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| Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) - Things to See and Do |
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Overview: The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Australia. From an aircraft or on the ground, the Bungle Bungle Range is an imposing sight. The beehive-like mounds are located in the south. As you sweep further over the range a hidden world of gorges and pools is revealed, with fan palms clinging precariously to walls and crevices in the rocks. Although the Bungle Bungle Range was extensively used by Aboriginal people few Europeans knew of its existence until the mid-1980s. The area has been a national park since 1987 and is recommended as a must see if you are travelling in this region. There are safari tents and camps set up by the tour companies and are available for travellers driving themselves in. Pre- Booking essential. All other visitors must carry in all food and water. Most visitors camp for several days so it is essential to be well equipped. You can camp at Walardi and Kurrajong campsites. The park is open only between April and November. |
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Most visitors choose to fly over and/or land in the bungles because that the track in from the Great Northern Highway is rough and not suitable to caravans or trailers. The turn off is 250km south of Kununurra and 109km north of Halls Creek. From there it is 55km to the Ranger Station and takes 2.5 - 3hrs one way. Very slow going with a number of creek crossings. There are two public camping areas and both have toilets and water with fire sites and firewood provided. Be prepared to take your rubbish out with you as no disposal is allowed. A third camp area is set aside for licensed tour operators bringing fly/drive visitors to the park. |
| Things to See and Do Hiking, photography, camping and nature observation. Scenic Flights : Scenic flights by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft are available within the park or from Halls Creek, Kununurra or Warmun. This is the best way to gain a perspective of the Bungle Bungle's massive size and spectacular scenery. Scenic air tours over the Bungles depart regularly all year round from Kununurra, and are also available from Halls Creek and Broome. Helicopters flights can be taken from the Beliburn Airstrip, within the Park, and also from Turkey Creek (Warmun) on the Great Northern Highway. Ground tours, or a combination of fly/drive tours are available from all major centres in the Kimberley. Walks - Southern: Cathedral Gorge: The most visited site in the park, a moderate 2km return walk from Piccaninny Gorge Carpark to a spectacular gorge. There are rock ledges to be negotiated. Allow approximately 1-2 hrs for return walk. Piccaninny Gorge: is for the serious walker is a 30km return walk that you should allow minimum two days to complete. Early after the wet it may be necessary to swim part of this walk but later in the year water becomes scarce so make sure you carry plenty. For those with more time and the will to carry enough provisions there are many side gorges that can be explored either side of the Piccaninny Gorge. Anyone attempting an overnight or longer walk must register with the ranger before setting out. The deeper you go the more spectacular it gets. Domes walk trail: A short 1km circuit walk amongst the domes beginning at Piccaninny Gorge Walks - Northern: Echidna Chasm is a walk through a narrow gorge that seems to reveal yet another section each time you think you have found its end. It is amoderate 2km return walk with some large boulders to scramble over. Allow 1-2hrs for return walk Froghole: Moderate to Hard 1.4km walk leads to a small pool at the base of the range Allow 1-2hrs for return walk Mini Palms: 3km return walk leading to a scenic amphitheatre. Easy at the start but becomes progressively more difficult. Allow approx 3hrs return Things you need to know Where
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