Kimberley Western Australia: We hiked, canoed and cruised
Trips from Kununurra
The beautiful town of Kununurra, nestled in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is a perfect base for exploring the area, with hiking trails and canoeing on the Ord River. The stunning Lake Argyle is also within easy reach, less than an hour’s drive away.

Discovery Park, on the shores of stunning Lake Kununurra, was our home for a few days, with our cabin nestled close to the water.

After a long flight, a good walk was just what we needed. We stretched our legs with a late afternoon stroll through Mirima National Park near Kununurra, enjoying the stunning rock formations and breathtaking views.

The Pump House is a popular waterhole and dining spot with a beautiful outdoor setting. It’s just a five-minute walk from our caravan park—the perfect place to enjoy sunset drinks over the Ord River.

We took a detour down a dirt road on our way to Wyndham, exploring Marbul Billabong, Mayiba, Molly Springs, and The Grotto. Sadly, the dry season had left all the billabongs completely dry.

We continued to Wyndham, a small town nestled on the Cambridge Gulf, surrounded by mangrove swamps and mud flats. Once the largest and oldest town in the Kimberley, Wyndham’s population has dwindled to under a thousand, and its six pubs from the gold rush era are now just a memory. The Five Rivers Lookout offers stunning views of the area.

Our drive back from Wyndham took us across the mighty Ord River at the Ivanhoe Crossing, a well-known landmark. It’s a favourite destination for photographers, picnickers, and those trying their luck at barramundi fishing. Crocodiles make swimming here too dangerous.
Keep River National Park
Keep River National Park, located in the Northern Territory about 70 kilometres from Kununurra. The stunning landscape looks like a lusher, miniature version of the Bungle Bungles. The hiking trails wind through sandstone escarpments, ridges, and gorges. The park also has two campgrounds with basic facilities.

Keep River National Park quickly became one of our favourite hiking destinations. The beauty of the place was overwhelming. Everywhere we looked, there was something to admire: the iconic Boab trees, vibrant wattles and grevilleas, and a carpet of wildflowers. We were lucky enough to see kangaroos bounding through the bush, a couple of wallabies, a goanna basking in the sun, and a snake slithering across our path. Exploring the ancient campsites and discovering rock art felt like stepping back in time.

The Cockatoo Lagoon is a beautiful part of Keep River National Park, perfect for a picnic. However, swimming is not allowed due to the presence of both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles.

Later, we took a pleasant walk downstream of Cockatoo Lagoon, where we spotted several “freshies” freshwater crocodiles in the water.
Trip to the Bungle Bungles
The Bungle Bungles, located in Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, are a spectacular geological wonder. These unique, beehive-shaped sandstone domes, with their striking orange and black stripes, were formed over 350 million years by weathering and erosion. In addition to the domes, there are deep gorges and narrow chasms. Due to its remote location, access to the Bungle Bungles can be challenging. The nearest town is Kununurra, which is about 300 kilometres away and the last 50 kilometres are very rough and can take more than 2 hours to get there. The easiest way is to fly in from Kununurra.

We flew with Kingfisher Tours from Kununurra to the Bungle Bungles, and our pilot, Vanessa, was fantastic. At just 20 years old, she handled the flight with confidence and skill, pointing out all the major landmarks along the way. From the air, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Lake Argyle, the diamond mine, and the rugged gorges.

After landing at the Bungle Bungles Airstrip, we went on a guided bus tour through the park’s breathtaking landscapes. We droved through the iconic beehive-shaped domes, past vibrant native flora, and alongside striking rock formations.

From the Piccaninny car park, we wandered through the towering beehive-shaped domes, their striking layers glowing in the sunlight. Our path led us through a narrow passage flanked by towering rock walls, toward the breathtaking Cathedral Gorge.

The Red Rock Amphitheatre at Cathedral Gorge was the perfect spot to pause for a break and lunch. Surrounded by towering rock formations that provided welcome shade. The serene atmosphere made it an ideal place to relax and recharge before continuing our tour.

We were the only passengers on the flight, so it felt like a private adventure, with both the plane and Vanessa, our skilled pilot, all to ourselves. Her expertise and friendly guidance made us feel completely secure as we flew over the landscape. A photo at the Bungle Bungles Airstrip.

Goodbye, magnificent Bungle Bungles. I hope we see you again.

We are soaring above the Ord River, and below us stretches a vibrant patchwork of agricultural fields. The Ord Irrigation Scheme has made it possible to grow tropical fruits, chickpeas, sugarcane, chia seeds, and sandalwood.
Canoeing the Ord River

Our next adventure: a self-guided canoe trip down the Ord River, organized by Go Wild Adventures Eco-Canoeing. Our day began early with a pick-up from our accommodation. During the trip, we had to study a detailed map of the river, familiarizing ourselves with any potential hazards. After a safety briefing, we were equipped with our canoes and all the necessary gear and sent off.

Our canoe trip began near the Argyle Dam outlet, where the fast-moving water of the Ord River carried us downstream, minimizing the need for paddling. This allowed us to fully concentrate on navigating the river’s various natural obstacles and hazards.

The halfway point is Sandy Beach, where we stopped for lunch and had a short rest. While paddling, we focused on navigating the river’s numerous bends and had no opportunity to take photos. There was only one dangerous moment. A speeding tourist boat unexpectedly rounded a bend, creating a surge of large waves that we had to maneuver to avoid capsizing.

The second leg of our canoe trip was a breeze, as the Ord River widened and the rapids disappeared. However, a strong headwind made paddling a real workout.

Finally, we made it to the Pyramid Rock, where Macca, the tour manager, picked us up.

Five hours on the Ord River left us sun-kissed, pleasantly tired, and happy. The only thing missing? A glass of wine or a cold beer for celebration.
The way back

Macca gave us a tour of the stunning surroundings, including the “romantic tents” available for overnight stays. We tried bush tucker, including Green Tree Ants, which had a lemon flavour, along with other indigenous foods. After considering the rustic charm of the tents, we decided that the comfort of a cabin, with hot showers and cozy beds, was the best way to end our day.

After a long day, we’re heading to Kununurra, enjoying the scenic views along the river.

Macca took us to Kununurra at full speed on the Ord River.

.Macca dropped us off at Discovery Park in Kununurra, practically at the doorstep of our cabin – only 20 meters away.
El Questro Emma Gorge Resort

Next up: the amazing El Questro Emma Gorge resort in the Kimberley! Our canvas tent was seriously luxurious – think private bathroom, electricity, a fan, the works. Plus, room service! It was just a quick walk to Emma’s restaurant, the pool, and the Emma Gorge trail, which was perfect.

The hike to Emma Gorge, while taking about an hour each way and featuring some rocky stretches, was well worth the effort. We recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes for the journey. The reward? A swim in the magnificent rock pool at the base of the gorge – so don’t forget your swimmers!

Along the way, there are stunning rock outcrops and crystal-clear pools.

Emma Gorge’s waterfall, reduced to just a trickle due to the dry season, couldn’t dampen our swim in the crystal-clear pool. The real treat, however, was discovering a small thermal spring tucked away in the gorge, its waters a perfect 30 degrees.

We saw a huge green tree snake on the way back—it was two meters long! Luckily, they’re not venomous.

The restaurant was great, but we usually just ate outside our tent. It was so peaceful out there, and even the cane toads came to hang out with us! It was actually quite romantic.
Trips from the resort

Despite the dry season in the Kimberley (May to October), pockets of water remain, to reach them you need a four-wheel drive.

During our trip, we also visited Zebedee Hot Springs. This beautiful location is surrounded by Pandanus and Livistona palms. The water temperature at the springs ranges between 28 and 32 degrees. Day visitors can visit the springs from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily.

Our 9.6-kilometre trek along the Questro Gorge trail began with an easy walk through a lush landscape of palms and ferns, the path gently winding towards a small creek. Beyond, the real challenge began, as the trail became more rugged.

Twice we tried to reach the beautiful swimming hole located roughly halfway up the trail, but each time the swollen creek forced us to turn back.
Travel to Home Valley Station

The drive to Saddleback Ridge lookout from El Questro Station was a thrilling adventure. The steep, narrow track proved challenging even for our 4WD, but the reward was well worth the effort. The panoramic 360-degree view of the Chamberlain River and the vast East Kimberley region was simply breathtaking.

After the El Questro Emma Gorge resort, our next stop was Home Valley Station. A 120km drive from Kununurra along the legendary Gibb River Road. To get there, we had to cross Pentecost River, below the imposing Cockburn Range. This crossing can be challenging, especially during the wet season when the river swells to widths of up to 60 meters.

Home Valley Station, a 249,000-hectare working cattle station and resort, is managed by the Balanggarra Traditional Custodians. They offer a diverse range of accommodations, tours, and activities. In addition, there are beautiful self-guided hiking trails. We enjoyed our stay, particularly the two massive Boab trees that stand guard at the entrance.

We loved hiking through the savannah, dazzled by a silence unlike anything we had ever experienced elsewhere. One such hike was the Bindoola Gorge Trail, a 2- to 3-hour return trek. The trail winds through savannah vegetation, over rocks and sandstone slabs, and ends at a permanent waterhole.

The Cockburn Lookout Trail is a wonderful walk, especially at sunrise or late afternoon. This 1.8 km loop begins near the entrance gate of the Home Valley Station resort. Along the trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Cockburn Range and a fascinating meteorite crater.

The Mount Baldy Lookout Trail is another excellent hike in the area. We loved the 3.6-kilometre return walk, which starts near the entrance gate of the Home Valley Station resort. At the summit, you have spectacular panoramic views of the majestic Cockburn Ranges.
Lake Argyle

Lake Argyle is Australia’s second-largest water reservoir, covering an area of 1,000 square kilometres. We stayed at Lake Argyle Tourist Village for a couple of days. It offers a range of accommodation options, boat tours, and other activities.

The Lake Argyle Tourist Village has an impressive infinity pool. From there, you have a breathtaking view of Lake Argyle and its stunning surrounding landscape.

During our time there, we went on a fantastic four-hour sunset cruise, exploring the serene lakes and hidden bays of Lake Argyle.

Before heading back, we had a refreshing dip in Lake Argyle, followed by a cheese platter and complimentary drinks.

The grand finale: A breathtaking sunset at Lake Argyle. This was the end of our unforgettable Kimberley adventure.
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