The Kimberley, Australia

the bungle bungles (purnululu national park)

Header image by Sean Scott.

Is Purnululu National Park really that good? The answer is yes, and it’s better than you could imagine. Unlike other national treasures, the Bungle Bungles has only been known to white Europeans since the early 1980s when a film crew showcased the area to the world. The 240,000-hectare national park has now received UNESCO World Heritage listing. Of course, Purnululu was known to Indigenous people long before that, and the Gija and Jaru people are recognised as its traditional custodians.

The park is best known for its striped ‘beehive domes’. The unique tiger stripes are caused by cyanobacteria, a type of algae, which create the dark colour that contrasts beautifully with the rusty, red stripes of oxidised rock. Beneath the surface is white sandstone. The domes are impressive from the ground and a walk through them is unforgettable. For something truly inspiring, treat yourself to a late-afternoon chopper flight over the domes with Helispirit or Bungle Bungle Caravan Park. Watching colours change from above with the setting sun truly is mesmerising and feels like a once in a lifetime experience.

when to go

The road into the national park is open from April to October, weather permitting. Phone Kununurra’s Parks and Wildlife office on (08) 9168 4200 for current conditions.

Wet Season flights (when the road is closed): The rarely seen waterfall that fills Cathedral Gorge only flows during the wet. To catch it, book a tour with Helispirit who has special permission to visit the park when it’s closed.

getting there

Purnululu National Park is 300km south of Kununurra but, due to the rough track in, the drive takes about 4.5 hours each way. Allow two hours for the final 53km. Dual axle trailers must be left at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park.

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