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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

15. El Questro 

Located 110 kilometres west of Kununurra, El Questro Wilderness Park encompasses thermal springs, salt flats, deep gorges and rainforests.

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.

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.

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.