Kununurra, located in the heart of the East Kimberley, offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia. With its dramatic red cliffs, expansive lakes, and lush wetlands, the region provides endless opportunities for photographers of all skill levels to capture the beauty of the outback. Whether you’re into landscape photography, wildlife shots, or capturing the golden glow of a Kimberley sunset, here’s your guide to the best photography locations and tips for snapping Kununurra’s stunning scenery.

1. Lake Argyle: The Jewel of the Kimberley

Lake Argyle, Australia’s second-largest man-made lake, is a photographer’s dream. With its vast expanse of water framed by red cliffs and islands, it offers a range of compositions at different times of day. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular, as the changing light creates a warm glow over the lake’s surface and highlights the surrounding cliffs. The lake is also home to diverse wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and a variety of bird species, offering opportunities for wildlife photography.

For a unique perspective, take a sunset cruise on the lake to capture the expansive waters and surrounding landscapes. The golden hour light reflecting off the water and cliffs creates stunning, dramatic images.

Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of Lake Argyle and a telephoto lens for wildlife shots. A tripod is essential for those stunning sunset photos.

Location: Lake Argyle Rd, Lake Argyle, WA 6743

Image © Tourism Western Australia

2. Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley)

Just minutes from Kununurra’s town center, Mirima National Park (also known as Hidden Valley) is often compared to the famous Bungle Bungles due to its similar sandstone formations. The park’s towering rock formations, glowing in shades of red and orange, provide the perfect backdrop for landscape photography. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for capturing the warm hues of the rocks.

The park offers several walking trails, with elevated lookouts providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. From these vantage points, you can capture the rugged beauty of the Kimberley while enjoying the tranquility of the park.

Photography tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light. The park’s distinctive rock formations create beautiful shadows and contrasts in the soft light of the golden hour.

Location: Hidden Valley Rd, Kununurra, WA 6743

Image © Tourism Western Australia

3. Ord River: A Photographer’s Paradise

The Ord River is one of Kununurra’s most iconic natural features and provides endless opportunities for photography, from sweeping landscapes to close-ups of wildlife. A boat cruise along the river is one of the best ways to capture its beauty, with the surrounding cliffs, wetlands, and wildlife offering plenty of subjects. Look out for freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and the many species of birds that make the Ord River their home.

For landscape photographers, the river’s tranquil waters and dramatic surroundings create stunning reflections, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. If you’re lucky, you’ll capture the perfect mirrored reflection of the red cliffs on the river’s surface.

Photography tip: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and bring out the rich colors of the landscape. A telephoto lens is great for capturing wildlife along the riverbanks.

Location: Ord River, Kununurra, WA 6743

Image © Tourism Western Australia

4. Kelly’s Knob Lookout: Panoramic Views of Kununurra

For sweeping views of Kununurra and the surrounding landscapes, head to Kelly’s Knob Lookout, a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The lookout offers panoramic views of the Ord River, Lake Kununurra, and the town, making it an ideal spot for capturing the vastness of the region.

Sunset is the best time to visit, as the golden light casts a warm glow over the landscape and the distant ranges, providing a stunning backdrop for landscape photography. The lookout is easily accessible via a short hike, and the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for steady shots at sunset. Don’t forget to stay after the sun dips below the horizon for the soft, pastel hues of the afterglow.

Location: Victoria Hwy, Kununurra, WA 6743

Image © Tourism Western Australia

5. Ivanhoe Crossing: Iconic Kimberley River Crossing

Ivanhoe Crossing, a concrete causeway across the Ord River, is not only a popular spot for fishing but also a fantastic location for photography. The crossing itself, often submerged during the wet season, provides an interesting focal point for photos, especially when combined with the surrounding river scenery. During the dry season, the water levels drop, revealing the crossing and creating opportunities for dramatic shots of vehicles driving through the shallow waters.

Sunset at Ivanhoe Crossing is particularly photogenic, with the warm light reflecting off the river and the surrounding landscape. It’s also a great spot to capture wildlife, including birds and freshwater crocodiles that frequent the area.

Photography tip: Capture the movement of the water by using a slow shutter speed, especially when vehicles are crossing. A tripod is essential for long exposure shots.

Location: Ivanhoe Crossing Rd, Kununurra, WA 6743

Image © Tourism Western Australia

6. Zebra Rock Gallery: Unique Geological Wonders

If you’re interested in capturing something truly unique, a visit to the Zebra Rock Gallery offers the chance to photograph Zebra Rock, a rare type of stone found only in this part of the world. The distinctive striped patterns of the rock make for interesting and abstract photography, particularly in macro shots that highlight the fine details of the stone.

The gallery itself is set on the banks of the Ord River, providing additional opportunities for landscape photography. The serene surroundings and unique geological formations make Zebra Rock Gallery a must-visit for photographers looking to capture something different.

Photography tip: Use a macro lens to focus on the intricate patterns of the Zebra Rock, and experiment with different lighting to enhance the contrast between the stripes.

Location: Packsaddle Rd, Kununurra, WA 6743

7. Lake Kununurra: Wildlife and Waterscapes

Lake Kununurra is another beautiful location for photography, offering tranquil waters, diverse birdlife, and scenic views of the surrounding ranges. Early mornings are ideal for capturing the stillness of the lake, where you can often photograph stunning reflections of the clouds and cliffs on the water’s surface.

The lake is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife photography. You’ll also have the chance to capture wallabies and other animals that frequent the lakeshore. A sunset cruise on the lake offers beautiful opportunities for waterscape photography as the sky transitions into shades of pink, orange, and purple.

Photography tip: Focus on capturing reflections in the calm waters during the early morning or late afternoon. A long lens will help you photograph birds and wildlife from a distance.

Location: Lake Kununurra, WA 6743

8. El Questro Wilderness Park: The Heart of the Kimberley

Just a short drive from Kununurra, El Questro Wilderness Park offers some of the Kimberley’s most iconic landscapes, making it a photographer’s paradise. From the towering red cliffs of Emma Gorge to the lush green valleys of El Questro Gorge, this vast wilderness park is full of incredible scenery waiting to be captured.

For those looking to capture the grandeur of the Kimberley, El Questro’s diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, rivers, and rugged outback scenery, offer endless possibilities. Whether you’re hiking through gorges or taking a helicopter tour for aerial shots, El Questro’s landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for adventure photography.

Photography tip: Bring a variety of lenses, from wide-angle for landscapes to telephoto for wildlife. If you’re capturing waterfalls, a neutral density (ND) filter will help you create smooth, flowing water effects.

Location: Gibb River Rd, El Questro, WA 6743

Image © Tourism Western Australia

Final Thoughts

Kununurra’s stunning landscapes and rich wildlife provide endless opportunities for photographers to capture the beauty of the East Kimberley. Whether you’re shooting the dramatic cliffs of Mirima National Park, the tranquil waters of Lake Argyle, or the reflections along the Ord River, Kununurra’s diverse scenery will inspire you to capture the essence of the Australian outback. With its vibrant sunsets, unique geological formations, and abundant wildlife, Kununurra is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about photography.