Rising 300 metres above the grass-covered plains that surround them, the orange and black sandstone domes known as the Bungle Bungle are one of the world’s most fascinating geological landmarks.
- Hikes and gorges
- The wet season
- Experiences in the Bungles
- Bungles maps, information and itineraries
- Self drive the Bungles
- Accommodation and camping
- Bungle Bungle tours
- Scenic flights to the Bungles
- Frequently asked questions
The world heritage listed Bungle Bungle Range is located within Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Purnululu, meaning ‘sandstone’, has long been inhabited by local Aboriginal people, but did not become widely known to the rest of the world until the mid-1980s.
Where are the Bungle Bungles?
Travelling along the Great Northern Highway, the turn-off to Purnululu National Park is approximately 250km west of Kununurra and 108km east of Halls Creek. From the highway, allow about 2.5 hours to travel the rugged 53km access track to the National Park. It's also possible to visit Purnululu National Park as part of a guided tour - choose from an extended 4WD tour through the Kimberley, or a shorter trip by scenic flight, some with the option to land within the park.
You'll find information here to help you plan your self-drive trip to the Bungles, including where you can camp or stay in cabins, to choose an extended tour that takes in the Bungles, or to plan a shorter sightseeing trip from Kununurra or Broome by 4WD or by air.
Explore Purnululu National Park
Bungles Hikes and Gorges
The visitor locations at Purnululu National Park are found in its northern and southern ends, each with a range of walking trails and attractions that are well signposted. Campgrounds are also located in the northern and southern ends, with cabin and safari tent accommodation also available at the southern end.
Explore the range on foot and discover long narrow chasms and hidden gorges large enough to hold a full-scale concert. Echidna Chasm, famous for its towering walls which are lit up by sunlight just before midday is found in the northern end, as is Mini Palms Walk where you can see some great examples of the Livinstonia Palm. The bee-hive striped domes of the Bungle Bungle range are found in the southern end of the park as is the breathtaking natural amphitheatre of red rock known as Cathedral Gorge, and the creek bed walk of Picaninny Gorge.
Purnululu National Park is also home to 130 bird species, as well as unique native animals including the nailtail wallaby and short-eared rock wallaby.
Bungles in the Wet Season
Purnululu National Park is usually open from April to November each year. From December to March, you can visit the Bungles to see them in their Wet season glory as part of a guided tour. HeliSpirit run full-day tours from Kununurra, landing at the Cathedral Gorge car park for a guided walking tour through the Domes and into Cathedral Gorge - pack your swimwear, as at this time of year you may be able to take a swim!
For keen bushwalkers, Willis's Walkabouts offer an 11 day walking tour exploring the area around Picaninny Gorge in February.
Experience the Bungles
Bungles Maps, Information and Itineraries
Self-Drive the Bungles
How to get to Purnululu National Park
For self-drive travellers, the turn-off to Purnululu National Park is located on the Great Northern Highway, approximately 250 kilometres south west of Kununurra and 100 kilometres north east of Halls Creek.
At the turn-off there is an information bay with a shade shelter and toilets. From the turn-off, access to the park is via the Spring Creek Track. This is a rugged track that is suitable for four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles and single-axle off-road trailers only. Caravans may be stored at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park located at the turn-off (fees apply), and it's also possible to stay there and take day trips into the National Park.
If you're breaking up your journey before arriving at the Bungles, you'll also find some good camping options at Violet Valley Campground (36km from the park entrance with a 13km access road) and Doon Doon Roadhouse, 100km from Kununurra and 145km from the park entrance).
The road is a narrow unsealed track with a number of creek crossings, some sharp corners, and ascents and descents. Allow approximately 2.5-3 hours for this 53-kilometre journey. Along the way, enjoy numerous scenic lookout points before your arrival at the Purnululu Visitor Centre.
The closest fuel to Purnululu National Park is at Warmun Roadhouse, approximately 53 kilometres north east of the park on the Great Northern Highway, and at Halls Creek, approximately 100km south east. The closest mechanical assistance is at Kununurra.
Bungle Bungle Accommodation and Camping
Tours at the Bungles
While it's certainly possible to enjoy a fully self-guided tour of the Purnlulu National Park, there are some tours you can join at the park to help you gain a deeper insight into its incredible attractions, the deep connection that the Djaru and Gija people have to this area, and of course the awe-inspiring view of the domes from the air.
Guided Walking Tours
Kingfisher Tours
Choose to explore the Northern or Southern areas of the park with your Gija tour guide, learning stories, bush tucker and bush medicine from the Purnululu area. Tours depart from the airstrip.
Bungle Bungle Guided Tours
Join your experienced guide for a walking tour with an Aboriginal perspective of the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park. Immerse yourself in the spirit of this ancient place while you learn about bush-tucker, Aboriginal customs, and cultural significance of the Bungle Bungle. The walking tours include Cathedral Gore, the Domes, Echidna Chasm and a Picaninny Gorge Heli Hike.
Bungle Bungles Helicopter Tours
Helicopter Tours at the Bungles
Departing from the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park at the entrance to Purnululu National Park, and from the airstrip within the park itself, HeliSpirit offer a range of flight routes and durations to help you see this incredible park from a new perspective! Flights last from 18 minutes to an hour, taking in the Domes, the remarkable hidden red rock gorges of the north-west tip, Horseshoe Valley and Piccaninny Gorge.
Bungle Bungle Tours
Whether you're travelling from Kununurra or Broome you'll find a guided tour itinerary that includes a visit to Purnululu National Park. Your options will include scenic flights and 4WD tours, including private charters or as part of a group, and the option to visit on a dedicated Bungles itinerary, or as part of an extended Kimberley tour.
Extended 4WD Tours
Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle Range is a highlight on many 4WD itineraries through the Kimberley region. Itineraries range in length from 4 to 15 days, and from camping to fully accommodated, so there's sure to be a tour or private charter to suit.
Shorter 4WD Itineraries
Choose a shorter 4WD itinerary from Kununurra or Broome to the Bungles for a dedicated trip.
Kununurra to the Bungles
Broome to the Bungles
Extended Walking Tours of the Bungles
Willis's Walkabouts
Spend longer exploring the Bungles on a multi-day hike with Willis's Walkabouts. Two departures in 2022 allow you to discover Purnululu National Park in the Wet Season (6-19 February) and the Dry Season (10-18 July).
Scenic Flights to the Bungles
Viewing the incredible Bungle Bungle domes from the air is the only way to get a true sense of just how vast the range is. There are a number of departure points - Kununurra, Broome, Halls Creek, and the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park, and you can also choose to land at the park for a guided 4WD and walking tour, or to stay overnight.
