Kununurra, Wyndham and the East Kimberley

The East Kimberley is situated in the far north region of Western Australia. Covering an area in excess of 423,000km², it is 3 times the size of England and is truly a wilderness area, commonly known as “The Last Frontier”.

We are blessed with an abundance of natural wonders in this region including Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley), Kelly’s Knob (Kununurra’s highest point), Elephant Rock (Sleeping Buddha), Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) as well as man made features such as Lake Argyle and the Gibb River Road.

Kununurra is the gateway to the East Kimberley. It is located at the eastern side of the Kimberley Region in the heart of the Kimberley Ranges. It is approximately 820km from its closest capital city, Darwin, and 3,100km from its states capital, Perth. 

Its name comes from the Miriwoong word “Gunanurang” meaning “Big River”. Kununurra was formed in the early 1960’s to service the construction of the Ord Irrigation Scheme and since that time has grown into the beautiful town it is today. The scheme introduced the Ord River, Diversion Dam and Lake Argyle being Australia's largest body of freshwater covering over 900km² at normal full supply level with a flood capacity in excess of 2000km².

Housing a population of approximately 7,000 Kununurra is run by massive agriculture, tourism and mining industries, with tourism bringing a whopping estimated 80,000 visitors to the region annually. The Argyle Diamond Mine is one of the worlds largest suppliers of diamonds in the world and is located only 120km by road from Kununurra. Agricultural products produced in the area include mangoes, melons, beans, peas, bananas and a range of emerging tree crops such as lemons, limes, grapefruit and sandalwood.

With all this Kununurra is still expected to experience a strong population growth in the next few years especially with the three-fold expansion of the Ord River Irrigation Area allowing plans go ahead with Ord Stage 2.

Real estate has appreciated very impressively over the last 5 years with value of sales still rising and most of the population being young couples and young families looking to settle. Rental demands are high with approximately half of properties in Kununurra being rented. Due to this strong rental demand the investment is cash positive.

Lake Argyle is situated 70km from the town and was built by the damming of the mighty Ord River in 1972. It has become a major tourist attraction and become home to almost a third of the Australian bird species. It is the largest fresh water storage reservoir in Australia and supports a hydro scheme which supplies power to Argyle Diamond Mine, Kununurra and Wyndham. Many of the local residents revel in it’s stunning scenery and waterways being the perfect venue for boating, recreation and fun. The idyllic tropical weather compliments such an outdoor lifestyle.

Wyndham is a small town situated 100km northwest of Kununurra, boasting extensive history of the early pioneers and their expeditions. It is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landforms, rivers and wetlands in the Kimberley. It is also well known as one of the best scenic lookouts in Australia, “The Bastion” or commonly referred to as “Five Rivers’ Lookout”, home of the exquisite Bicentennial Dreamtime Statues and home to the historical Wyndham Port. Wyndham presents a true frontier town.

Kununurra and the East Kimberley is home to the award winning “Ord Valley Muster”. Which is held Annually in May. The area is rich with outdoor adventure, lifestyle, industry, art, cultural, historical, sporting and competitive activities. Some of these activities throughout the year include:

• Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience Concert 
  (Previous performing artists include Wendy Matthews, Richard Clapton & John Farnham)
• Dam to Dam Dinghy Dash
• Kimberley Writers’ Festival
• Rodeos & Camp Drafts
• 4WD Adventure Bash
• Lake Argyle Swim

The East Kimberley is a region full of investment opportunities. It’s unprecedented growth in mining, agriculture and tourism has created a thriving region with many exciting opportunities. The projected growth for this region is escalating at a significantly rapid rate. Many new young families are moving to the area which is creating  communities with new infrastructure within the towns, which in turn creates positive employment and investment opportunities.

So whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, fisherman or love the outdoors with a relaxed small town lifestyle, Kununurra and the East Kimberley is calling you. Everyone at East Kimberley Real Estate is passionate about their work and their love of Kununurra, Wyndham and the region. If you have any queries regarding real estate in Kununurra including any of the properties you see on our website please do not hesitate to contact our friendly professional team today.