Ian
priscilla 1The Bungle Bungle Ranges, Western Australia
July 2nd 2008 12:38
The Bungle Bungle Ranges
(through one traveller’s eyes)
(through one traveller’s eyes)
The striped domes of The Bungle Bungle Ranges
When you visit The Bungle Bungle Ranges, you will be impressed with the sheer length, breadth, height, colour and isolation of this unique, impressive wilderness. The Purnululu National Park has been declared a World Heritage site because of its amazing natural beauty and outstanding geological value. The easily recognisable striped, sandstone beehive features make them unique in the world.
The Bungle Bungle Ranges have only recently been thrown into the limelight. In the early 1980’s a TV documentary about the cattle industry was being shot nearby. The crew producing the documentary were flown over The Bungle Bungle Ranges and were so impressed with what they saw the Ranges featured in the documentary.
There are many ways to visit The Bungle Bungle Ranges so it pays to do your homework and choose the tour which interests you. If you have a 4WD you can drive yourself and make use of the camp sites. Otherwise organised tours range from a fly over to a four day stay. Scenic helicopter flights over The Bungle Bungle Ranges, taking off from near the Parks airstrip, have become popular.
Our visit was a two day organised tour. We had to rise at 4 am to be ready to be picked up from our accommodation at 5 am. When we arrived at the Kununurra airport we were surprised to be introduced to several pilots who were waiting to take passengers on flights over the Bungles, or to the Bungles for an extended stay. At the appropriate time each pilot called out the names of the people who were to be his/her passengers for the morning. We were on the last plane to leave but eventually our names were called and off we went. Walking out onto the tarmac we noticed several small planes taking off, one after the other. Standing by our plane we wondered how we and our luggage would all fit, but eventually we had folded ourselves in and, when it was our turn to use the runway, off we went.
After arriving at the Bungle Bungles we indulged in a delicious breakfast and before travelling to the northern end of the Bungle Bungle Ranges for two walks, Mini Palm Gorge and Echidna Chasm.
Mini Palm Gorge
Echidna Chasm
Echidna Chasm
After the exhilarating first day we eagerly set out on the second morning for the walk which would take us to Cathedral Gorge.
Walking to Cathedral Gorge, Bungle Bungle Range
Amphitheatre, Cathedral Gorge, Bungle Bungles
Weathered rocks on the dry creek bed of Piccaninny Creek
View from the Piccaninny Creek Lookout
During our walks in the Bungle Bungle Ranges our guide pointed out many interesting plants and natural features. There are too many to mention here so I will share just four of them with you.
Missletoe
Hard Spinifex Plant
Gnama Hole
Rock Fig
The Rock Fig grows with its roots clinging to the rocks.
Photos cannot show or words describe how enormous, unique and awesome the Bungle Bungles really are. Our visit to this World Heritage Site has etched the vivid scenery and atmosphere in my memory forever.
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