Kununurra, located in the far north, is the eastern gateway to Western Australia's top end and home of outback adventure. With year round warm weather and plentiful water, Kununurra is lush and fertile, and produces much of the State's fruit and vegetables. Developed in the 1960s as a service town for the Ord Irrigation Scheme, it has a population of approximately 6,000 people. It is well serviced with a modern hospital, leisure and aquatic centre, specialty shops, air and ground passenger services. Kununurra has developed into the regional centre for the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley and is the base of development of the Ord Irrigation Scheme, parts one and two. A feature of the town is the extensive waterway which forms the basis of the Ord Irrigation Scheme. The mighty Ord River, once a series of waterholes during dry season, is now a permanent waterway. From the Diversion Dam upstream to Lake Argyle, the Ord has developed into an intricate and interesting ecosystem of rivers, wetlands and lakes. Surrounding the town itself is a variety of unique and unusual rock formations which are typical of the region. Good examples of the colours and shapes of these formations can been seen at Mirima Nature Park, known locally as Hidden Valley. The town is the ideal base for an adventure holiday, utilising one of the many four wheel drive cruise or flight operators located in Kununurra. Visitors can access all parts of the surrounding areas in a variety of ways, limited only by time, preference and budget. Popular destinations accessible from Kununurra include the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle, Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, Ord River, Argyle Diamond Mine, and much more. For those who wish to be totally independent, local hire car companies can arrange short or long term vehicle hire. Visitors to Kununurra should beware, however, that local rumour has it that once a person has tasted the waters of the Ord River, they are destined to return. Further details of what is on offer in and around Kununurra can be obtained from the Kununurra Tourist Bureau. Accommodation in Kununurra caters for all people and budgets. Hotels, motels, backpacker accommodation and caravan parks as well as farm station accommodation are all available to suit your needs and desires.