Cocoon Yourself In Nature: 16 Kununurra Accommodation

The East Kimberley’s gateway town of Kununurra is a remarkable place to spend a few days before or after a red-dirt outback adventure.

On the traditional Aboriginal land of the Miriwoong Gajerrong, Kununurra was created as a service town for the bold Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Here you can connect with Indigenous culture, munch on local mango, chia and bananas, and explore some of Western Australia’s most remarkable natural attractions, including World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and its beehive-shaped Bungle Bungle Range. Whether you’re in the mood for something super luxe or feeling like immersing yourself in nature, here’s a wrap of the best Kununurra accommodation.

1. Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments

Two words: tropical escape. Kununurra’s newest and only executive-style, self-contained accommodation offers a selection of studios and one to three-bedroom apartments.

the Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments — Book a stay in one of the suites at Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments.

Crawl into a cabana beside the stunning resort-style pool and depart feeling totally refreshed. The pool, gardens, seclusion… and free airport (transfers during office hours) seal the deal.

the pool at Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments — Start the day with a refreshing morning dip.

2. Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park

An attractive caravan park set on the green lawns alongside Lily Creek Lagoon, Kimberley Waterfront Holiday Park has waterfront villas, poolside cabins and powered caravan sites. For your downtime jump in the pool or grab a local mango smoothie from the onsite coffee shop. You will find a rare finch aviary, three guest laundries and a modern outdoor kitchen with barbeques for a cook-up.

3. Kununurra Country Club Resort

Centrally located and friendly on the wallet, the Kununurra Country Club Resort has 88 comfortable rooms and a large pool.

outside of the restaurant at Kununurra Country Club Resort — Drop by the restaurant at Kununurra Country Club Resort.

Kelly’s, the sprawling onsite restaurant, dishes up meals featuring locally grown chia, chickpeas and tropical fruit, while the drinks’ menu boasts a range of products from the nearby Hoochery Distillery. Complimentary airport pickups and parking right outside the door sweeten the deal.

the Kelly's Bar & Grill at Kununurra Country Club — Breakfast is served at the onsite restaurant, Kelly’s Bar & Grill.

4. The Kimberley Grande Resort

Just a five-minute walk from an ideal picnic spot at Celebrity Tree Park, this 73-room resort has a 25-metre pool, sports bar and bistro. Rooms are huge and feature varying combinations of up to three single beds, a king bed, a family room with a king and bunk bed and spa suites for those who want to live it up a little. Safety can be an issue in this area, hence the hotel has regular security patrols throughout the night and signage in the room reminding guests to lock their doors.

the premier king room at The Kimberley Grande Resort — Enjoy modern comforts at The Kimberley Grande Resort.

5. Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort

If you’re seeking a peaceful stay within walking distance of the town centre, make a beeline for the friendly Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort .

the cabin at Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort — Bed down in a cosy cabin at Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort.

You’ll find two camp kitchens, 133 powered sites and 20 sites with ensuites, plus a range of self-contained cabins, including two-bedroom villas. Furry friends are welcome at this resort.

cabins at Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort — The resort has plenty of cabins to choose from.

6. Ord Valley Delight

An easy 10-minute drive from Kununurra, this gem of a campground sits on a farm that overlooks the stunning Ord Valley. Here, the peace and serenity are only broken by the odd gentle mooing of a friendly poddy calf.

an aerial view of Ord Valley Delight — A stay at Ord Valley Delight offers remote camping like no other. (Image: Steph Connell)

With five tent sites, Ord Valley Delight will suit the self-contained camper who can manage without any facilities – don’t forget to bring your own water. Pets are welcome. This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp.

a woman sitting in front of a campfire at Ord Valley Delight — Light a campfire at sundown. (Image: Steph Connell)

7. Hairy Dogs Fishing Camp

One for the fishers out there. Hairy Dogs Fishing Camp is located on the banks of the Ord River, an hour from Kununurra. Home to barramundi, lots of crocodiles and birdlife, you’ll feel close to nature at this campsite with river views.

an aerial view of Hairy Dogs Fishing Camp — Drive across scenic landscapes towards the Hairy Dogs Fishing Camp. (Image: Jillian Robinson)

With plenty of trees for shade, a plunge pool, potable water and an ablution block with showers and flushing toilets, you’ll be a very comfy fisher/camper indeed. This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp.

8. The Cambridge Kununurra

One to watch, The Cambridge is in the process of becoming a bigger and better hotel complex, with major works planned through to 2024/25. Within walking distance to the town centre and an easy five-minute free shuttle from Kununurra Airport, Cambridge is shaping up to be fit for royalty. Watch this space for reopening dates.

9. Kimberley Croc Motel

Located in the centre of Kununurra, Kimberley Croc Motel has lush tropical gardens, a pool and basic but clean and comfy rooms. With a supermarket across the street and a fish and chips shop attached to the facility, dining is fuss-free. Pets are welcome in specific rooms at this quiet and secure property.

10. Hotel Kununurra

Locally known as ‘The Pub’, Hotel Kununurra was established in the 1960s and has been a mainstay of the local population since. Today, the pub still remains a beloved meeting place for the local community. If you like a bit of old-fashioned hotel charm, pop by for a stay in one of the single, double or family rooms. Everything you need is close at hand.

11. Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra

Located on the shores of Lake Kununurra, this spacious park offers a range of caravan park sites and modern cabin accommodation . Facilities include a large pool, tennis courts, and BBQ areas. It’s an ideal spot for fishing, boating and birdwatching or just unwinding.

12. Kimberley Coastal Camp

Access by light aircraft, float plane and helicopter, Kimberley Coastal Camp is nestled on the pristine shores of the Admiralty Gulf. Accommodation is in beachfront bungalows, all with water views, sleeping two lucky people king or twin share.

an aerial view of the pool at Kimberley Coastal Camp — Step outside your accommodation for a splash in the pool.

With a limit of just 16 guests at a time, this camp is the ideal place to hide away from the crowds and spend your time fishing, viewing ancient rock art or simply chilling out.

the boat at Kimberley Coastal Camp — Rent a boat for fishing at Kimberley Coastal Camp.

13. Faraway Bay

Located 280 kilometres northwest of Kununurra and only accessible by helicopter or light aircraft, Faraway Bay is nestled on a rocky hilltop overlooking the turquoise Timor Sea.

a woman sipping coffee at Faraway Bay — Sip coffee by the waterfront at Faraway Bay. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Here, you will find ancient rock art, abundant fresh and saltwater fishing and a plethora of wildlife. Scattered amongst the natural bushland, the eight spacious cabins are simple but elegant and feature private outdoor showers with ocean views.

14. Berkeley River Lodge

Only accessible by air, getting to Berkeley is half the adventure . Situated on sandhills overlooking the entrance to the Berkeley River, the villas have superb 180-degree views of the coast.

aerial coastal views at Berkeley River Lodge — Stay near the coast at Berkeley River Lodge. (Image: Wildman Productions)

Each retreat has an ensuite, open-air free-standing bathtub, dramatic glass frontage, air-con and is in walking distance to the pool and restaurant.

the infinity pool at Berkeley River Lodge — Soak up staggering views from the infinity pool. (Image: Emily Abay)

15. El Questro

Located 110 kilometres west of Kununurra, El Questro Wilderness Park encompasses thermal springs, salt flats, deep gorges and rainforests.

a couple sitting outside their tent at El Questro Wilderness Park — Get cosy in a luxury safari tent at El Questro Wilderness Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It also boasts an excellent range of accommodation – from the super luxe Homestead to camping beside the river and pre-erected tents, this 700,000-acre slice of Kimberley wilderness has an accommodation option to suit every budget.

an aerial view of the El Questro Wilderness Park — Immerse in the Kimberley wilderness.

16. Lake Argyle Resort – Discovery Parks

‘Caravan park’ and ‘world-class pool’. It’s not often that you get those two phrases in one sentence, but Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park does exactly that with its 35-metre infinity edge pool.

a woman sitting on the edge of the infinity pool at Lake Argyle Resort — Sit on the edge of the pool and take in the incredible landscape. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

With unrestricted views across Lake Argyle, this watery paradise is one of the Kimberley’s most Instagrammed. Sleeping options include plenty of grassy powered and unpowered sites, studio cabins and one-to-four-bedroom luxe villas with lake views.

an aerial view of Lake Argyle Resort — Make Lake Argyle Resort your next paradise retreat. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

Cocoon yourself in nature at these top Kununurra accommodations