Wild orange sunsets, a densely tropical green and the deep blue of an awesome water system - these are the colours of Kununurra that slice through your senses.
Untamed, adventurous, authentic Kununurra is the gateway to some of our state's most remarkable attractions. Spend a week or two here and get a taste for life in the outback and the thunderous power of nature.
A trip to El Questro will quench your thirst for adventure. 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 $12.50 park permit which 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 cooling rock pools, thermal springs and spectacular waterfalls.
It's safe to assume that most of the Aboriginal rock art sites at El Questro remain undiscovered however there are many that are accessible, including examples of Wandjina art at Chamberlain Gorge.
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.
New at El Questro in 2005 is the Mount Cockburn Safari, which is a tailor made two day one night journey to the northern tip of the wilderness park. Circumnavigating the Mount Cockburn ranges, this safari journeys through grassy plains, cattle herds and wetlands alive with birdlife to the comfortable yet simple lodge where rustic cabins afford magnificent views of the ranges and the estuarine tidal waters of West Arm. Mud crabbing and barramundi fishing are the order of the afternoon on arrival.
From El Questro you can take scenic flights to the world heritage listed Purnululu National Park and Bungle Bungle range, or return to Kununurra and book with one of the charter companies. The Bungle Bungle's unusual orange and black beehive structures which rise an incredible 250 metres above the surrounding plain are an awesome sight. 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. Another growing area of sophistication in Kununurra can be seen in the diverse range of art galleries. Red Rock Art specialises in contemporary Aboriginal art of the East Kimberley with artists often at work on site. The gallery showcases Kimberley ochres collected and ground by hand.
Diversion Gallery features fine art by many local artists displayed in an impressive purpose built space, whilst Our Land and Waringarri feature indigenous art works.
Also unique to this area is Zebra Rock, a strangely striped rock that is found nowhere else in the world and makes for interesting sculptures which can be seen and bought from the Zebra Rock Gallery.
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 beauty of these waterways which are alive with wildlife is a must.
Getting to Kununurra is easier than ever with direct flights from Perth which will operate seasonally.