Published on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at 11:00:00 AM
The wait is over – Kununurra’s new swimming pool will officially open on Monday 21 September 2026.
Featuring the Kimberley’s first 50-metre public pool, the new facility has been designed for the way our community lives, trains and cools off in the East Kimberley.
The 50-metre pool features eight 2.5-metre-wide lanes, while the leisure pool includes three walking lanes, a learn-to-swim area, water features and a turbo channel. At least 95 per cent of the pool area is shaded and both pools have accessible entry, with ramp entry to the 50 metre pool and beach entry to the leisure pool.
Shire President Cr David Menzel said the opening day belonged to the community.
“This is a major win for Kununurra and the wider East Kimberley, and I know there will be plenty of people very keen to get back in the pool,” Cr David Menzel said.
“Our community asked for a 50-metre pool and we are incredibly proud to now be opening the Kimberley’s first.
“We also know it has been a long wait. Being without a public pool has had a real impact on swimming lessons, clubs, training and families, and I want to sincerely thank our community for its patience and the way people have adapted along the way.
“Locals know we are lucky to have some extraordinary places to swim across the East Kimberley – but there is no substitute for a public pool where our kids can learn to swim, our clubs can train, and everyone has a safe place to exercise and enjoy the water in our extremely warm climate.”
The project has also delivered significant local economic and employment benefits.
Approximately 80 per cent of the construction workforce was local, with 6 apprentices gaining valuable experience on the project. The new facility has also created 9 new local jobs at the Shire.
“It is great to see the investment in the facility translating into new employment opportunities for our community,” Cr David Menzel said.
“Seeing the new team come together and take ownership of the facility has been one of the really positive parts of getting ready to open.”
Delivering a major aquatic facility in the East Kimberley has been no small feat. Specialist materials travelled thousands of kilometres to reach Kununurra, while the construction program also had to contend with the realities of delivering a major project in a remote location.
The project was delivered with strong local involvement, including local contractor Kimberley Green Constructions, a Kununurra business with 30 years of local history.
The State Government contributed $10.8 million towards construction of the new pools, with the Shire contributing $3.9 million. Earlier State and Shire funding also supported planning and design.
The new pools complement the Kununurra Leisure Centre Splash Park, which opened in 2022.
“This is a facility that will serve our community for decades,” Cr Menzel said.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped get us here – and most importantly, thank you to our community for your patience and support during the project.
“Now it’s time to get swimming.”
Kununurra Swimming Pool opens Monday, 21 September 2026.
For more information on opening times, entry fees and accessibility, click HERE.
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