The Kimberley has long been a destination for those chasing rugged adventure and outback exploration. A number of events scattered throughout the year offer locals and visitors a chance to dabble in some exciting and often hilarious adventure experiences.
Dam to Dam
If you haven't heard of the Dam 2 Dam's premier event The Dinghy Dash, picture dozens of boats tearing down the Ord River at high speed while a helicopter swirls above to capture the action. Held each May, the Dam 2 Dam features a range of high-speed boat races between Lake Argyle Dam Wall and Kununurra Ski Beach. It's a great event coordinated by Kununurra Waterski Club and can be watched either from the bank or on board a relaxing champagne cruise with Triple J Tours.
Kununurra Half Marathon
Run, jog or walk this iconic Kimberley event open to teams of two or four – or brave it solo! The course, of 10km or 21km, starts and finishes at Kununurra Swim Beach along the Ord River and follows Victoria Highway Celebrity Tree Park and back again. Watch the action just opposite your Kimberley accommodation Kununurra or take on the challenge in July – the choice is yours.
Kununurra Campdraft and Rodeo
Thrills, spills and excitement are all part of the action at the Kununurra Campdraft and Rodeo. The rodeo grounds are a short drive from your Kimberley resort accommodation and nestled at the base of the iconic Elephant Rock. It's a beaut spot to watch the sun go down and also home to arguably the Kimberley's biggest rodeo events in June and August. Riders flock from stations around the region to try their hand across a range of divisions, but the boldest even of them all is the open bull ride.
Ord River Dragon Boat Marathon
More than 100 dragon boat aficionados from around Australia make their way to Kununurra in June each year to take part in a group paddle from Lake Argyle to Kununurra Swim Beach. This scenic paddle is not to be missed and takes in the beauty of the Ord in a way simply not possible by boat or air. You're right in the thick of the river's twists and turns and bound to spot a (freshwater) croc or two, plenty of birds, and even fruit bats or kangaroos.
Lake Argyle Swim
Dive into the azure blue waters of Lake Argyle and complete a 10km or 20km swim solo, in a duo or a quad in one of the biggest bodies of water in Australia.The fresh water provides an added challenge with no salt-water buoyancy to hold you up in a lake also home to more than 35,000 freshwater crocodiles. Each team has a skipper and kayaker to guide swimmers' from the deep-water start at the heart of lake argyle to the boat ramp near the resort. The event culminates in the Kimberley's largest sit down dinner at Lake Argyle Resort complete with music and presentations. Registrations for this annual event open in November and sell-out fast – so get in quick to secure your spot in the May event.
Martin Wynn
