Named after the Aboriginal word meaning “meeting of big waters”, Kununurra is the gateway to your Kimberley holiday.
Wild orange sunsets, a densely tropical green and the deep blue of an awesome water system await your eyes and senses. Spend a week or two here and get a taste for life in the outback and witness the thunderous power of nature.
The Kimberley region in far north Western Australia is one of the world's last unspoilt frontiers, and a trip to this vast land would not be complete without visiting El Questro.
Despite its well deserved reputation for five star luxury, there is much more to this million acre Wilderness Park than the acclaimed Homestead.
For starters there is a diverse range of accommodation beginning with the $15.00 park permit. This allows visitors to camp by the Pentecost River and enjoy all the amenities of the Station Township, including campfire entertainment at the Swinging Arm Bar, the Station Store and Steakhouse Restaurant.
Also at the Station Township are the comfortable air conditioned Bungalows, some of which offer restful riverside balconies where you can watch nature hop, swim and paddle by. From here visitors can access the myriad of hiking and walking trails that weave through gorges leading to refreshing rock pools, thermal springs and spectacular waterfalls.
For a tented cabin experience, head to Emma Gorge Resort at the eastern end of the park. Set between palms and pandanus, the cabins have raised roofs allowing the sounds and scents of nature to filter through while you rest on crisp linen sheets and feather pillows. The restaurant offers fine dining under a night sky thanks to a retractable roof, making it perfect for candle lit star gazing.
The hike through Emma Gorge passes wild passionfruit vines and vibrant yellow butterfly clusters to a deep turquoise waterhole where you can swim beneath a droplet waterfall.
El Questro Wilderness Park boasts a wide range of things to do from photographing butterflies to fishing for barramundi or four wheel driving. Relax in the thermal pools of Zebedee springs, view the majestic gorges from horseback or take a scenic helicopter flight through canyons and gorges.
From El Questro you can also take scenic flights to the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park and Bungle Bungle Range. Many guided tours are operated from Station Store or Emma Gorge and are led by an El Questro ranger.
Some scenic flights also pass over Argyle Diamond mine, the world's largest supplier of diamonds. The huge open cut mine makes an impressive sight from the air. Back in town local jewellers make the most of the stunning array of coloured diamonds, as well as Broome pearls.
Kununurra probably wouldn't have attracted so many diverse personalities if it hadn't been for the abundance of water. The wet season, the mighty Ord River and the inland sea that is Lake Argyle define the town's rhythm and character. A boat cruise to take in the beauty of these waterways which are alive with wildlife is a must.
Triple J Tours offer the best of both worlds with their scenic coach tour to Lake Argyle and return boat cruise on the Ord River to Kununurra. Expect to see spectacular gorges, a huge variety of birdlife, beautiful Kimberley flora and some of the most awesome scenery to be experienced in the north west.
El Questro Wilderness Park is open from April – 31 October each year. For more information about the area contact the Kununurra Visitor Centre on 08 9168 1177.
For more information about holidaying in Western Australia contact the Western Australian Visitor Centre on 1300 361 351.