Kununurra

Western Australia

Welcome to Kununurra, Western Australia

Experience life in the East Kimberley, where a close-knit regional community, spectacular landscapes and an outdoor lifestyle create a distinctive place to live and work.

1. About Kununurra

Located in the East Kimberley region of northern Western Australia, Kununurra is the main service centre for the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. The town was established in the early 1960s to support the Ord Irrigation Scheme and today has a population of approximately 7,000.

Kununurra supports a diverse regional economy including agriculture, horticulture, tourism, construction, government services and resources-related industries. Despite its remote location, the town provides essential healthcare, education, shopping, sporting and community facilities for residents and surrounding communities.

Kununurra is also the eastern gateway to the Kimberley and is surrounded by some of Australia’s most distinctive landscapes.

2. Climate

Kununurra has a tropical climate characterised by a wet season and dry season. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, with summer bringing high humidity and significant rainfall.

Season – Typical temperature range
Summer (Dec–Feb) 25°C to 36°C
Autumn (Mar–May) 18°C to 35°C
Winter (Jun–Aug) 15°C to 33°C
Spring (Sep–Nov) 20°C to 39°C

The wet season generally occurs between November and April, bringing thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The dry season offers warm days, cooler evenings and very little rainfall. Residents should also be aware of severe weather and potential flooding during the wet season.

3. Finding a home

Housing in Kununurra primarily consists of detached houses, duplexes, townhouses and a smaller selection of apartments and units.

As an indicative guide, relocating employees may encounter weekly rents of approximately:

2-bedroom apartment or unit: AUD450–650 per week
3-bedroom house: AUD650–900 per week

Kununurra has a relatively small rental market, so availability and prices can change significantly according to demand. Starting your accommodation search well before relocating is recommended. Some employers may also provide company accommodation or rental assistance.

4. Healthcare

Kununurra District Hospital is the primary public hospital serving the town and surrounding East Kimberley communities.

Services include:

24-hour emergency care
Inpatient and outpatient care
Obstetrics
Medical imaging and pathology
Mental health and drug services
Dental services
Allied health
Community health
Palliative care
Visiting specialist services

Visiting specialists provide services including cardiology, dermatology, general medicine, general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, paediatrics and renal medicine.

Kununurra also has primary healthcare and community health services. Patients requiring highly specialised treatment may need to travel to a larger regional centre or Perth.

5. Schooling options for children

Families relocating to Kununurra have access to government and non-government education.

Schooling options include:

Kununurra District High School
East Kimberley College
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Early childhood education, childcare and kindergarten services are also available within the community.

Families should check current enrolment requirements, year levels and local intake areas directly with individual schools or the WA Department of Education before selecting accommodation.

6. Getting around Kununurra

Kununurra is a relatively compact town, but public transport is limited compared with larger regional centres.

Public transport

There is no extensive metropolitan-style public transport network, so residents generally rely on private vehicles, taxis and other local transport services.

Private vehicle

A private vehicle is the most practical option for commuting, shopping, school drop-offs and exploring the surrounding region. A four-wheel drive may be useful for residents planning to regularly visit more remote destinations, particularly where roads are unsealed.

Road conditions can change considerably during the Wet Season, so residents should check official road and weather information before regional trips.

Kununurra Airport provides scheduled flights connecting the East Kimberley with other Australian destinations.

7. Utilities and telecommunications

Kununurra has essential utilities and telecommunications infrastructure to support residents and businesses.

Utilities

Electricity is provided through Horizon Power’s regional electricity network.
Water and wastewater services are provided through Western Australia’s regional water infrastructure.
Waste and recycling services are managed by the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley.

Internet and mobile

NBN internet services are available in Kununurra, while mobile telecommunications services operate throughout the township. Coverage can become limited when travelling into remote areas of the Kimberley, so checking your provider’s coverage before travelling is recommended.

Online shopping and freight deliveries may also take longer than in metropolitan areas.

8. Lifestyle and things to Do in Kununurra

Kununurra offers an outdoor-focused lifestyle surrounded by dramatic landscapes, waterways and national parks.

Popular attractions and activities include:

Lake Kununurra, popular for boating, kayaking, fishing and waterside recreation.
Lake Argyle, one of Australia’s largest freshwater reservoirs and a popular destination for boating, swimming and wildlife experiences.
Mirima National Park, located close to town and featuring walking trails through distinctive sandstone formations.
Kelly’s Knob, offering panoramic views over Kununurra and the surrounding landscape.
Ivanhoe Crossing, a well-known local landmark across the Ord River.
Local parks and recreation facilities, providing opportunities for sport, fitness and family activities.

Kununurra also has a strong calendar of community events. The wider Shire hosts events including the Ord Valley Muster, Kununurra Agricultural Show, Lake Argyle Swim, Kununurra Rodeo and Kimberley Writers Festival.

For employees and families relocating from a major city, Kununurra offers a very different pace of life. Its combination of essential regional services, strong community connections and extraordinary access to the Kimberley’s natural environment makes it a unique place to call home.