a service centre for the Ord River Irrigation scheme after the success of the first stage and lots of investment. Kununurra is a word derived from the Miriwoong word 'Goonoonoorrang' (alternatively Gananoorrang) which means 'river' - a perfect name for the town that sits on the banks of the mighty Ord River. Kununurra initially sustained a population of 400 people, today the town supports a population of 5,200 – this can swell to double during the dry season when the tourists are in town! This number is also set to increase significantly as the area becomes more and more important with further investment into the Ord River Irrigation Area.
One of Kununurra's most famous landmarks is the Ord River Diversion Dam which was constructed in 1963 at a cost of roughly $20m and plays a big part in controlling the flow of water for the irrigation of crops in the area. The dam wall is 335 metres wide and contains 20 radial gates which can be closed and opened depending on the need for water flow. Water is continually released from Lake Argyle, 55kms downstream along the Ord River, into Lake Kununurra which in turn provides the water for approximately 18000 ha of farmland. The main crops grown in Kununurra are sandalwood, mangoes, chia, citrus and melons as shown in the image below.
A Taste of the East Kimberley - proudly supported by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce.
A Taste of the East Kimberley.
History
Western Australia is one of the oldest lands on Earth, and the East Kimberley region boasts a wide variety of environments ranging from semi desert lands, rugged ridges and coastal fringes to lush tropical micro environments, all alive with a wide selection of unique flora and fauna. Aboriginal history and activity in the East Kimberley dates back more than 40,000 years and the Aboriginal rock art that exists in the Kimberley region is recognised as some of the best examples of rock paintings found anywhere in the world. Today the East Kimberley offers the visitor access to different styles of art inspired not only by the strong traditions of the local Aboriginal people but also art flavoured by the passions of artists of non Aboriginal descent who call the East Kimberley home.
Kununurra Visitor Centre
Kununurra Visitor Centre (KVC) is a non-profit membership-based centre with over 150 members and averaging at least 98,000 visitors through the doors annually.
KVC was incorporated in 1972 and remains today, one of the oldest and longest established, continually operational Visitor Centres in WA. Since 1972 the KVC has evolved and changed as the demands for tourism in the region have intensified. The Visitor Centre holds Level 1 Accreditation, and is a member of Australia's North West, the Visitor Centre Association of WA, WA Tourism Network and plays a significant role within the local community with representation on various Committee's and Board's. To complement our very high standards of operation, the visitor centre sells an array of generic merchandise, offers a comprehensive website, has a good selection of locally produced items and is also in the enviable position of having professionally managed member products on offer throughout the East Kimberley.
KVC should be your first point of contact when visiting the region, including those visitors seeking information on its Northern Territory neighbour. KVC prides itself on delivering professional up-to-date information and advice, as well as being one of the most pro-active Visitor Centres within the region, state and nationally.
KVC promotes a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where people can speak to one of our knowledgeable tourism consultants seven days per week (seasonally) about their queries.
KVC Facilities
KVC is centrally located, adjacent to the post office. Located inside Tourism House and sharing the facility with Kimberley Asian Cuisine and Penney's Prints. The premises provide a safe, friendly shop facility that caters to those with a disability or special needs. There is a ramp available at the entrance to the building and clean, and adjacent to White Gum Park, the nearest public toilet facility.
KVC is easily recognisable as we have a large windmill at the front of the building - proudly displaying the italic ‘i' sign.
There is plenty of parking and we are an RV friendly town so come and say hello!
GETTING HERE
Flying
There are regular flights from Perth to Kununurra, Broome to Kununurra and Darwin to Kununurra with the following commercial airlines:
Nexus Airlines, is our very own regional airline who traverses throughout Western Australia between Kununurra and Broome with connections through to Port Hedland, Karratha, Geraldton and Perth.
Driving
Heading over to the East Kimberley is pretty straightforward from Perth - head to Broome, either by the Brand Highway or the Great Northern Highway, and turn right at Roebuck Roadhouse. Just after the Wilare Roadhouse, follow the Great Northern Highway (turning right) and continue to the next T junction - turning right onto Victoria Highway - or left if you want to make Wyndham your first stop in the East Kimberley.
From the east its even easier - heading up the Stuart Highway from Port Augusta, turn left at Katherine, or from Darwin turn right at Katherine. You wont miss us as we are a leisurely 520km down the road - so come on over, you wont be disappointed.
For more information on how to get here - contact us a Kununurra Visitor Centre Contact Us