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.
Welcome to the Kimberley Pack by Kimberley Jiyigas
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 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.