Purnululu National Park

Rising abruptly from the Kimberley savannah, the orange-and-black banded domes of the Bungle Bungle Range are one of Australia’s most surreal landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as Purnululu National Park, is a sacred place for the local Kija people and a geological wonder that demands a sense of adventure to reach. The drive in is rough – a 53 km unsealed road from the Great Northern Highway – but the reward is a world of ancient beehive-like formations, hidden gorges, and silent canyons that feel millions of miles from anywhere.

Highlights & What to See

• Domes Walk – A short, boardwalk loop that brings you face-to-face with the iconic striped domes. Best in the late afternoon when the low sun turns the rock a deep ochre.
• Cathedral Gorge – A spectacular hike through a narrow canyon that opens into a natural amphitheatre with towering walls. The play of light and shadow is mesmerising.
• Piccaninny Creek – A dry creek bed that winds between the domes; follow it for a 3 km walk into the heart of the range, with the option to continue to the secluded Whip Snake Gorge.
• Echidna Chasm – A sheer-walled chasm that narrows to just a metre wide. The midday sun creates a dramatic light show as rays penetrate the deep cleft.
• Mini Palms Gorge – A longer, more challenging hike to a hidden palm-filled oasis, with Livistona palms clinging to the cliffs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors dedicate two full days to Purnululu, which allows time to tackle the main walks and experience the changing light over the domes at sunrise and sunset. The park is only accessible by 4WD and the rough road takes about 2–3 hours from the highway, so plan to arrive early. If you’re short on time, a single day can cover the Domes Walk and Cathedral Gorge, but you’ll miss the magic of dusk. Camping within the park is the best way to soak it all in.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kununurra – The gateway town to the Kimberley, with Lake Kununurra, the Ord River, and the Mirima National Park (a mini Bungle Bungle).
• Lake Argyle – Australia’s largest artificial lake, famous for its freshwater crocodiles, boat cruises, and stunning sunsets.
• Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater – A perfectly preserved impact crater deep in the outback, accessible via a 4WD track from the Great Northern Highway.
• El Questro Wilderness Park – A vast station offering hot springs, gorges, and luxury camping – a classic Kimberley stop.
• Bungle Bungle Range (by scenic flight) – If you’re short on time or want a bird’s-eye view, scenic flights from Kununurra or Warmun fly directly over the range.

Please check official sources for current details.