The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia. From an aircraft, the Bungle Bungle Range is an imposing sight. The orange and black stripes across the beehive-like mounds, encased in a skin of silica and algae, are clearly visible as you approach from 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.

The range rises up to 578 metres above sea level and stands 200 to 300 metres above a woodland and grass covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western plain.

Although the Bungle Bungle Range was extensively used by Aboriginal people during the wet season, when plant and animal life was abundant, few Europeans knew of its existence until the mid-1980s. The park offers a remote wilderness experience. The area is rich in Aboriginal art and there are also many burial sites.

Several species of rare animals also occur in the park.

Constant erosion and river movements have formed the huge black and orange striped domes over the last 20 million years.

There are general public camping facilities at Walardi or Kurrajong Camp with both sites having limited facilities with bush toilets and limited water. Petrol, water and supplies are available from Turkey Creek which is an approximate three hour drive from the Park on a typical bush track. It is advised that visitors carry in all food and water.

There are several privately operated campgrounds offering meals, accommodation and tours with bookings essential.

Further information visit
NatureBase website at http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/national_parks/previous_parks_month/purnululu.html

Where is it..
The turn-off to the park is 250 km south of Kununurra or 109 km north of Halls Creek. The park access road is accessible only to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Bungle Bungle Range is situated approximately 850 kilometres North East of Broome, 1050 kilometres South West of Darwin and 3000 kilometres North East of Perth.

Travelling time to the ranger station:
5 hours from Kununurra and 4 hours from Halls Creek.

Facilities:
Camping at Walardi or Kurrajong Camp (both sites have toilets and water). Petrol and supplies available from Turkey Creek, which is on Great Northern Highway.

What to see and do:
Hiking, photography, camping and nature observation.

Scenic Flights:
Scenic flights over the massif 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.

Walks:
The most visited site is Cathedral Gorge, a fairly easy walk. However, some people take a couple of days and a backpack to explore nearby Picaninny Creek and Gorge, camping overnight. If you do this, make sure you are well prepared. The deeper you go, the more spectacular it gets, but for your safety you must tell a ranger before setting out.

On the northern side is Echidna Chasm, a narrow gorge totally different from those on the southern side.