Bungle Bungle Range Scenic Flights

There’s no better way to grasp the sheer scale and otherworldly beauty of the Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) than from the air. These iconic beehive-shaped domes, striped in orange and black, stretch for kilometres across the Kimberley, and a scenic flight reveals their surreal geometry, hidden gorges, and seasonal waterfalls in a way that no ground trek ever could.

Highlights & What to See

• The Bungle Bungle Domes – The star of the show: watch the striped sandstone formations rise from the savannah, their contours shifting with the light.
• Cathedral Gorge & Echidna Chasm – From the air you’ll glimpse these narrow, palm-lined gorges; on longer flights you may also spot the dramatic Piccaninny Gorge.
• Ord River & Argyle Diamond Mine – Many flights include a sweep over Lake Argyle and the working Argyle Diamond Mine (now closed to tours, but still a fascinating sight).
• Seasonal Waterfalls – After summer rains, ephemeral falls cascade off the plateau into plunge pools – a photographer’s dream.
• Aboriginal Cultural Context – The area is sacred to the Gija and Jaru peoples; flights often provide commentary on Dreamtime stories tied to the landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Scenic flights range from 30 minutes (focused on the Bungle Bungle domes) to 1.5 hours (including Lake Argyle and the mine). For most travellers, a one-hour flight offers the best balance – enough time to soak in the highlights without fatigue. Fly in the early morning or late afternoon for the most dramatic shadows and colours. Plan to spend at least a half-day in the area, as you’ll need to drive to the airstrip (from Kununurra or Halls Creek) and allow for pre-flight briefings.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range) – After your flight, consider a ground tour into Cathedral Gorge or a walk along the Domes Walk to see the formations up close.
• Lake Argyle – Australia’s largest artificial lake, perfect for a sunset cruise, kayaking, or spotting freshwater crocodiles and birdlife.
• Kununurra – The gateway town for the eastern Kimberley, with markets, art galleries, and the famous Ivanhoe Crossing (a low-level causeway over the Ord River).
• El Questro Wilderness Park – A luxury station stay offering thermal springs, gorge walks, and helicopter tours – about 1.5 hours from Kununurra.
• Wolfe Creek Crater National Park – A remote meteorite impact crater, accessible via 4WD, about 3 hours south of Halls Creek.

Please check official sources for current details.