Bungle Bungle Range

The Bungle Bungle Range, within Purnululu National Park in Western Australia's Kimberley region, is a surreal landscape of beehive-shaped sandstone domes striped in orange and black. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient range was unknown to the outside world until the 1980s, and its remote, rugged beauty feels like stepping onto another planet. Access is limited to the dry season (April to October), and getting here is an adventure in itself—either by 4WD or scenic flight from Kununurra or Halls Creek.

Highlights & What to See

• Cathedral Gorge – A vast natural amphitheatre of towering domes; the light in the late afternoon is magical.
• Piccaninny Creek – A dry creek bed that offers a walking route through the heart of the domes, with striking views at every turn.
• Echidna Chasm – A narrow, 200-metre-deep chasm where you can walk between sheer walls of red and orange rock.
• Mini Palms Gorge – A lush oasis with Livistona palms, reached via a boulder-hop through a tight canyon.
• Scenic flights – The best way to appreciate the full scale and pattern of the domes; flights depart from Kununurra, Halls Creek, and the airstrip near the park entrance.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two to three days exploring the Bungle Bungle Range. This allows time for the key walks—Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm on day one, and a longer hike along Piccaninny Creek or to Mini Palms on day two. A scenic flight on arrival gives you an unforgettable overview. If you're short on time, a day trip by air from Kununurra is possible, but you'll only scratch the surface. The park is remote, so plan to camp or stay at the nearby Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kununurra – The main gateway town, with Lake Argyle (a vast freshwater lake) and the Ord River irrigation area.
• Lake Argyle – Australia's largest artificial lake, known for its stunning scenery, boat cruises, and abundant birdlife.
• Halls Creek – A historic gold-mining town and alternative access point for the Bungle Bungles, with the China Wall and Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater nearby.
• Purnululu National Park (other areas) – Beyond the Bungle Bungle Range, the park includes the Ord River escarpment and wide savannah woodlands.
• Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park – One of the world's best-preserved meteorite impact craters, a 2.5-hour drive from Halls Creek.

Please check official sources for current details.