Family Friendly Things to Do in Kununurra
- Feb 26
- 9 min read
Years ago I met a family who were doing “The Great Lap of Australia”, chatting away to the family I curiously asked the young girl, who was probably about eight years old;
“Tell me – of all the places you’ve seen around Australia and all the things you’ve done – what’s been the BEST thing about it?"
The girl’s eyebrows burrowed in concentration and she considered this question carefully, in the meantime I noticed her Dad had taken a great interest in my line of questioning and leaned in to hear his daughter’s response. Her eyes sparkled and grew big, her chest filled with excited air as she burst out with “The Pool at the Caravan Park!”. Her poor father who probably spent years preparing for this trip…. Let out a disappointed sigh and slumped his shoulders.
Now I’m certain that young girl is now a young adult and I’m sure she doesn’t look back at that year of adventure and recall that Caravan Park pool in question however there is a lesson in there.
That sometimes children take the greatest joy in the experiences less than obvious.
Now what does this have to do with Families visiting Kununurra?
We can offer some of those simple, informal yet remarkable, low-cost and memorable experiences. Let's explore.
1. Croc spotting “in the wild”
Spotting a crocodile is a firm favourite with many of our family guests and there’s a few decent options to choose from.
One of these what we call the ‘Cocktails and Crocodiles’ option – make a reservation at the historic The Pumphouse Kununurra and head on down at sunset. We recommend you bring some stale bread down with you to throw over the balcony. Not only can Mum relax with a mango-infused tropical cocktail, the children can enjoy seeing the catfish feast off the bread. It won’t take long before the resident Freshwater Crocodile “Luigi” makes an appearance. He’s pretty reliable and comes out most nights.
Gummy – this crocodile is one of the most famous in the top end. At Kimberleyland our “Insta-Famous” resident crocodile is called ‘Gummy’ for his toothless grin.
He draws a crowd most nights but sometimes he shies away when kids do silly things like throw rocks at him.
There’s also a resident crocodile at the Discovery Lake Kununurra Caravan Park and his name is George. George Luigi to be precise.
You may even be as lucky as this Gold Coast Family and spot a Croc in the local Playground Park.
You can also see a croc from a boat – but more on that later.
2. Explore an Aboriginal Painting cave.
No, you don’t have to trek for an hour or fret over permission to be there. These well preserved and extremely accessible cave paintings can be seen on your way in or out of Lake Argyle. A mere 100m from the road and a one minute walk from the car, your children will be able to see a animals painted in ochre in the cave. Remember not to touch the paintings. We’ve got the coordinates for you here
3. Feed a Joey
This is a genuine Wildlife Sanctuary run by the amazing Mandy, a woman with a heart of gold. Join her at her home and help her bottle feed the joeys and other wildlife - which can include Ducks, Magpie Geese, an Emu, Eagles, snakes and other animals who need help at the time. Bookings are essential – jump online and book a spot. Places are $20 each (which go towards her costs). Allocate one and a half to two hours here.
4. Keep River National Park
Ok – not quite Kununurra and actually… not quite Western Australia! but just a little over an hour away is the Keep River National Park in the Northern Territory. This is one of the most under-rated natural wonders - it gets overlooked by the Northern Territory because it straddles the WA border and WA don't promote it because it's not "theirs". Don't miss this gem! The 'low-hanging-fruit' in this National Park is a 45-60 minute Goorrandalng Walk and don't skip Ginger's Hill Walk which is a quick mid-way stop - we won't say too much so as not to spoil it. It's a 200m walk - don't skip reading the signs. The landscape is quite similar to the Bungles.
5. A trip to Wyndham.
Wyndham is often overlooked as a destination but it makes a great family day trip from Kununurra. You already know the big pineapple, the big prawn – Wyndham has got The Big Crocodile and it’s what greets you when you arrive in the town.
You can take the family for a walk on the huge floating jetty and take a drive up the Bastion for a phenomenal vista.
There are BBQ facilities up there if you want to pull up for a lunch. Sadly, the long-standing Wyndham Bakery has closed. The Wyndham Oasis is open however - it gets great reviews and they serve up locally caught Barramundi.
Swing by the Wyndham Dream Time Statues and if your children are old enough, The Wyndham Museum is absolutely fascinating - learn all about the Halls Creek Gold Rush, the Pastoral Industry, Pioneers, the lost German aviators, Aboriginal Heritage and Japanese World War Two Bombing (including some aviation wrecks), whole Crocodile skin leathers set in what was the original Police Station of the town, once court-house and now a truly fascinating Museum.
6. A walk through Mirima and a BBQ.
Mirima itself is the most undersong destination around Kununurra. It’s known as the Mini Bungles and is literally on the doorstep of the town. There are four different walks, three of which are very short and easy and a new fourth trail which is 3.5km featuring Aboriginal Art Work and beautiful rock features. Read what Natural Play WA have to say about Mirima!
There are some amazing boab trees in there and just recently BBQ’s and picnic tables were installed.
7. A fish at the Jetty.
While it’s very unlikely you’ll snag a Big Barra there, there’s a few bream and other freshwater fish that can be fished for at the central boat launching facility and jetty at Celebrity Tree Park. We can’t promise you’ll catch yourself a proper feed but the local kids love to throw a hand reel line in at the jetty. Avoid high traffic weekends, especially Sunday afternoons. If you don't have fishing gear you can pop into the Puma Servo for a simple reel and hook anytime.
8. A Cruise on the Ord River/Lake Argyle.
Sometimes the tours around Kununurra can be expensive, heli-flights, Bungles flights, Mitchell Plateau day trips – especially with kids who may or may not enjoy it. We get it.
If there’s any money in your budget for a tour make it a Lake Kununurra tour with Triple J Tours or a Sunset tour on Lake Argyle (where you will see another Freshwater croc). It’s not a pricey as scenic flights and you will not regret it!
9. A trip into El Questro
It’s only a 1-1.5 hour drive out to El Questro from Kununurra and can easily be done as a day trip.
What are the highlights for families? Zebedee is an easy 5 minute walk from the carpark and divine. It can get very busy - I wish we could give you some tips for quiet windows but all we can really offer is to say it's best in the shoulder seasons.
We often get asked “Can my kids manage the Emma Gorge walk?” – every family will be different but don’t underestimate how much your kids will enjoy scrambling up and down rocks. Give yourself about 45 minutes to walk up in there.
One of our best Family-friendly ELQ experiences was doing the Chamberlain Gorge Boat Tour - with Archer Fish feeding. Led by the best ELQ Ranger - Vinnie - on a quiet electric motor boat. The children LOVED this tour.
10. Sunsets at Kelly’s Knob
There’s a couple of options here – the lookout adjacent to the car park or the 15 minute climb up to the very top. Choose your own challenge level but both options make for great sunsets. The sunsets are worth it!
11. Prison Tree Boab
This is a real Boab Prison Tree - unlike the famous Derby Prison Tree which was actually never used as a prison - it has a dark and haunting past. "Hillgrove Police Station" is engraved on it - dating back to the 1890's.
12. Lake Argyle Self Drive BBQ Pontoons, SUPS, Kayaks, Infinity Pools.
Plenty for families to do, if you can’t book into the Lake Argyle Caravan Park you can still purchase a day pass which allows you to take a dip in the famous infinity pool, use the day bbq’s and bathroom facilities. Keen to play on the Lake? Lake Argyle Cruises hire out self-drive BBQ boats, we often see families sharing a boat and splitting the bill. The feedback is terrific. If you’re up for more activity, hire out your own SUP, canoe or kayak.
Not Just Lake Argyle - Lake Kununurra Boat Hire have just launched and have two BBQ self drive Pontoons
13. Molly Springs
Just a 20 minute drive from Kununurra this permanent water hole is a bite size paradise. A super easy walk it, it’s a joyful waterfall to splash in. There is a free BBQ in the carpark along with shade and picnic tables. If you see a Peacock, don't be alarmed - he lives in the neighbouring Aboriginal Community and likes to pop across sometimes.
14. New Kununurra Splash Park!
New and Free! The Kununurra Splash Park is a great place to cool down and hang out - the opening hours are
Splash Park Open
Monday and Friday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 830am - 5pm
Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays 10am - 5pm
Slides Operating
Monday and Friday 230pm - 4pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am - 12pm and 230pm - 4pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am - 12pm and 230pm - 4pm
Kununurra All Abilities Playground
New in November 2025
With thanks to Lottery West, The WA State Government and our local Government - Kununurra has just opened a huge all-abilities playground in Celebrity Tree Park. It's directly across the road from us at Kimberleyland, many locals pop in for a much-deserved coffee and a child-friendly smoothie while they burn off all of that energy we are so envious of. If parents are super keen, there is an outdoor gym next to the playground.
Where to swim?
The Kununurra Public Pool is being redeveloped, it will be the first 50m Pool built in the Kimberley! The completion date at the time of writing (February 2025) will be July 2026 but we know remote building projects are more vulnerable to supply chain blowouts so it's possible it could be later. It is the only public/hirable pool in the town, Wyndham Town Pool is open during limited hours.
If you want to swim in the river, head down to the Swim Beach and sink your toes in the river sand and jump off the jumping tree. There’s a small playground there too. All of the caravan parks in Kununurra have pools.
Where to eat? – Sporties, Hoochery, Gullivers Tavern.
We already mentioned The Pumphouse but consider the local Sports Club as a guest member, there’s a great playground onsite and the sunsets overlooking the sports oval and Kelly’s Knob are beautiful. The prices are good, the atmosphere is very family friendly.
The Hoochery is a great place for a lunch or cake/coffee excursion. This multiple award winning distillery has a great selection of rums, a new whisky and a great collection of gins. There’s a grassed area for energetic kids and a cubby house. Check out their socials for the most up-to-date hours.
Gulliver's Tavern is owned by a local family which of course, makes it the a family-friendly affair. They have a great kids menu. Affectionately known as "Gullies" or "The Tav" - it does the best pub food in Kununurra. They usually serve Lunch and Dinner, Monday to Friday (no weekends)
New to town are the revamped Lily Lagoon Resort and The Cambridge Hotel. Lily Lagoon Resort have a playground.
Special Mention
One of the most joyful experiences in Kununurra is taking the family to the drive-in cinemas. Yes, open air and drive in. It's like stepping back in time. The family entry price is only $40. You're welcome to bring your own food and a quiet, discrete drink. Gates open at 530pm and the children run around the grassed area before the movie kicks off at 6pm. Snuggle under blankets under the bright stars. The picture gardens run regularly during the Dry Season and for up to date screening information can be found on Facebook.
Corellas - as the sun sets in Kununurra the Corellas and their magnificent colours burst out in large (and loud) flocks. The best place for a family to see this is in between the Splash Park and the Kununurra Visitors Centre. If you dine in or wait for takeaway from the local Kimberley Asian Cuisine, they are out the front of their building.
