Kununurra, Western Australia, travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights

When the Ord River was dammed in 1971, it created Australia's largest manmade lake, a vast inland sea twenty times the size of Sydney Harbour. Learn more about Lake Argyle, the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and the diverse eco-system it supports on an exhilarating, high-speed boat trip with Triple J Tours. During the 55-kilometre blast from Kununurra to the lake's imposing dam wall, look out for crocs, sea eagles and nimble-footed rock wallabies. See triplejtours.com.au

THE ONE LOOKOUT

It's a thigh-burning climb to the 191-metre-high summit, but the view, particularly at sunset, is worth it. Located on the outskirts of Kununurra, Kelly's Knob (Thegoowiyeng) offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the region. Notable landmarks include Mirima National Park (often referred to as the mini-Bungle Bungles), Lake Kununurra and the Sleeping Buddha rock formation. Less intrepid types can still enjoy the vista from a lower, more accessible lookout near the carpark. See visitkununurra.com

THE ONE SHOP

Although the Argyle diamond mine ceased operations in late 2020, you can still peruse its rare pink gems (plus other hues including yellow, blue and green) at Kimberley Fine Diamonds. The store specialises in bespoke jewellery that can cost half a million dollars, but there are more affordable pieces too, such as the best-selling $10 "pink diamond" key ring (spoiler alert – it's plastic). Look out for inspirational owner Frauke Bolten-Boshammer – she'll be the one in pink. See kimberleyfinediamonds.com.au

THE ONE DISTILLERY

The brainchild of farmer and self-taught distiller Raymond 'Spike' Dessert III, Hoochery Distillery is WA's oldest continuously operating distillery. It's a welcoming, ramshackle joint with saloon-style swing doors, corrugated iron walls and an eclectic art collection. Join one of the entertaining daily tours or sample a tasting paddle of its award-winning rums, whiskeys, gins and liqueurs – all crafted using "traditional, inefficient and labour-intensive techniques". See hoochery.com.au

THE ONE RESTAURANT

Located within the Kununurra Country Club Resort, Kelly's Bar & Grill is a versatile crowd-pleaser, offering everything from casual pizzas and pastas through to prime scotch fillet steaks and locally sourced barramundi. Sit outside on the deck overlooking the pool or inside for easy access to the bar. Top tip: leave space for the indulgent pear Charlotte dessert drizzled with chocolate sauce and Hoochery's Cane Royale liqueur. See kununurracountryclub.com.au

THE ONE SCENIC FLIGHT

It is only from the air that you can fully appreciate the East Kimberley's epic canvas of meandering rivers, soaring escarpments and burnt-orange gorges. HeliSpirit provides a range of thrilling scenic flights, from a quick spin over Mirima National Park to a full-day excursion to the otherworldly Bungle Bungle Range with a hike into the magnificent Cathedral Gorge. For better photos (and bragging rights), choose a tour in a doorless chopper. See helispirit.com.au

ONE MORE THING

Kununurra is a popular starting point for one of Australia's seminal four-wheel drive outback road trips, the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road between Wyndham and Derby. The former cattle-droving route delivers a succession of towering waterfalls, sun-scorched chasms and secluded swim holes. Specialist operator RedSands Campers offers customised 4WDs with no one-way fees from its depot in Kununurra. See redsandscampers.com

Rob McFarland was a guest of Tourism WA (westernaustralia.com).