A Breathtaking Treasure
Unspoiled and breathtaking in every sense of the word, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle) is a site of international significance on the United Nations World Heritage List.
The name Purnululu comes from the Aboriginal Gija people, meaning ‘fretting sands’. The origin of the name (often referred to as the Bungle Bungles) is not known, although some have suggested that is a reference to Bundle Bundle, a Kimberley grass.
Bungle Bungle Guided Tours and Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge is licensed to operate both tours and accommodation, enabling you to experience the sandstone striped domes, narrow gorges lined with magnificent fan palms, soaring cliffs, seasonal waterfalls and rock pools as part of a fly-in-fly-out tour from Kununurra. The thriving town of Kununurra (a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘big water’) provides the ideal base for your Kimberley adventure.
At the northern end of the Purnululu National Park, major attractions include; Echidna Chasm and Mini Palm Gorges while to the south you can explore Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge.
The Djaru and Gija Aboriginal people are the custodians of Purnululu National Park and most of their activities revolve around the Ord River and nearby waterholes. The area is extremely important spiritually to the local people and includes sites that feature rock art, hand stencils and ochre grindings.
Driving from Kununurra to Purnululu can take up to 6 hours – 3 hours from Kununurra to the Bungle Bungle turn-off at the Spring Creek track and a further 53km drive into the Purnululu National Park, through Mable Downs Cattle Station, that can take up to an additional 3 hours on the 4WD-only access track.
Touring options from Kununurra with Bungle Bungle Guided Tours are by Aviair scenic aircraft or HeliSpirit helicopters linking with guided 4WD, walking tours. The Bungle Bungle scenic flight views include; Lake Argyle, the Ord River, Osmand Range, Carr Boyd Range, Argyle Diamond Mine, Lissadell and Texas Downs Stations. The scenery is awe-inspiring.
If you are making your own way to Purnululu you can book a night or two at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge. Enjoy hot showers, hotel-style beds and hearty meals. Refresh in the swimming pool and enjoy a cold drink at the Bungles bar. If you are well equipped you can choose the self-catered option or enjoy Dinner, Bed and Breakfast with no cooking to worry about.
