Bungle Bungles

"The impressive sandstone beehive-like domes of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park are a natural wonder of Australia and World Heritage listed."

Rising over 250 metres in height these stripy orange and black towers have formed over millions of years from ancient rivers depositing huge amounts of sediment eventually turning into sandstone. Water and wind erosion and weathering has also played a part over the years resulting in the appearance of the domes today.

Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia

Bungle Bungles,...
Holger Leue
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Location

The Bungle Bungles are 300km from Kununurra and 160km from Halls Creek and open to high clearance four wheel drives and off road campers only due to the rugged corrugated track. Allow at least two hours to drive the 53km track into the park.

Natural Rock Formations of Bungle Bungles and Dirt Road Leading to It, Purnululu NP, Australia

Natural Rock...
John Banagan
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Best Time to Visit

Purnululu National Park is open between April and December and the best time to visit is between May and September when the temperatures are at their mildest. If you visit during warmer months start walking and sightseeing early to avoid the midday heat.

Much can be seen in one full day if that’s all you have time for, but to fully appreciate the Bungle Bungles and see all there is to offer a longer stay would be ideal.

Walkers at the Domes, Bungle Bungle, Purnululu National Park, Kimberley, Australia

Walkers at the...
Jochen Schlenker
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Walking Trails

There are a variety of walks available with different lengths and levels of difficulty.

The Domes Walk is an easy 1 km stroll along a track winding around the beehive domes, on which you can really appreciate their height.

Cathedral Gorge Walk is relatively easy, with a few ledges to contend with along the way, 3 km return. The end of the gorge opens up into a huge cathedral-like amphitheatre which is something to be seen.

Tourists at Cathedral Gorge, Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park, Kimberley Region, Australia

Tourists at...
David Wall
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Echidna Chasm Walk is moderately easy, being 2 km return. Quite different to the walks at the southern end of the park, this trail leads through an abundance of palm trees and boulders, with a long chasm at the end, very scenic.

Standing in Echidna Chasm, a "Beehive" Rock Formation of Bungle Bungles, Purnululu NP, Australia

Standing in...
Trevor Creighton
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Mini Palms Walk is 5 km return and starts off easy but becomes more challenging with slopes and boulders. The trail ultimately leads to a viewing platform overlooking the outstanding Mini Palms Gorge.

Mini Palms Gorge, Bungle Bungle, Purnululu National Park, Kimberley, Western Australia, Australia

Mini Palms Gorge,...
Schlenker Jochen
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Piccaninny Gorge Walk is for the fit and energetic. This gorge is a 30 km return overnight hike and recognized as the most spectacular gorge in the park. You can walk easily along the creek bed to the gorge entrance and back to the carpark which is 14 km return. The level of difficulty is harder in the gorge itself. This gorge features many side gorges, palms, water holes and gorgeous vegetation.

Lookouts

There are 3 lookouts in Purnululu National Park.

Piccaninny Creek Lookout is 3km return and a moderate walk negotiating ledges and slopes, the end result looking out over Piccaninny Creek.

Kungkalahayi Lookout is 500m return climbing up to the slope gradually. The 360 degree views of the escarpment and ridges are well worth the climb.

Osmand Lookout is also 500m return and an easy climb, providing scenic views of the Osmand Ranges and Osmand Creek.

Camping

There is bush camping only in Purnululu National Park. There are two campgrounds, Kurrajong in the northern section and Walardi at the southern end. Facilities include toilets, bore water and fire wood. There are no showers in the park or any supplies such as water, food or fuel so make sure you have sufficient stocks. If you run out of drinking water be sure to boil the untreated bore water before consumption.

There is a private camp ground in the park, Bellburn campground, which has more facilities but must be booked in advance. Contact East Kimberley Tours on (08) 9168 2213 or Kimberley Wilderness Adventures on (08) 9192 7022 to secure your camp site.

Another alternate camping area is Spring Creek which is on the Great Northern Highway a few km’s south of the entrance to the park. There is camping below by the creek and also a top car park for larger vehicles. A toilet is provided for your convenience.

The Bungle Bungle experience is one you’ll never forget. Purnululu National Park is so unique and definitely worth scheduling in your itinerary. Remember to call into the visitor’s centre to register and collect a comprehensive map of the park.

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