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The Bungle Bungle Ranges, Western Australia

July 2nd 2008 12:38

The Bungle Bungle Ranges

(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

Mimi Palm Gorge is a five kilometre return walk. For the first twenty minutes (approx) we walked over an ancient river bed, which is made up of thousands of river smoothed pebbles. Next we found ourselves walking passed and climbing over large and small boulders of conglomerate rock. Eventually we were walking through impressively tall, colourful cliffs. At the end of the walk we climbed steps which lead onto a platform from which we could see mini palms, growing in a scenic amphitheatre. In the past people were allowed to walk among the mini palms (from which the gorge got its name) but the platform has been provided to conserve the palms and their environment.

Echidna Chasm

The Echidna Chasm walk also began on water smoothed pebbles, but it wasn’t long before we were making our way up a narrow chasm, the sides of which were impressively high (top photo). Eventually it opened up into an awe-inspiring dome shaped cavern. To continue the walk we had to climb over conglomerate rocks (bottom photo) until the chasm came to an end.

After the exhilarating first day we eagerly set out on the second morning for the walk which would take us to Cathedral Gorge.

Cathedral Gorge, Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park

Walking to Cathedral Gorge, Bungle Bungle Range

On the way to the Piccaninny Car Park (Cathedral Gorge walk) we were treated to our first glimpse of the striped sandstone domes, for which the Bungle Bungles are renowned. They are as huge and striking as we were led to believe they would be. As the above photo shows the walk to Cathedral Gorge is surrounded by these huge domes.

Amphitheatre, Cathedral Gorge, Bungle Bungles

The end of Cathedral Gorge opens up into an enormous, spectacular amphitheatre, which is open at the top. We were fortunate enough to spend time in this special place, soaking up the atmosphere as we ate our lunch. Words cannot describe the size and beauty of this place.

Piccaninny Creek, Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park

Weathered rocks on the dry creek bed of Piccaninny Creek

After Cathedral Gorge we wandered along the dry bed of Piccaninny Creek (above photo) and along the path to the Lookout. The view from the Lookout was spectacular (photo below).

Piccaninny Creek Lookout, Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park

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

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant. This Mistletoe plant is visited by a bird that sits ‘straddle fashion’ on branches. The seed of this plant is ‘gluey’. The Missletoe Bird eats the seed and flies to another tree. When it passes the seed, because it is ‘gluey’, the bird has to ‘wipe’ it onto the branch of the new tree, which becomes the host for the new Missletoe plant.

Hard Spinifex Plant

Aboriginal people used to throw a whole Hard Spinifex Plant into the river and get the children to splash around in the water. Frightened fish would swim into the Spinifex to hide. When the Spinifex was pulled from the water a feed of fish was had by all.

Gnama Hole

Gnama Holes are formed in the wet when pebbles are swirled round and round in the rock hole. It was explained to us that Aboriginal people would place rocks over the smaller gnama holes to help prevent evaporation.

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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Faroe Islands

June 18th 2008 12:43

The Faroe Islands or Faeroe Islands or simply Faroe(s) or Faeroes, meaning "Sheep Islands", are an island group consisting of eighteen islands off the coast of Northern Europe, between the Norwegian Sea and the north Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway; the closest neighbours being the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland.

Tindhólmur, the highest point on the majestic Faroe Islands.

The islands are rugged and rocky with some low peaks; the coasts are mostly bordered by cliffs. The highest point is Slættaratindur, 882 metres (2,894 ft) above sea level. There are areas below sea level.

Klaksvik, second largest town located on island of Bordoy.

Faroese is spoken in the entire country as a first language.
Of the approximately 48,000 inhabitants of the Faroe Islands (16,921 private households (2004)), 98% are realm citizens, meaning Faroese, Danish, or Greenlandic.

Pictures of the Faroe islands - Mykines lighthouse

Mykines, with the St.Dímun lighthouse visible.

In 2006 unemployment declined to 3% in the Faroe Islands, one of the lowest rates in Europe. Nevertheless, the almost total dependence on fishing means that the economy remains extremely vulnerable

Aurora Borealis over Tórshavn at night.

The Faroe Island winters are mild (mean temperature 3.0 to 4.0°C) while summers are cool (mean temperature 9.5 to 10.5°C). The islands are windy, cloudy and cool throughout the year with over 260 rainy days in the year. The islands lie in the path of depressions moving north eastwards and this means that strong winds and heavy rain are possible at all times of the year. Sunny days are rare and overcast days are common

Tinganes in Tórshavn, seat of the government.

Tinganes is the historic location of the Faroese løgting (parliament), and is a part of Torshavn. The name means "parliament jetty" or "parliament point" in Faroese.

Gásadalur, located on the west-side of Vágar Island.

Thanks to GetALookAtThis for these fabulous images.

*These pictures used with permission from Damn Funny Pictures.

**This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation Licence. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Faroe Islands.

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COSSACK, Western Australia

June 9th 2008 11:54

Today Cossack is a historic, ghost town but the intriguing, beautifully restored old, stone buildings make it worth a visit. Budget accommodation, backpacker’s style, single and family rooms, is available in the restored Police Barracks. However, it is an easy day’s touring to visit Wickham, Roebourne, Cossack and Port Samson from Karratha. Port Samson is a good place for a swim and a meal.

Cossack, situated on the mouth of the Harding River, was established in the 1860’s as the first port in the North West of Western Australia. At first it was known as Tien Tsin but when Governor Weld visited the town in 1871 aboard the vessel HMS Cossack the town was named Cossack after this vessel. The port became a landing place for settlers to the area and ships called regularly to bring supplies.

Walter Padbury, the first European settler and his party, arrived with his stock in 1863. The port of Cossack became important for the export of wool out of the area.

In the 1860’s the pearling industry had begun and by the 1870’s up to 80 luggers were operating in the area and Cossack was an important port from which professional pearlers exported Mother of Pearl.

By the end of the 1880’s gold rush fever hit the North West, bringing more prosperity to Cossack.

The pioneers who lived in Cossack experienced many problems. Cyclones were one of many. Between 1869 and 1898 the Cossack district was devastated by 15 cyclones. The town was devastated by a cyclone in 1898. The threat and damage of cyclones prompted a change in building materials, so wooden buildings were replaced using stone.

For about 50 years Cossack was the bustling, major port for the developing pastoral, pearling and mining industries in this area. However, by the turn of the century the pearling industry was concentrated in Broome and the gold rush to the Pilbara Goldfields declined. Cossack Port proved unsuitable for big ships and the harbour facilities were moved to Port Samson. The Municipality of Cossack was dissolved in 1910 but people continued to reside there until after the Second World War.

The Court House – Cossack

The Court House was designed by George Temple Poole and built in 1985.

This impressive building now houses the Shakespeare Hall Social History Museum. The displays are comprised of original Cossack memorabilia and give the visitor an intriguing and informative glimpse into what life was like for the pioneers of this district.

Inside the Court House – Cossack

The high, solid stone walls and solid wooden furniture gives the visitor a sense of the grandeur of this whole building.

Customs House – Cossack – Western Australia

Customs House – Bond Store, Cossack

The Customs House and Bond Store was designed by George Temple-Poole. It was built using local stone and was completed in 1897. This building was used as for storing and handling incoming and outgoing goods. When Cossack was a working port this building was a very busy place.

Incorporated in the construction of this building was a 7000 gallon underground water tank. Lack of water is always a problem in the Pilbara Region.

When Cossack ceased to be a major port this building was used as a Turtle Soup Factory. Restored in 1983, it is now used by the local community as a venue for special events.

Galbraith Store - Cossack

Galbraith store was completed in 1891 and was the first building built using basalt.

Galbraith and Co was part of Cossack’s commercial centre, being involved in the shipping, stock, mining and pearling industries. The building was restored in 1984 and today is used by the Cheeditha Aboriginal Community as an art studio.

Old Police Barracks

The Police Barracks were designed and built in 1897 and today are used for accommodation.

A six kilometre trail called ‘The Cossack Heritage Trail’ has been funded and put in place by the Shire of Roebourne, the Heritage Council of Western Australia and the Western Australian State Government. Either following the suggested trail in detail, or picking and choosing the buildings and places which most interest you, will prove fascinating and educational as you absorb the history of this pioneer town and its people. The above photos introduce you to some of the beautifully restored buildings of Cossack. When you visit this ghost town you are in for a real treat.

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Most Endangered Travel Destinations

May 16th 2008 12:26

Whether it be due to global warming, deforestation or pollution, these well known travel locations are in danger. If they're on your to-do-before-you-die list, you might want to move them up a little.

Orangutans of Borneo.

In danger from global warming - Polar bears

Arctic Polar Bears.

Great Barrier Reef

Glaciers of Europe.

Cloud Forests of Central America.

These images credited to concierge.com.

Used with permission from Damn Funny Pictures.

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Sao Paulo

April 30th 2008 14:21

São Paulo is the capital of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The city is the largest in Brazil and fifth in the world by population and is located in the southeast of the country. It is also the richest city of Brazil. The name means Saint Paul in Portuguese.

The city has an area of 1,523 square kilometres (588 sq mi) and a population of 10,886,518, which makes it the most populous in Brazil, the Americas, and the southern hemisphere.

São Paulo is a major cultural centre. The city has an ethnically diverse metropolitan area, with heavy Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, German, African, Jewish, Arab and Japanese influences. The city is known for its varied and sophisticated cuisine, ranging from Chinese to French, from fast food chains to five star restaurants. There are approximately 62 different types of cuisines in São Paulo, and more than 12,000 restaurants. Other venues such as bars, pubs, lounges and discos cater to a variety of music tastes.

São Paulo is home to the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and "Pinacoteca do Estado" art museums, a symphonic orchestra (São Paulo State Symphony (OSESP - based in the Sala São Paulo theatre), and a Formula One Grand Prix racing circuit (Interlagos).

Image Source.

*These pictures used with permission from Damn Funny Pictures.

**This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation Licence. It uses material from the Wikipedia article São Paulo.

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Canadian Campsites

April 28th 2008 14:08

Canada has an awesome array of tourist destinations and beautiful countryside, if you're into camping there could be no better country to visit.
Here are the top 5 campsites in this gorgeous nation: Find out more information from campingtourist.com here.

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Beautiful Pictures from Africa

April 16th 2008 06:11

The climate of Africa ranges from tropical to subarctic on its highest peaks. Its northern half is primarily desert or arid, while its central and southern areas contain both savanna plains and very dense jungle (rainforest) regions. In between, there is a convergence where vegetation patterns such as sahel, and steppe dominate.

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Chinese Countryside

March 5th 2008 11:55

When you think of China the first images to come to mind may be huge, densely populated and highly polluted cities. However, there is so much more to the country than that. In rural China, you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. If you don't believe me, take a look at the pictures below!

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Paris at Night

February 29th 2008 10:35

Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world, with over 30 million visitors per year. There are numerous picturesque and iconic landmarks among the many attractions in Paris and it plays host to many world famous institutions and popular parks.

The city is most beautiful at night, below is a wonderful panoramic view of Paris taken just after dusk from the top of the Montparnasse tower. Be sure to click on the picture to open up a full size version and take in all the beauty of Paris

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Post Apocalyptic London

February 27th 2008 10:23

This is an awesome panoramic view of what London might look like after the apocalypse.
Click on the image and open a much larger version!

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Venice

February 4th 2008 06:12

Venice is a city in northern Italy, the capital of region Veneto, and has a population of 271,251. Venice has been known as the "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "City of Bridges", and "The City of Light".

The city stretches across 117 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The saltwater lagoon stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po (south) and the Piave (north) Rivers. The population estimate of 272,000 inhabitants includes the population of the whole Comune of Venezia; around 62,000 in the historic city of Venice (Centro storico); 176,000 in Terraferma (the Mainland), mostly in the large frazione of Mestre and Marghera; and 31,000 live on other islands in the lagoon

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World Pilgrimage Sites

January 30th 2008 05:46

Members of every major religion participate in pilgrimages. A person who makes such a journey is called a pilgrim.

Buddhism offers four sites of pilgrimage, one such site is Bodh Gaya where Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Pilgrimage site at Bodh Gaya in India. Where Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya in the Gaya district of the Indian state of Bihar.

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Petra Carvings

January 21st 2008 10:16

Petra is an archaeological site in southwestern Jordan, lying on the slope of Mount Hor in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. It is renowned for its rock-cut architecture.

Pictures of the Petra rock carvings in Melbourne

The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. It was famously described as "a rose-red city half as old as time" in a Newdigate prize-winning sonnet by John William Burgon. UNESCO has described it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage

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The World Underground

October 24th 2007 12:19

There are different worlds beneath the surface. Some lie below our modern day cities, and some towns are almost entirely underground. The pictures below give some examples.

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