The "Other" Lake: 10 Reasons to Put Lake Kununurra First!

Houseboat floating on Lake Kununurra, beside Elephant Rock at the entrance of Emu Creek

We all know Lake Argyle is the famous sibling. It’s big, it’s beautiful, and it gets all the Instagram likes.

But if Argyle is the superstar, Lake Kununurra is the region's true unsung hero—diverse, accessible, and right on our doorstep.

Often confused with its "big brother" upstream, Lake Kununurra is actually the stunning 55km expanse of the Ord River held back by the Diversion Dam (the original Kununurra dam, famously opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1963). Stretching from the base of the Lake Argyle dam wall right into the heart of town, it’s 55km of ever-changing eye candy.

"But can I swim there?" you ask while nervously scanning for scales. Yes! It’s a Crocodile Managed Zone, meaning it’s a freshwater croc haven (the shy ones), making it the ultimate playground for water lovers.

What are your options? So many. Let’s explore…

1. The Marathon Session: Australia’s Longest Daily River Cruise

Triple J on Lake Kununurra

How can a boat ride be exhilarating and relaxing at the same time? From dramatic rock chasms to zen-like wildlife watching, the diversity of this cruise reflects everything the lake offers. This 55km epic extends all the way from Lake Argyle back to the Diversion Dam. With nearly 40 years under their belt, Triple J Tours offers a fantastic Ord River Explorer Cruise that is a total Kimberley "must-do."

2. Be the Captain: Self-Drive BBQ Boat Hire

Self-drive BBQ Boat Pontoons on Lake Kununurra

Go at your own pace and captain your own vessel! The most popular section of the lake is best seen from a Pontoon BBQ Boat. Available for 4, 6, or 8-hour hires from Lake Kununurra Boat Hire, these are basically floating lounge rooms with a grill. No skipper's ticket is required, it’s pet-friendly, and it's the perfect way to enjoy a "Float and Soak" like a local. Special note - you can also hire a dingy if you have a skippers ticket which is perfect for exploring and fishers.

3. The Ultimate Indulgence: A Floating Hotel

Kimberley Spirit Houseboat on Lake Kununurra in Carlton Gorge

If you want to "flop and drop" in style, the Kimberley Spirit Houseboat ‘Nyawoorn’ is your answer. It’s an off-grid luxury hotel that stays on the water. It’s quiet, it’s pristine, and it’s the closest you’ll get to living like a very wealthy (and very dry) mermaid.

4. The "Slow Travel" Moment: Multi-Day Eco-Noe

Go Wild Adventures 'Eco-noe' Tours

If engines aren't your vibe, grab a paddle. Become part of the waterway as you silently glide past turtles and secret waterfalls. Macca at Go Wild Adventure Tours will point you toward the best secluded campsites where the only "noise" is the evening bird chorus. This trip gets phenomenal reviews for a reason.

5. The Silent Assassin: Electric Guided Tours

Small, electric motor boat on Lake Kununurra

For those who want the tour without the vroom-vroom, Steve from Silent Tours runs custom cruises using the only electric, silent outboard on the lake. It’s so quiet you can hear a fish jump from fifty paces. It’s intimate, eco-friendly, and perfect for the nature purist.

6. Dinner with a View: Kununurra Cruises

Sunset with the Diversion Dam Bridge in the background

Why eat on land when you can eat on a boat? The MV Jabiru hosts a Sunset Dinner Cruise that is pure magic. Sip a drink and enjoy canapés before tucking into barramundi or steak as the sky turns that famous Kimberley orange. Book early—this table fills up fast!

7. Keep It Simple: The Swim Beach

Locals at Swim Beach Kununurra, near the swimming tree with a sunset in the background

Sometimes you just want to get your hair wet without the logistics. The Kununurra Swim Beach is family-friendly, has a playground, and is perfect for a DIY BBQ. The area is earmarked for a major civic development soon, so enjoy the "original" charm while you can!

8. History with a Side of Cocktails: The Pumphouse

A Kununurra Sunset Cocktail Special at the Pumphouse

History geeks, unite! The Pumphouse Bar and Restaurant was the original pumping station for the Ord Irrigation Scheme. Once gravity took over the job, it became a world-class venue. Not a history buff? No problem. The cocktails and the view of the resident freshwater croc will keep you plenty entertained.

9. Make a New Best Friend (with a Boat)

Credit to the Kununurra Water Ski Club

Are you an avid waterskier or wakeboarder? Jump onto a local Facebook group! Locals are a friendly bunch, and if you offer to chip in for a tank of fuel, you’ll likely find a spot on the back of a boat. We hear a tank of fuel goes a long way in making new mates.

10. The Scenic Backdrop: Races, Rodeos, and Golf

You don’t even have to be on the water to enjoy it. The Lake Kununurra Golf Club offers views that might distract you from your swing, while the Kununurra Races (August) and Rodeo (May & August) use the lake as the ultimate backdrop for some high-energy fun.

For avid hikers, the walk-up Elephant Rock (Sleeping Buddha) on sunrise is another beautiful way to enjoy Lake Kununurra

Where to Stay?

The Waterfront Cabins at Kimberleyland in Kununurra

Of course, we recommend our own waterfront spots—our Deluxe Waterfront Studio Cabins (the only uninterrupted waterfront accommodation in Kununurra) and Two-Bedroom Waterview Cabins offer front-row seats to the magic.

Camping? We've got you covered with our Waterfront Sites.

Not just the Lake - check out other things to do in and around Kununurra and explore when the best time to visit is!

The Kimberley is calling—make sure you spend some time with our favorite unsung hero!