In the heart of the rugged land, the Miriwoong Aboriginal people thrived, their language echoing through the untouched wilderness long before the arrival of Europeans. Alexander Forrest's pioneering spirit led him to the untamed expanse of Kununurra in 1879. His exploration unveiled nature's wonders, christening landmarks like the Kimberley, the Margaret and Ord Rivers, and the King Leopold Ranges.

By 1883, Alexander Forrest's role expanded beyond exploration; he brokered leases over vast swathes, transforming the region's potential. As time passed, whispers of growth circulated. The prospect of cultivating sugar cane in Kununurra gained attention in 1887 but remained a dormant dream.

Amid this anticipation, the Durack family arrived, infusing the land with ambition and possibility. They etched a legacy, establishing the Lissadell, Argyle, Rosewood, and Ivanhoe cattle stations. Ivanhoe became a canvas for bold experimentation, cultivating cash crops in the fertile Ord River valley.

In the mid-20th century, the government's hand touched the landscape with initiatives—an experimental farm birthed on the Ord River in 1941, followed by the establishment of a joint Commonwealth-State Research Station. Here, from 1945 to 1957, crops like rice, safflower, linseed, and sugar cane found fertile ground, testaments to unending exploration.

Then came the groundbreaking era of transformation. The genesis of the irrigation scheme in 1958 brought hope and toil. By 1963, its initial stage stood tall, witnessed by the dignitaries, Prime Minister R. G. Menzies and the royal visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

But challenges loomed; the path to agricultural success on the Ord River plains was paved with setbacks. By 1968, the main Ord River Dam sealed Lake Argyle's fate, laying the foundation for resilience. Yet, it was not until 1972 that the second stage of the irrigation area was completed, marking a turning point. The toils of distance and tropical adversities were gradually conquered.

Today, the land bears the fruits of perseverance—watermelons, mangoes, bananas, rice, and cotton flourish, their journey beyond local borders, finding markets in Southeast Asia. From ancient heritage to modern abundance, Kununurra's story echoes through time, a testament to resilience and the tenacity of exploration.

Attractions

Durack Homestead

The Durack family, who played a significant role in the Kimberley beef industry, built the magnificent Durack Homestead in 1895. The homestead's construction mainly involved handcrafted limestone blocks with crushed termite mounds used as rudimentary mortar. Over the years, the homestead became one of the popular social gathering places in the East Kimberley region.

In the early 1970s, a decision was made to preserve the homestead before the Lake Argyle was filled. This involved dismantling the homestead stone by stone so it could be reconstructed in its original form. Currently, the Historic Durack Homestead Museum is managed by the Kununurra Visitor Centre.

The museum is open to the public every day from April to September and aims to preserve the pioneering spirit of the Kimberley.

Lake Argyle Swim

The Lake Argyle Swim is one of the Kimberley region's most popular community-based sporting events and is among the most favoured freshwater swims in Australia. This event takes place every year on the first Saturday of May.

The swim started gaining recognition in 2006 when six swimmers from Balmoral Beach Club, NSW, decided to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service by taking on the full 60-kilometre crossing of the lake.

Since then, the event has progressively grown, attracting hundreds of participants from all over Australia.

Boat Cruises and Activities

Since the filling of the Lake Argyle Dam in 1973, Lake Argyle tours have been around. Experience an informative journey, sharing the history and development of Lake Argyle and the Ord River Scheme. Get up close and personal with the lake’s resident birdlife, rock wallabies, crocodiles, wallaroos and much much more.

Bushwalking

The remnants of Lake Argyle Village, located just a few metres from the resort entrance, are home to a famous network of bushwalking trails. These trails offer a great opportunity to explore the native flora and fauna of Lake Argyle, the stunning scenery of the local landscape, and the topography of the lake.

There are two easy-to-follow walks that start and end near the resort, and we highly recommend both. While on your walk, keep an eye out for rare bird species native to the area, friendly marsupials, and various native Australian reptiles. They might even be as curious about you as you are about them!

Bird Watching

The Lake Argyle area boasts a diverse range of over 270 bird species, with some being rare or uncommon and can be spotted with relative ease.

Lake Argyle Adventure Race

A two-day annual event that caters to endurance athletes of all levels. Participants can choose to compete alone or in teams as they swim, paddle, run, and mountain bike across the rugged terrain of the remote East Kimberley region.

Fun Facts

Distance from Perth: 2,173 km