Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle)

Renowned for its orange and grey banded beehives, Purnululu covers an area of 240,000 hectares. Granted World Heritage status in 2003, the Park is a must-do on anyone’s list during a visit to the East Kimberley.

Spectacular from the air, you really must also see the Park from the ground. You won’t believe the sheer height of the beehive domes and the walk along Piccaninny Creek to Cathedral Gorge is one of the regions most talked about.

The distinctive beehive domes have been produced by uplift and erosion during the last 20 million years. Contrary to its solid appearance, the sandstone is extremely fragile. The weight of overlying rock holds the sand grains in place, but when this is removed, the sandstones are easily eroded and the rounded tops reflect this lack of internal strength.

The northern gorges are also spectacular – Echidna Chasm will take you through sheer caverns and the Mini Palms walk will have you meandering over rocky creek beds.

Viewing the northern and the southern gorges can be done in a day by flying out of Kununurra on a tour. If you are driving yourself to the Park, it is best to allow 2-3 days so that you can have a good dose of the Purnululu atmosphere.

If you have a high-clearance 4WD, the drive into the Bungle Bungle will take around 6hrs from Kununurra (3hrs on the Highway and up to 3hrs from the turn-off to the Ranger Station). There are a couple of campgrounds to choose from (with toilets and water available), entrance fees and camping fees apply.

Alternatively, you could take advantage of one of the two Dinner, Bed & Breakfast providers within the Park – Bungle Bungle Bushcamp or Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge.

Want to know more? Ask our staff when you are making your booking to stay with us or when you check-in at Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments.