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.

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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.

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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)

With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.

And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.

Cable Beach upgrade foreshore redevelopment stage 1 — Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.

The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.

Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.

Morning colours

car on cable beach at sunrise — Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.

When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.

Afternoon adventures

camel train on cable beach in broome at sunset — Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)

When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.

Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.

Evening degustation

server at Cable Beach Club — Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.

While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.

For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.

Beyond the beach

Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.

Unmatched experiences

Shinju Matsuri Festival's popular Long Table Dinner on cable beach — Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.

Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.

And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.

Dining discoveries

Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.

For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.

Natural beauties

Gantheaume Point cabnle beach broome — Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.

Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.

Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

For more on Cable Beach and Australia’s North West, visit australiasnorthwest.com.

Cocoon yourself in nature at these top Kununurra accommodations