This majestic delight truly is a natural gem of northern Australia. Situated in the Purnululu National Park, the range is characterized by its unique ‘beehive’ sandstone formations. This is an important site for both conservation and Aboriginal heritage. Even though the range is so underrated, the Bungle Bungle Range is a must-see for adventurous outdoor lovers. To prepare for your trip to this majestic site, we’ve composed this complete travel guide to the Bungle Bungles and everything that is in it. You will learn all you need to know about the Bungle Bungles, including some fun facts and even its name meaning.
Bungle Bungle Range: Overview
The Bungle Bungle Range is a collection of huge striped rock formations located in northern Australia. It consists of numerous rounded cones and towers of sandstone shaped over time by water and wind. These formations are the focal point of Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is located on the eastern edge of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, about 155 miles (250 kilometers) south of Kununurra.
What Is The Meaning Of “Bungle Bungle”?
One of the facts about this range is that the term “Bungle Bungle” is relatively unknown and its origin is unclear. The Kitja Aborigines refer to the location as Purnululu, which is translated to “sandstone” in English. There is no evidence to suggest that the Kitja Aborigines use Bungle Bungle in their language. Some scholars believe that it is an altercation of the term “bundle bundle,” used to describe a kind of grass that is commonly found in the area.
Top 6 Epic Things You Have To Do In Bungle Bungle Range
Wildlife Camping
Camping in the Bungle Bungle Range is one of the best ways to commune with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. At here, you’ll be able to gaze up at the sun, the stars and everything in between from your campsite. You can also listen to the ambient sounds of nature like birds chirping and wind whistling as you reflect on life.
- Walardi Campground
- Kurrajong Campground
- Bungle Bungle Caravan Park
Scenic Flights
The whole experience of flying over Purnululu National Park and seeing the Bungle Bungles is a must-do when visiting this majestic landmark. The spectacular views of the orange and gray bands below you are unlike anything else. You can also learn a lot from the flight operators as they share stories and information about this region.
4 Wheel Driving
The great thing about exploring this range is that you can either do it on your own or join one of the park’s 4WD tours. This allows you to have more flexibility and also puts your driving skills to the test as the road is not an easy feat. However, if you manage to conquer the challenge, it is sure to be rewarding.
QUICK TIP!
The road can be pretty rough. Take caution while driving as it could be slow, windy, and very corrugated. Be sure to check for road closures ahead of time so you can plan your route accordingly!
Trekking
But if you want to explore all that this area has to offer, driving alone won’t be enough. Getting out and journeying on foot will take you through even more narrow and wonderful places. Plus, you can do this on your own time and at your own pace without much challenge compared to the rough road ahead on your 4×4 drive.
QUICK TIP!
When trekking, you will need to bring all of your food and water with you as there are few facilities available in most areas. Make sure to pack enough for your trip so that you don’t run into any problems!
Wildlife Watching
The Bungle Bungle Range is home to more than 149 bird, 85 reptile, 32 native mammal and 12 frog species, so if you love wildlife watching, you’ll definitely want to make some stops in the range. You can expect to see a lot of wild animals around the park and the range, so keep your eyes peeled! Some of them are rare, too!
Birds Watching
This is the perfect place to come and watch some of the more chirpy and rare birds that aren’t found in many other places. Honeyeaters, doves, wood swallows, and finches are just some of the birds that are in abundance here, and if you’re lucky you might even spot the white-quilled rock pigeon or the Australian bustard. So make sure to bring your binoculars so you can get a good look at these flying creatures!
When Is The Best Time To Venture Bungle Bungle Range?
Bungle Bungle is a sacred national park located in Australia that is still relatively unknown to most people. Because it isn’t overly crowded with tourists, all you need to do is plan your trip around the most ideal weather conditions in order to fully enjoy everything this natural gem has to offer.
For the most part, the Bungle Bungle Range is open from early April to December, weather permitting. But the best time to visit the park would be between May and September when the weather is much more endurable as it’s cooler and drier than the rest. However, heavy rains and bush fires can make the park inaccessible or unsafe anytime, so always check the Western Australia National Parks website for latest updates before your visit.
Trivia Highlight: Interesting Facts About Bungle Bungle
Here are some Bungle Bungles facts you can use to impress your family and friends on your way to the range:
- The colors on the range change according to the weather
- Indigenous people called this place home for over 20,000 years
- The Bungle Bungles was formed more than 350 million years ago
- Although the range is ancient, the masses have only awared about since 1983
- Dolomite-layered ancient seabeds form the mountains
- No one knows exactly where the name meaning of Bungle coming from. However, some speculate the Bungle name meaning might stem from a common grass in Kimberly region
Other Attractions In Purnululu National Park
Cathedral Gorge
Echidna Chasm
Piccaninny Creek
Osmand Creek
The Window
Whip Snake Gorge
RELATED ARTICLES
The Most Sacred Places In Indigenous Australian Folklore
The Rocky Mountains: Unique Things To Know For An Interesting Trip
6 Breathtaking Sights in Alberta That Make You Feel Like You’re Lost in Paradise
