Purnululu National Park

Deep in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Purnululu National Park is a geological wonderland that feels almost otherworldly. Its star attraction is the Bungle Bungle Range – a series of beehive-shaped sandstone domes striped in orange and black, carved by millennia of wind and rain. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape is as remote as it is spectacular, offering a rare blend of Indigenous cultural significance, dramatic gorges, and ancient ecosystems. A visit here is a true outback adventure, best tackled in the dry season (April to October) when the roads are passable and the skies are clear.

Highlights & What to See

• Bungle Bungle Range – the iconic striped domes are best viewed from a scenic flight over the range or from the ground on a walk through Piccaninny Gorge.
• Cathedral Gorge – a short, shaded walk leads to a vast natural amphitheatre with incredible acoustics; aim for late afternoon when the light paints the walls gold.
• Echidna Chasm – a narrow, winding chasm with towering red walls; the 1.8 km return walk is a must for photographers and geology buffs.
• Mini Palms Gorge – a hidden pocket of livistona palms and permanent waterholes, offering a refreshing contrast to the arid surrounds.
• Aboriginal Rock Art – look for ancient paintings and grinding grooves near the Domes Walk, evidence of the site's ongoing significance to the Gija people.
• Scenic Flights – for the full impact of the Bungle Bungles, a helicopter or light-plane flight from Warmun or Kununurra is unforgettable.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least two full days to appreciate the park's main attractions. Day one can focus on the southern section (Cathedral Gorge, Domes Walk), and day two on the northern gorges (Echidna Chasm, Mini Palms). If you have a third day, add a scenic flight or explore the remote Piccaninny Creek by 4WD. The park is only accessible by rough dirt roads (the Bungle Bungle Carpark is reached via the Spring Creek Track from the Great Northern Highway), so factor in a 4WD and plenty of time for the journey.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kununurra – the gateway town to the Kimberley, with Lake Argyle, Ord River cruises, and the famous Argyle Diamond Mine.
• Warmun (Turkey Creek) – a small community known for its vibrant Aboriginal art scene, especially the Warmun Art Centre.
• El Questro Wilderness Park – a vast station offering hot springs, gorges, and luxury camping on the Chamberlain River.
• Lake Argyle – Australia's largest freshwater lake, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and sunset cruises among freshwater crocodiles and birdlife.
• Bungle Bungle Caravan Park – the only accommodation inside the park, offering basic camping and cabin-style stays right at the start of the walking trails.

Please check official sources for current details.