Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park! Worth it or Not?
If you’ve ever seen photos of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, with its striking beehive-shaped domes striped in orange and black, you’ve probably wondered if it’s worth the journey.
The challenge for many first-time visitors is logistics. The park is notoriously hard to access, with rough 4WD-only tracks, long distances between services, and limited accommodation options. On top of that, people often question whether the effort (and cost) of getting there is really justified compared to more accessible attractions.
Having explored the Bungle Bungles myself, I can say it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations that leaves a lasting impression. So, In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know before visiting: how to get there, where to stay, tour options, the best walks, and tips to make the most of your trip. So, you can decide if the Bungles Bungles in the Kimberley deserves a spot on your travel plans.
This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.
Are the Bungle Bungles worth visiting?
If you’re asking if the Bungle Bungle Range & Purnululu National Park are worth visiting, then my answer would be an absolute, Yes. I was in complete awe when driving up to these beehive domes for the first time. Not to mention it’s a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, and fascinating getting closer and exploring them in more detail.
I think Western Australia’s Bungle Bungles should be at the top of everyone’s list, and seeing them in person is the only way you’ll believe me! But they are a 3-hour drive from the nearest town, will require a four-wheel drive vehicle, and supplies are limited.
Therefore, you must be sure you want to see them before planning your trip.
Depending on your budget and situation, the good news is there are options for seeing them. So, you can read on below for more details.
How to get to the Bungle Bungles
The Bungle Bungles are situated inside the Purnululu National Park (see location Map HERE) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It’s close to the border of the Northern Territory, and its nearest towns are Halls Creek and Warmun.
Accessing the National Park requires a via off the Number 1, Great Northern Highway, which runs between Broome and Kununurra.
➡ Find Purnululu National Park Accommodation HERE on Booking.com
Travel By Car
You will definitely need a four-wheel drive vehicle to access the Bungle Bungles or the Purnululu National Park. There is about 100 kilometres of sealed road from Halls Creek to the turnoff, but it will be a dirt and corrugated road after that.
- From the Great Northern Highway Turnoff, it’s about 2 kilometres to get to the Caravan Park.
- After that, travel another 40 kilometres to some fixed accommodation options
- and an additional 10 kilometres to the Bungle Bungle domes.
Remember that although the kilometres might seem low, the time it takes to drive the graded road will be longer. For instance, it’s 50 kilometres from the Caravan Park to the Bungle Bungles, but driving there will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Although that depends on your speed and how comfortable you are driving on these kind of roads.
Note: You can opt for the tours to take less wear and tear off their own vehicle.
Travel By Air
If you don’t have a four-wheel drive, flying there might be more cost-effective. While there are limited choices, both Kununurra and Broome have either flights available to explore from the air or day trips to explore on the ground.
➡ Check prices for Flight & Bus Tours HERE with Viator.
Know that the flights are costly, but when you weigh this cost against the vehicle or time needed to get there. Then, the flights or organised tour options could better suited for your arrangements.
Note: Kununurra is a 5-hour drive from the National Park, and Broome is 12 hours away. Therefore, please consider the distance when researching flight prices and understand why it’s high.
Alternatively, there are short tourist flights (from 15 to 60 minutes) in a helicopter over the Range or in the National Park. These can be organised through the reception office of your accommodation or with the tour operator you’re travelling with.
Ultimately, this can be done while you’re staying near the park.
The Range covers a massive area, so I think the best way to see the domes in all their glory is by air! As you can see from my photos, I was lucky enough to complete a 20-minute flight, and I thought it was an amazing way to see the area!
Travel by Bus
While there is NO public Bus transport available to drive you, there are organised multi-day tours. Tours can be an ideal option for local knowledge and taking the worry out of preparation and road conditions.
➡ Check prices for Flight & Bus Tours HERE with Viator.
While it might seem like organised tours can be costly, but not when you compare the amount and time in creating your own itinerary. Especially if you’re from somewhere other than Australia and only in the country for a short amount of time.
Tour options vary from Day trip flight/land tours from Kununurra or Broome, to multi-day tours throughout the Kimberley region. My second time was completed on a 9-day Organised tour through this outback region, and completely worth the cost.
Obviously, this will require more allocated time, but it will explore many different sites in the Kimberley region, not just the Purnululu National Park. This is what I choose to do and ended up barding a 10 day tour across the area.
About the Domes?
Unique domes have been formed into beehive-shaped towers made of sandstone, pebbles, and boulders cemented together by finer materials.
This was all deposited over 300 million years ago when active faults were altering the landscape. These layered sandstone stripes have been carved out by wind, water, and time, forming one of the most rare landscapes you’ll find. So if a dreamy desert escape sounds like your jam, then you’ve got to add it to your bucket list.
The range remained largely unknown except by local Aborigines and stockmen until 1982. However, it was quickly gazetted as a National Park in 1987 and also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage area in 2003.
The domes reach 25 kilometres from north to south and 30 kilometres from east to west. Not only that, but it towers up to 600m above sea level and 250 metres above the surrounding North West plains in the rugged Kimberley outback.
With winding gorges, deep chasms, and steep terraces, you will be instantly enamoured with nature’s grandeur! Along with history and indigenous dreamtime stories dating back to a very different time.
Where to Stay?
For those who prefer fixed accommodation, you can choose between comfortable cabins to inviting lodges. Therefore, you can have all the comfort of your home without missing out on the amazing sights!
What’s even better, these options are the closest to the domes and are actually located in National Park. Therefore, less time driving back and forth from the sites.
➡ Search all Purnululu National Park Accommodation HERE on Booking.com
However, I don’t recommend staying at Halls Creek or Warnum and driving in for the day. It’s just too long and a rough journey for one day, and I feel it will diminish your enjoyment of the National Park.
1. Savannah Lodge
The Savannah Lodge consists of 26 en-suite cabins that are designed to fit within the landscape of the National Park. Each cabin is built with timber flooring, a front deck with outdoor furniture, and a private en-suite with queen or king-split beds.
2. Wilderness Lodge
Go beyond regular camping and stay at APT’s stunning Wilderness Lodges. Choose from a Standard or Superior tented cabin with king or twin beds, a private en-suite with hot water, a flushing toilet, and a private deck.
Since I joined an APT Kimberley tour, this was the option I had available to me, and it did not disappoint. The Tented cabins were basic but had everything you needed for a pleasant stay.
3. Caravan Park
If you prefer the Caravan Park option, then plenty of space is available for Powered sites or Tent Sites. But the Caravan Park also offers Safari Tents and cabins as an alternative to the other fixed accommodation in the National Park. Just ensure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. National Park Campsites
Walardi Campground and Kurrajong Campground are available in the National Park and cost an estimated $15 per Adult for camping permits. Bookings are essential and can be sorted about 6 months prior, but only when the season is open from May to September.
There are pit toilets but no showers, so you must be pretty self-sufficient to stay there (including water). These can be booked online through the WA Parks website.
Best time to visit?
The seasonal time to visit the Bungle Bungle Range usually starts from April to October, when the Australian Winter is just beginning. However, the dates can vary slightly depending on what happened over the summer and potential rain.
Both times I visited were around May and the start of June. The days were warm and sunny, and the evenings slightly cooled down. However, I do recommend bringing clothing layers, which means a light jacket and long pants to keep you warm in the evening.
What Walks are available?
Exploring on foot is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a passionate explorer, a beginner hiker, or anything in between, there’s a walk that’s suited for you.
They range from anything as short as 30 minutes to as long as 2 days, so you can get up close with the domes and see them in their full glory. These include:
- Cathedral Gorge – 3.2 Kilmoetres ( A must-do for your list)
There is a moderate trail to see Cathedral gorge. A massive amphitheatre of red rock has been formed here after years of water pounding through in the wet season. What’s left is a gorge of echoes and acoustics, and you can even bellow your singing voice for clarity.
Tip: It’s a great idea to bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the entire gorge.
- The Domes – 700 metres
- Piccaninny Creek Lookout – 2.8 Koilomtres
- Echidna Chasm – 2 kilometres
- Kurrajong Campground Trail – 1.4 kilometres
- Mini Palms – 4.4 kilometres.
- Piccaninny Creek Walk – 31.5 kilmoetres
- Homestead Valley Walk – 4.2 kilometres
- Whip Snake Gorge Trail – 9.2 kilometres
- Osmond Lookout Walk – 600 metres
Safety tips!
Due to the extreme conditions you can experience along the walking trails, I have some general safety tips:
- Carry more water than you think your need.
- Ensure you wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Choose light fabric clothing that breaths.
- Hot days might require a fly net.
- Take regular stops to rest and catch your breath.
- Wear closed-in shoes or hiking boots with ankle support.
- Choose to walk early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Do not approach wildlife and admire it from a distance.
- Carry a small first aid kit for scratches and minor injuries.
- If you can, tell someone where you are and how long you’ll be. Even this is being noted at your reception desk.
FAQ’s – Common Questions?
Do you need a permit for the National Park?
Yes, you must pay for a permit to enter the National Park. This can be done at a single cost when entering the Park or can be purchased online here. Estimated costs to enter a single park are as follows:
- $17 per vehicle for up to 12 people.
- $8 per Adult person if you have more than 12 people in one vehicle.
- $10 per motorcycle.
If you’re visiting multiple National Parks in Western Australia, an Annual or holiday pass might be more convenient and cost-effective.
- Holiday passes come in 5-day ($30), 14-day ($50), or 4 Weeks ($70) increments,
- While the Annual pass ($130) will give you access to all parks in a 12-month period.
These can also be purchased on the link above. Then, you print the pass and display it on your vehicle’s dash while in the National Parks.
Is it safe to visit?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to visit. Still, you do need to be aware of the dangers!
Some of this includes the wildlife, road conditions, and being unprepared for your surroundings.
The Australian Outback is not the type of area to visit without knowing what to expect. This means not understanding or getting too close to wildlife, especially if they can hurt or injure you. Driving on graded or corrugated roads for the first time or not travelling with essential supplies like food, water, or extra car tyres.
If you have any hesitation or inexperience with outback areas like this, then I recommend using an organised tour. This will help you enjoy the area more and take the worry out of these safety conditions. Not only that, but it’s a great way to meet people and learn the history and information from the guide.
How many days do you need?
My visits to the Bungle Bungle were only single days – So, while highlights such as Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm can be seen in just 1 day, immersing yourself over 2 to 3 days allows visitors to explore much more thoroughly.
Whether you’ve only got one day to spend at the National Park or have a few days to spare, the highlights of this spectacular landmark in the Kimberley region of WA will not disappoint.
Is there fuel?
While there is no fuel within the Purnululu National Park, the closest petrol station to the park can be found at Warmun Roadhouse in the north and Halls Creek in the south.
This means remember to fill up your Tank (and your extra 20-litre jerry can) as you pass through either of these towns before heading out to explore this stunning geological wonderland!
Can you swim there?
For those staying at the Savannah Lodge (Accommodation in the National Park), you can satisfy your swimming needs with its pool. Or, take it as an excuse to laze around for the day with a few drinks.
Apart from that, there isn’t a lot of water around the Domes in the dry winter season. Plus, what water you do see will be stagnant, uninviting, or off-limits for swimming. So it’s probably best to check current water level conditions with the reception desk at your accommodation, but expect that there is no wild swimming around.
Can you take dogs?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to bring pets to the Purnululu National Park, due to the unique surrounding and protection of the local wildlife.
However, pets are allowed at the Caravan Park, which is not officially in the National park. Though they have strict rules with pets and must always be on a lead. You also can’t leave them at your site to visit the park, and there are no pet-minding facilities.
That being said, I have heard of guests minding each other’s pets while visiting the domes. Although this would be risky without organising beforehand.
Who owns the Bungle Bungles?
The remote Bungle Bungles in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia is owned by two Aboriginal groups, Karjaganujaru and Gija people.
The traditional owners have called this area home for thousands of years and consider the landscape a living embodiment of their culture and heritage.
Along with the restrictions to protect sensitive sites, these communities have a vested interest in the natural beauty of their homelands. While allowing access so others may appreciate this unique part of Australia.
Wrap up & Read More!
Thanks for reading this blog Review post and discovering if the Bungle Bungles are worth visiting in the Purnululu National Park. I hope you found the information you were looking for. However, if you’re still researching, please unlock more Western Australian articles HERE for planning and inspiration.
