The Gibb River Road - Australia
PO Box 5001
Bedford West, WA 6052
ph: 0416147776
anthony
Kununurra is a town in far northern Western Australia located at the eastern extremity of the Kimberley Region approximately 37 kilometres (23 mi) from the border with the Northern Territory. Kununurra was initiated to service the Ord River Irrigation scheme.
Kununurra is the largest town in Western Australia north of Broome, with the closest town being Wyndham, 100 kilometres (62 mi) away. Kununurra is 3,040 kilometres (1,889 mi) from Perth via the Great Northern Highway.
The town is situated in among the scenic hills and ranges of the far north-east Kimberley Region, having an abundance of fresh water, conserved by the Ord River Diversion dam and the main Ord River Dam.
The tropical agriculture crops grown in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) have changed over the years. Tourism and mining have also become important to the local economy.
Kununurra Visitor Centre
Make this your first stop in Kununurra.
Find out what to do around town and the area. The staff at the Tourist Bureau know what's going on and when. They can book tours and accommodation, plus Greyhound tickets.
City of Ruins (Lost City)
These natural sandstone formations resemble an ancient city, and provide an interesting walk. Take the signpost to the right from Weaber Plain Road.
Ivanhoe Crossing
The crossing is a concrete causeway over the Ord River, north of Kununurra, originally part of the main road through to Wyndham. Since the start of the Ord irrigation project in the 1960's, the river now flows all year round, making the crossing impassable during the "Wet season" when the river level is higher.
It is a popular spot for barramundi fishing and picnicking. Swimming and standing on the crossing to fish is not recommended due to the presence of salt water crocodiles.
Kelly's Knob Lookout
Great place to watch a glorious sunset and finish a day of looking around the town.
Sealed road to the top with a short walk to look over the town of Kununurra, the Ord irrigation area, Lake Kununurra and the Sleeping Buddha.
Lions Park Picnic Area
Take a drive out over the Diversion Dam and turn right after Packsaddle Road, into the track behind the Information Bay. Here you will find a great spot to take photos of the dam, have a picnic or launch your boat. No swimming due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles.
Designed to divert and regulate the flow of water from the Ord River into the Ord Irrigation area. The dam consists of 20 radial gates mounted within a concrete framework and spillway structure. The water is gravity fed into channels to service the area to the north of the town and is pumped into the Packsaddle Plains area to the south. The dam also forms part of the Victoria Highway.
Lake Kununurra
The lake was formed after the completion of the Diversion Dam. It harbours a large variety of flora and fauna, contains wetland areas and provides a water frontage to the town, many small farms and tourist developments. It is also used extensively for sailing, rowing and skiing, supports several tour boat operations and is the landing field for float planes.
Celebrity Tree Park
During Kununurra's short history, the Ord Irrigation scheme has attracted world wide attention bringing a wide range of celebrities through town. The park was opened in 1984 and celebrities such as John Farnham, HRH Princess Anne, Rolf Harris and Harry Butler have all planted trees here.
Lily Creek Lagoon
Lily Creek Lagoon filled after the completion of the Diversion Dam. The old Darwin road once ran through the lagoon disappearing at what now is the central boat ramp for the town. For anyone interested in bird watching, there is a large variety of birds to be seen around the water's edge.
Historical Society Walk
The walk trail was developed by the Kununurra Historical Society (Inc) to provide an historical overview of the town and give visitors an opportunity to view the local bird life. The booklet describing the trail can be purchased from the Kununurra Tourist Bureau.
Kununurra Historical Society
The Museum is situated in Coolibah Drive across from the Picture Gardens complex. The museum is a must for anyone interested in the area's colourful beginnings with many artifacts and photos on display.
The Picture Gardens
Have a night out at Kununurra's open air movie theatre in Coolibah Drive during the dry season. Drive in or walk in - it's up to you. Enjoy a night under the stars reliving your old Drive-In days or finding out what they were all about.
Elephant Rock/Sleeping Buddha
Large rock formation on the edge of town, officially known as Carlton Ridge but nicknamed locally with the above names. To look at it as Sleeping Buddha from the side, the best view is from Celebrity Tree Park in town. Looking at it from one end it resembles an elephant's head and this can be seen from Packsaddle Road or by travelling on the upper Ord River towards Lake Argyle.
Valentine Springs/Middle Springs/Black Rock Pool
During the wet season after heavy rains, these areas show off their brilliant waterfalls making for excellent swimming and picnic spots. Access is by 4WD, taking the turn off about 10km out of Kununurra, on the highway to Wyndham. Caution if creeks are flowing after rain. This road may be closed during the wet season.
for more information contact
KUNUNURRA VISITOR CENTRE
PO Box 446 Kununurra 6743
Phone: +61 8 9168 1177
Fax: +61 8 9168 2598
Email: info@visitkununurra.com
Website: www.visitkununurra.com
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is for use as a guide only.
If you are planning to undertake this trip YOU MUST SEEK OUT other authoritative advice and information - eg visitor centres
Outback travel can be a very exciting adventure but it also can be very hazardous especially off road and in remote and isolated areas.
Your Outback trip should only be undertaken after lengthy and careful planning, plus having plenty of water, fuel, food, working communication devices etc
Understand the distances between fuel stops by ringing ahead and checking with the roadhouses, cattle stations and visitor centres - that what you want is at the next stop.
NEVER ASSUME!
Understand what is the best time of year to travel and what is not, understand your vehicle and its capabilities and how to repair it plus have spare tyres (Min 2 extra)
The owners of this website shall not be held responsible for any damage, injury or death that you may experience during any trip on or off The Gibb River Road
You are responsible for your own actions.
Enjoy...
The Gibb River Road - Australia
PO Box 5001
Bedford West, WA 6052
ph: 0416147776
anthony