🔍

Kununurra

WA 6743 • Rest of WA

5,494
Population (2021)
$108,732
Median Household Income
2175.06 km²
Area
$266/wk
Median Rent
RemoteTropicalKimberleyTourismIndigenous Culture

About Kununurra

Kununurra is a remote tropical town in the far north-east of Western Australia, situated in the Kimberley region approximately 3,040 kilometres from Perth and 45 kilometres from the Northern Territory border. It is the largest town in Western Australia north of Broome, with a population of around 5,494 residents in the 2021 census. Established in 1961 to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, the town sits on the traditional lands of the Miriwoong Aboriginal people and is governed by the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley.

Kununurra is a well-serviced outback hub with a hospital, leisure and aquatic centre, schools, retail outlets, and regular air connections to Perth and Darwin. The town is surrounded by spectacular Kimberley scenery including waterfalls, gorges, ranges and the iconic Lake Argyle. The economy is driven by agriculture on the Ord River Irrigation Area, tourism and mining, attracting workers, adventurers and grey nomads from across Australia. The town has a strong Aboriginal cultural presence, and local galleries showcase the vibrant art traditions of the Miriwoong and neighbouring peoples.

Kununurra falls under postcode 6743 and is governed by Wyndham-East Kimberley Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kimberley electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Western Australia Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6743
Urban Area
Kununurra exc. Town Camps
LGA / Council
Wyndham-East Kimberley
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Kimberley
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-15.58°, 128.83°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
2175.06 km²
Elevation
47m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$266
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,019
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
33 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
21.4%

268 state housing + 76 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia — Darwin / Broome / Perth (via highway) Darwin approx 12 hrs; Broome approx 10 hrs

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
3040 km
By Bus
Greyhound coach to Perth (approx 36–40 hrs via Great Northern Hwy)
By Car (Peak)
Approx 30–32 hrs drive to Perth
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 28–30 hrs drive to Perth

🛣️ Kununurra Airport has regular flights to Perth (approx 3 hrs) and Darwin (approx 1.5 hrs). Wyndham (100 km) is the nearest town. Darwin is far more accessible at 834 km away.

Walkability Car Dependent

A remote outback town where car travel is essential. The town centre has walkable amenities for daily needs, but travel beyond town requires a vehicle or air travel.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Konkerberry Drive Kununurra 6743 WA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,308
Census 2021
5,494
▲ 3.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$50,440
Personal Income 2021
$59,956
▲ 18.9% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$59,956 / yr
$1153/wk
Household
$108,732 / yr
$2091/wk
Family
$122,928 / yr
$2364/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,686
Born Overseas 810

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 176
  • 2. New Zealand 87
  • 3. Philippines 39
  • 4. India 35
  • 5. France 32
  • 6. Germany 31
  • 7. South Africa 29
  • 8. Ireland 24
  • 9. Vietnam 19
  • 10. Taiwan 18

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,557
English 1,528
Australian Aboriginal 1,270
Irish 421
Scottish 348
German 173
Italian 130
Dutch 85
Chinese 77
Filipino 61

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,987
Both parents born in Australia
977
Both parents born overseas
508
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.6%
Christianity
32.3%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.4%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
406 (7.4%)
5-14 years
856 (15.6%)
15-19 years
267 (4.9%)
20-24 years
318 (5.8%)
25-34 years
1,010 (18.4%)
35-44 years
795 (14.5%)
45-54 years
778 (14.2%)
55-64 years
661 (12.0%)
65-74 years
291 (5.3%)
75-84 years
92 (1.7%)
85+ years
21 (0.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kununurra known for? +

Kununurra is the East Kimberley's main service centre, famous as the gateway to Purnululu National Park with the extraordinary Bungle Bungle domes, the massive Lake Argyle, the Gibb River Road, and the Ord River Irrigation Area. The town is also known for Kununurra diamonds.

How far is Kununurra from Perth? +

Kununurra is approximately 3,200 kilometres north-east of Perth. Daily flights take approximately 3 hours to Perth. The drive takes 32+ hours.

Does Kununurra have public transport? +

Kununurra has limited local transport. Kununurra Airport provides regular flights to Perth, Broome, and Darwin. A car is essential for the Kimberley.

What is the population of Kununurra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kununurra has a population of approximately 5,494 residents, the main East Kimberley service centre and tourism hub.

Is Kununurra a good place to live? +

Kununurra offers an extraordinary lifestyle in the East Kimberley, with Purnululu National Park, Lake Argyle, Gibb River Road adventures, and the Ord Valley's tropical agriculture. It suits those working in tourism, agriculture, mining, or government services who value remote extraordinary living.

What is the postcode for Kununurra? +

The postcode for Kununurra is 6743.

What is the average income in Kununurra? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Kununurra is about $1,153 per week (around $60,000 per year). The median household income is $2,091 per week and the median family income is $2,364 per week.

What is the age profile of Kununurra? +

The median age in Kununurra is 33. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,010 residents, around 18%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 7% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Kununurra? +

In Kununurra, the median weekly rent is $266, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,019 (2021 Census).