East Kimberley: Kununurra, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles
Five dry-season days based on Kununurra: Mirima and the Ord River valley, Lake Argyle, Wyndham's viewpoint over five rivers, then two nights in World Heritage Purnululu, reached by a 4WD track.
- Distance
- 484 km (301 mi)
- Driving
- 5 h 17 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 12
- States
- Western Australia
- Updated
- April 26, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 484 km (301 mi) with 12 stops, from Kununurra to Walardi Campground, Purnululu. About 5 h 17 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Western Australia
Route description
Day 1: use Kununurra, a green oasis of irrigated farmland on the Ord River, as your base. Walk the short trails in Mirima National Park, with banded sandstone domes known as the mini Bungles, and watch sunset from Kelly's Knob. The town has fuel, supermarkets and tour operators, so stock up here for Purnululu; there is no fuel or shop inside the park.
Day 2: drive about 70 km on a sealed road to Lake Argyle, created in 1971 by damming the Ord River and holding roughly 19 times the volume of Sydney Harbour. Take a cruise to see the islands, birds and freshwater crocodiles; the resort's cliff-edge infinity pool is a famous photo stop. Return to Kununurra for the night or camp at the lake.
Day 3: drive about 100 km north on the sealed highway to Wyndham, Western Australia's northernmost town, on Cambridge Gulf. Photograph the Big Crocodile at the entrance, then take the steep road to Five Rivers Lookout on the Bastion Range for views of mudflats where five rivers meet; sunset is best. Estuary water holds saltwater crocodiles, so do not swim or stand at the edge.
Days 4 and 5: drive about 250 km south on the Great Northern Highway to the Purnululu turn-off, then 53 km of rough, creek-crossing track, 1.5 to 3 hours, suitable for high-clearance 4WD only. Camp at Walardi and walk the Domes, Cathedral Gorge and, in the north, Echidna Chasm. The park is open only in the dry season, roughly April to November; carry fuel for at least 300 km.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Kununurra
Western Australia - 23 km
Kelly's Knob Lookout
ViewsKununurra, Western AustraliaA hilltop lookout above Kununurra with 360-degree views over the town, the irrigated Ord River farmland and the ranges beyond. Popular at sunrise or sunset. A short drive from the town centre, with a sealed road most of the way.
- 32 km
Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley)
NatureKununurra, Western AustraliaA small park at the edge of Kununurra with banded sandstone domes and gorges that resemble the Bungle Bungles, often called the mini Bungles. Short walks and lookouts make it a good half-day, and it suits visitors without a 4WD.
- 446 km
Lake Argyle and Ord River Dam
NatureKununurra, Western AustraliaA vast reservoir of the Ord River, completed in 1971, holding roughly 19 times the volume of Sydney Harbour and dotted with hilltop islands. Cruises show birdlife and freshwater crocodiles. About 70 km from Kununurra by sealed road; the lake is best seen from the water.
- 52 km
Lake Argyle Resort and infinity pool
StaysKununurra, Western AustraliaA caravan park and lodge perched above the lake, known for its cliff-edge infinity pool that seems to merge with the water below. It is also a base for sunset cruises and the Durack family's relocated Argyle Downs homestead museum nearby.
- 6116 km
Wyndham
Western Australia - 72 km
Five Rivers Lookout, Wyndham
ViewsWyndham, Western AustraliaFrom the top of the Bastion Range, a sweeping view over Cambridge Gulf, mudflats and the meeting of five rivers: the Ord, Pentecost, King, Durack and Forrest. The road up is steep and winding. Best at sunset when the mudflats glow.
- 82 km
Big Crocodile, Wyndham
OdditiesWyndham, Western AustraliaA giant crocodile sculpture greets visitors at the entrance to Wyndham, Western Australia's northernmost town, a fun roadside photo stop. The real thing lives in the Cambridge Gulf rivers, so stay out of tidal water and away from banks.
- 9272 km
Domes Walk, Purnululu
ViewsKununurra, Western AustraliaA short, easy loop of about 1 km among the beehive-shaped sandstone domes that give the Bungle Bungles their look. The orange-and-black bands come from iron oxide and cyanobacteria. Climbing on the domes is prohibited because the rock is fragile.
- 101 km
Cathedral Gorge, Purnululu
NatureKununurra, Western AustraliaA huge amphitheatre of banded orange and grey rock in the Bungle Bungle Range, with a pool at its base and remarkable acoustics. A walk of about 3 km return from Piccaninny car park. Go early; the track is exposed and hot by midday.
- 1120 km
Echidna Chasm, Purnululu
NatureKununurra, Western AustraliaA narrow slot of orange rock in the north of the park, a few metres wide and 200 m high, lined with Livistona palms. Light reaches the floor around midday, the best time to visit. The walk is about 2 km return, and the northern section is a long drive from the southern domes.
- 1219 km
Walardi Campground, Purnululu
CampingKununurra, Western AustraliaA park campground in the southern part of Purnululu National Park, near the domes and Piccaninny Creek walks. Facilities are basic and there is no fuel or shop in the park. Book ahead in the dry season and bring all water, fuel and food.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Kununurra → Lake Argyle Resort and infinity pool · 53 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Kelly's Knob Lookout, Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley), Lake Argyle and Ord River Dam.
- Day 2: Lake Argyle Resort and infinity pool → Big Crocodile, Wyndham · 120 km · 1 h 18 minOn the way: Wyndham, Five Rivers Lookout, Wyndham.
- Day 3: Big Crocodile, Wyndham → Domes Walk, Purnululu · 272 km · 2 h 58 min
- Day 4: Domes Walk, Purnululu → Cathedral Gorge, Purnululu · 1 km · 0 h 01 min
- Day 5: Cathedral Gorge, Purnululu → Walardi Campground, Purnululu · 39 km · 0 h 25 minOn the way: Echidna Chasm, Purnululu.Overnight at the campsite itself.
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually July. Hot in August–June. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is East Kimberley: Kununurra, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles?
5-day road trip of about 484 km (301 mi) with 12 stops, from Kununurra to Walardi Campground, Purnululu. About 5 h 17 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for East Kimberley: Kununurra, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles?
We suggest 5 days: about 5 h 17 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does East Kimberley: Kununurra, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles start and end?
It starts in Kununurra and ends in Walardi Campground, Purnululu.
Which states does East Kimberley: Kununurra, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles pass through?
Western Australia.
When is the best time for East Kimberley: Kununurra, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually July. Hot in August–June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
