New direct flights make exploring the Kimberley easier

One of the world's last true wilderness areas – the Kimberley region of Western Australia - is now easier to explore thanks to new direct flights between Melbourne and Kununurra, which are now on sale and begin operating in May 2020.

Complementing the existing direct flight services from the east coast of Australia to Broome in the west Kimberley, the new flights direct to Kununurra mean that travellers now have more options as to where they start and end their Kimberley adventure.

Now easily accessible for a long weekend – Kununurra is located in the east Kimberley on the doorstep of bucket list natural wonders such as the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, the waterways of the mighty Ord River and Lake Argyle (the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere), and the waterfalls, gorges and epic landscapes of El Questro.

Known as 'big water' in the local Aboriginal language, Kununurra is rich in Aboriginal culture. Visit Waringarri Aboriginal Arts to experience country and culture through local art or take an authentic tour and discover the region through the eyes of an Aboriginal elder. See (or buy) the rare Argyle pink diamond at Kimberley Fine Diamonds from the world-renowned Argyle diamond mine, and watch the master jewellers at work. Make sure to stop by WA's oldest continuously operating still, the Hoochery Distillery, or take home a beautifully crafted piece of 600-million-year-old Zebra Rock.

Kununurra is also the perfect base from which to explore the greater Kimberley region on an epic road trip. The 660-kilometre Gibb River Road – which runs from Derby in the west Kimberley (near Broome) to Kununurra - is one of Australia's most iconic 4WD trails through ancient gorge and waterfall country, pockets of rainforest and cattle stations. Camp overnight under the stars, stay at one of the region's unique glamping accommodations or indulge at El Questro Homestead or the Grass Castles at Home Valley Station.

From Derby or Broome take a flight, then jet boat through the unique natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in the Buccaneer Archipelago. The tropical pearling town of Broome – where the outback meets the ocean - is a unique meld of cultures and cuisines. Famous for the white sands and aquamarine waters of Cable Beach, stunning sunsets, red rock cliffs, and dinosaur footprints, there's also plenty of boutique accommodation for a resort holiday.

Travellers wishing to extend their Kimberley road trip adventure can return to Kununurra from Broome along the Great Northern Highway, or fly direct to Kununurra, or through to WA's flourishing capital city of Perth.

Broome and Kununurra are also the perfect starting points for a Kimberley cruisingadventure to remote waterfalls and coastal retreats.

The new Melbourne to Kununurra flights will run three days a week - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays - between May and August 2020. Economy tickets on the Melbourne to Kununurra service are priced from as low as $399 one-way all inclusive, with business class seats also available. Tickets are now on sale through the Virgin Australia website, or can be purchased through a travel agent.

Travellers on the eastern seaboard can also access the Kimberley via Broome, with Qantas offering direct seasonal services from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Darwin, or via Perth.

For more inspiration and information to help you plan your epic Kimberley adventure, visit www.westernaustralia.com.

Top ten things to do in the Kimberley:

1. Discover the region's stunning natural beauty and unique attractions such as the unique beehive dome formations of the Bungle Bungle Range in the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park - believed to be 350 million years in the making, Australia's only Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay, and the 1,000 rocky islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.
2. Cruise the extraordinary Lake Argyle – the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere - and the mighty Ord River; both home to freshwater crocodiles, fish, rock wallabies and over 250 species of birds.
3. Travel the Kimberley's iconic Gibb River Road, one of Australia's classic four-wheel-drive adventures. Spanning 660 kilometres from Kununurra to Derby, the epic drive cuts through some of the most rugged country on earth and provides access to waterfalls, stunning red gorges, as well as El Questro and Home Valley Station.
4. The Kimberley is one of the best destinations in Australia to have an authentic Aboriginal experience. Visitors can take guided tours and discover ancient rock art, go mud crabbing and spear fishing, try local bush tucker, and hear Dreamtime stories, and visit local art galleries such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts centre in Kununurra.
5. Just a short drive from Kununurra town, explore the 'mini-Bungles' of the Mirima National Park, climb Kelly's Knob lookout for 360 degree views of Kununurra, or visit local attractions such as Ivanhoe Crossing and WA's oldest continuously operating still, the Hoochery Distillery.
6. Experience the ultimate fishing adventure along the many lakes, rivers and creeks in the region. Hire a boat, fish from the land or join a tour and attempt to catch a prized Barramundi. Looking for a true adventure experience? Join a heli-fishing tour to access some of the region's most remote fishing spots.
7. Visit the tropical pearling town of Broome, where the outback meets the ocean. A unique meld of cultures and cuisines, visitors will find themselves stepping into 'Broome-time' – the name locals give to the relaxed and laidback feeling of the town. Famous for its pristine white sands, aquamarine waters and red pindan cliffs, a trip to Broome isn't complete without a camel ride along the iconic Cable Beach whilst watching an Indian Ocean sunset.
8. Discover the famous gems of the region, home to the world-renowned Kimberley diamonds – including the rare and sought-after pink diamond – and the Australian South Sea pearl. Visit the pearl showrooms lining the streets of Chinatown in Broome, or learn about the famous pearling industry on a pearl farm tour to Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay. In Kununurra, visitors can step inside Kimberley Fine Diamonds to marvel at the incredible natural gem stones, and the master jewellers at work.
9. Take in the wonders of the Kimberley coastline on a Kimberley cruising adventure. Visit remote waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes, view Aboriginal rock art, picnic on white sandy beaches, spot giant boab trees and local wildlife, whilst learning about the region's amazing geology.
10. To experience the culture of the Kimberley, time your visit with one the region's annual events such as the multi-award-winning Ord Valley Muster, the Lake Argyle Swim, Shinju Matsuri Festival, Taste of Broome and the Broome racing season.

Website: www.westernaustralia.com