National park

Purnululu National Park

The Bungle Bungle Range rises in orange and grey striped beehive domes above the East Kimberley plains. Purnululu is a World Heritage Site, reached only by a rough 4WD track and open in the dry season.

Region: East Kimberley
State: Western Australia
Established: 1987
UNESCO: World Heritage Site, 2003
Nearest town: Warmun
Best season: May to September (open about April to November)

Before you go

The 53 km Spring Creek Track from the highway needs a high-clearance 4WD and takes 1.5 to 3 hours.
Open roughly April to November; there is no fuel or shop in the park, so carry fuel for at least 300 km.
Walks are short but exposed; start early, carry plenty of water and never climb on the fragile domes.

The domes and gorges

The Bungle Bungle Range covers about 45,000 hectares of the 239,723-hectare park. Its sandstone domes are striped by iron oxide and cyanobacteria. In the south, walks lead to the Domes, Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek; in the north, Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge are narrow slots lined with Livistona palms.

Getting there

The park is about 304 km from Kununurra and 160 km from Halls Creek by road, via the Great Northern Highway and the 53 km Spring Creek Track. The track is unsealed, with creek crossings and a 50 km/h limit. Scenic flights run from Kununurra, Warmun and within the park for a view of the whole range.

Country and respect

Purnululu is the country of the Gija and Jaru peoples, who ask visitors to stay on marked trails and not to climb on the fragile rock. The sandstone is soft and erodes easily. Camp in designated campgrounds, take all rubbish out and book in advance in peak season.

FAQs

Can I drive to Purnululu in a 2WD or with a caravan?

No. The 53 km Spring Creek Track is for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only, with corrugations and creek crossings. Standard caravans are not suitable, and many travellers leave them at Warmun or Kununurra. Tours from Kununurra are an alternative.

When can I visit Purnululu?

The park is generally open from about April to November in the dry season and closes during the wet season, when the track becomes impassable. Cooler months from May to September are the most comfortable for walking.

Is there fuel or food inside Purnululu?

No fuel is available in the park, and supplies are very limited, so arrive with enough fuel for at least 300 km, plus water and food. Fill up in Kununurra, Warmun or Halls Creek and book campgrounds ahead.