The Bungle Bungles are an amazing range of rock formations located at the Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley. Over 450 square km in size and up to 300m in height, they formed due to erosion from wind and water over millions of years. The domes are known for their orange tiger stripe pattern which is the combination of mineral deposits and algae.
Although the land nearby is arid, the Bungle Bungles are an oasis of life, boasting over 200 different plant species, and more than 130 recorded species of birds, from rainbow bee-eaters to emus. The range is a protected world heritage site, and draws over 40,000 visitors each year.
Getting to the Bungle Bungles can be difficult, as the last 50km of road towards Purnululu is only accessible by 4WD. If you’re thinking about camping, make sure to bring a camper trailer that can keep up with the tough Australian environment.
Top Attractions Near the Bungle Bungles
Discover the unique history of the area with a guided tour, fly over in a helicopter or light plane, or explore on foot yourself. There are so many amazing sights to see at Purnululu:
- Echidna Chasm:Walk through a narrow chasm 200m deep, famed for its livistona palms and impressive boulders. At certain points the walls are close enough to touch both sides at once. Get there just before midday to catch the sun lighting up the chasm walls.
- Piccaninny Creek:Explore the Bungle Bungle range by walking along this dry river bed. Trails include a day trip (7km return walk) or overnight camp (30km return). You can also visit the lookout only 1.4km from the car park, providing excellent sunset views over the Bungle Bungle range.
- Mini Palms Trail:This trail is a 5km return walk, with brilliant views of the deepest part of the gorge, as well as an arena of rocks and palms. Toilets and a shaded picnic area can also be found at the nearby Bloodwoods carpark.
- Cathedral Gorge:This breathtaking natural rock amphitheatre was formed by a whirlpool over millions of years. A waterfall cascades down into the centre during the wet season, and in the dry season a pool remains in the shade of overhanging rock.
Where to Stay
Offsite
Spring Creek Rest Area is a little known free campsite near the turnoff to Purnululu. It’s a shady place near the river, and has toilets and an area to dump rubbish. Wooden BBQ’s are available, and there’s plenty of wildlife to see and walking trails to explore.
Bungle Bungle Caravan Park is located roughly 55km West of Purnululu. It includes powered and non-powered caravan sites, as well as excellent camp sites. Amenities include toilets, showers and hot water. Storage for caravans and camper trailers is also available.
Onsite
Camping close to the Bungle Bungles can be an amazing experience. These camping sites come equipped with drop toilets and bore water taps, but no showers. Supplies aren’t sold in the park, so make sure you bring enough food and water for your stay.The Walardi Campsite in the south is nearer to Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Creek and the Bungle Bungles. Separated into two areas – one for campers with generators and one for campers without, the generator area is also utilised for tours and helicopter flights.
The Kurrajong Campsite is in the north and split into three areas: a quiet area, one where generators are allowed and a tour group area. It’s closer to the Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms walk, and has its own sunset lookout.
When to Visit
Purnululu Park opens late in April, at the end of the wet season. Depending on the weather, it remains open from April to the end of December, but the visitor centre and camps close by Mid-October.
June to August is peak season, so its best to go as early as possible and beat the rush of tourists. Make sure you’re prepared for the cold, as during winter the temperature can easily drop below zero at night.
The weather warms up after that, and by October the temperature can get as high as 50°C! The whole park may close early because of heat or wet weather, or even temporarily due to bush fires. May is the best time to visit the Bungles, but even if the park is closed you can still fly overhead at any time.
Invest in the Right Caravan or Camper Trailer
If you’re planning a trip to the Bungle Bungles, make sure your caravan or camper trailer is built to handle the Aussie outback.
At PMX Campers we’re passionate about providing the best gear that’s custom-built for Australian environments. So contact us today and see our camping options.
