Rent a Car in Kununurra - Compare Prices

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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Kununurra and around Australia. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. A hire car is pretty much essential for travel in this remote part of the Kimberley, with options ranging from standard cars for sealed highways to tough 4WDs needed for famous outback tracks like the Bungle Bungles.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Avis · Budget · Budget · Thrifty · Thrifty

Car Hire Locations and OptionsLocationProsCons
Kununurra TownCentral location for hotels
Easy walking distance to shops and restaurants
Local rental companies with lower prices
Fewer vehicle choices
Limited hours (usually 8am-5pm)
Need airport transfer if arriving by plane
East Kimberley AirportGet your car right after your flight
Major rental companies available
No need to travel into town
Only 4km from town, so small advantage
Similar prices to town locations
Limited service outside business hours
Local 4WD SpecialistsBetter vehicles for rough roads
Local advice about driving conditions
Often include camping gear
Higher daily prices
Hard to book during busy season
More strict rental rules

Location	Pros	Cons
Kununurra Town	Central location for hotels Easy walking distance to shops and restaurants Local rental companies with lower prices	Fewer vehicle choices Limited hours (usually 8am-5pm) Need airport transfer if arriving by plane
East Kimberley Airport	Get your car right after your flight Major rental companies available No need to travel into town	Only 4km from town, so small advantage Similar prices to town locations Limited service outside business hours
Local 4WD Specialists	Better vehicles for rough roads Local advice about driving conditions Often include camping gear	Higher daily prices Hard to book during busy season More strict rental rules

Car Rental Prices

How to pay less?

Travel during the wet season (Nov-Apr) for the cheapest rates. If you must visit during the popular peak season (Jun-Aug), booking 3-6 months ahead can help you lock in a better price.
Look for deals with unlimited kilometres since you'll be covering large distances. Also be sure to compare local Kununurra suppliers as they can sometimes offer more competitive rates.
Renting for a full week or more can often unlock a cheaper daily rate than just hiring for a few days.
Be aware that adding an extra driver or planning a one-way trip to Broome or Darwin will add to the total cost, so factor this in when you compare.

Local Parking and Driving

Location	Parking Options	Cost	Notes
Kununurra Town Centre	Street parking and public lots	Varies	Plenty of spaces available with few restrictions.
East Kimberley Airport	Short and long-term parking	Varies	Conveniently close to terminal.
National Parks	Designated parking areas	Park entry fees apply	No separate parking fees beyond park entry.
Hotels & Accommodation	On-site parking	Varies	Most properties offer on-site parking.

Key Driving Rules

Drive on the left side of the road
Speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 110 km/h on highways
Strict enforcement of speed limits
Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%
Seat belts mandatory for all occupants
Mobile phone use while driving prohibited (hands-free allowed)

4WD Restrictions

Many rental companies prohibit driving on certain tracks
Bungle Bungle access requires rental company approval
Some companies restrict driving to Mitchell Plateau/Kalumburu Road
River crossings may void insurance coverage
Always inform rental company of your intended routes
Driving on unsealed or gravel roads is usually restricted or prohibited by rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your contract terms carefully for restrictions.

FAQs

Do I need a 4WD in Kununurra?

It depends on your itinerary. Major attractions like Lake Argyle and Wyndham are accessible by 2WD on sealed roads. However, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), El Questro's gorges and river crossings require a 4WD.

Is it possible to drive to Darwin from Kununurra?

Yes, Darwin is approximately 830 km from Kununurra via the sealed Victoria Highway. The drive takes about 8.5-9 hours. Note that the permanent quarantine checkpoint operates when entering Western Australia from the Northern Territory (westbound). If you're driving to Darwin (eastbound), you usually won't be stopped, but WA biosecurity rules apply when returning west and restricted fresh produce will be confiscated.

Can I visit the Bungle Bungles without a 4WD?

If you don't have a 4WD, you can still experience the Bungle Bungles by:

Taking a guided 4WD tour from Kununurra or Warmun
Booking a scenic flight over the ranges
Joining a helicopter tour that lands inside the park

Are there any special permits needed for driving in the Kununurra region?

Main roads and highways don't require permits. However, some Aboriginal lands require entry permits, particularly if venturing north toward the Mitchell Plateau or Kalumburu.

What is the best time of year to rent a car in Kununurra?

The dry season (May-October) offers the best driving conditions as all roads are usually open. June-August is peak tourist season and has the most pleasant temperatures but highest rental rates and lowest availability.