Kununurra & Ord River: Fast-Boat Cruise with Riverside Lunch

Summary

Fast-boat adventure on the Ord River with lunch and museum stop

You’ll race along the Ord River by fast-boat from Kununurra, spot wild birds and crocs with a local guide, enjoy a riverside buffet lunch, and explore Argyle Downs Homestead Museum before heading back by road. Expect moments of laughter, quiet river stretches, and stories that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to skim across the Ord River with nothing but red cliffs and that big Kimberley sky above you? That’s how our day started in Kununurra — well, after a quick hotel pickup (the driver knew everyone by name, which made me smile). The boat was waiting at the marina, sun already hot enough that I regretted my black t-shirt. Our guide, Dave, handed out cold water bottles and pointed out a jabiru wading near the reeds. I didn’t expect to see so many birds this early — or to feel that slap of river air on my face as we sped up.

There’s something about moving fast over water that makes you forget everything else. The gorge walls came close, then opened wide again; sometimes you’d catch a whiff of eucalyptus or something sweet I couldn’t place. Dave slowed down for a freshwater crocodile — “don’t worry, they’re shy,” he grinned — and told us stories about old cattle drives along these banks. At one point I tried to pronounce ‘Kununurra’ properly and Li (from Perth) laughed so hard she almost dropped her hat. The main keyword here is definitely Ord River cruise experience — but honestly, it felt more like being let in on a local secret than any ‘tour’ I’ve done before.

Lunch was set up right by the water: cold meats, fresh salads, bread rolls still soft in the middle. I sat next to an older couple from Broome who’d done this day trip from Kununurra three times (“never gets old,” they said). After eating way too much watermelon, we wandered through Argyle Downs Homestead Museum. It’s quiet inside — just creaky floorboards and photos of sunburnt pioneers staring back at you. On the drive back toward town, I kept thinking about how blue the river looked against those ochre rocks. So yeah… if you’re after something loud or flashy this isn’t it. But if you want real space to breathe (and maybe hear your own thoughts for once), this is your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ord River cruise and riverside lunch

• Collect from accommodation at 9am
• Board boat at the Marina
• Set out on Ord River journey
• Enjoy cruising on Lake Kununurra
• Experience scenic gorge and wildlife
• Have riverside lunch during cruise
• Return drive to Kununurra

Top questions

What time does the Ord River cruise start?

The tour includes pickup from your accommodation at 9am before boarding at the marina.

Is lunch included on this Ord River cruise experience?

Yes, a buffet-style lunch with cold meats and fresh salads is included during the tour.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Kununurra?

Yes, hotel pickup from Kununurra accommodation is included in your booking.

Is there a stop at Argyle Downs Homestead Museum?

Yes, entry to Argyle Downs Homestead Museum is part of the itinerary.

Are infants allowed on the Ord River cruise?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

How physically demanding is this day trip from Kununurra?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Kununurra, a fast-boat cruise along the Ord River between Diversion Dam and Lake Argyle Top Dam, entry to Argyle Downs Homestead Museum, and a buffet-style riverside lunch with cold meats and fresh salads before returning by scenic drive.