A Guide to Purnululu National Park | Australian Traveller

Wild-at-heart Western Australia is home to Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where fascinating geological landmarks and ancient rock art weave a tapestry of unforgettable experiences.

Located 300 kilometres south of Kununurra, Purnululu is home to the burnt orange and black striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, an unmissable icon in the Kimberley region. Until the early 1980s, few people had heard of these bulbous sandstone mounds. Tucked up against the Northern Territory border, with a rough dirt access track and located about 150 kilometres from Halls Creek, the curved peaks and spinifex-dominated sand plains were mostly hidden from the world’s view.

Bungle Bungle Range from above — Traverse through the valleys that wind through the Bungle Bungle Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It wasn’t until an airborne documentary crew captured this 2400-square-kilometre slice of wilderness in 1983 that the Bungle Bungle Range was introduced to the world. No doubt the Gija and Jaru peoples were surprised to hear the Bungle Bungles had been “discovered". In 1987, this treasure was declared a national park, and about two decades ago it was inscribed on the UNESCO list for its “outstanding universal natural heritage values."

Top Purnululu National Park sights to see

This enormous swathe of wilderness offers a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil nature walks to adrenaline-pumping helicopter adventures.

Bungle Bungle Range

Walk among ancient sandstone formations that have been shaped by the elements over 350 million years, resulting in a unique landscape of valleys and ridges.

Cathedral Gorge

Cathedral Gorge is a natural amphitheatre of red rock located within the Bungle Bungle Range. The acoustics within this chamber are extraordinary, and the towering rock formations create a cathedral-like atmosphere that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Echidna Chasm

Echidna Chasm is a narrow gorge with walls up to 200 metres high that offers a moderately challenging but rewarding hike. The pathway leads to a secluded area where the sunlight dances off the walls, creating a mesmerising display of light and shadow.

Piccaninny Gorge

The largest of all the gorges in Purnululu National Park, in the wet season, water flows along the creek between the red and black beehive domes. In the dry season, visitors can walk along the dry creek bed to see more of the Bungle Bungle Range and the interesting shapes created in the creek bed by the flow of the water.

Mini Palms Gorge

Mini Palms Gorge is a hidden gem within the park, offering a moderate hike that leads to a secluded palm grove. The trail winds through a narrow gorge, flanked by towering cliffs, before opening up to reveal a tranquil oasis, complete with a natural pool and a grove of Livistona palms.

Top tours in Purnululu National Park

Guided tours offer an enriching way to explore the park’s many wonders, from its unique geological features to its rich Indigenous heritage.

4WD tours

APT Tours are led by experienced guides who offer valuable insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems and geological formations.

driving along Purnululu National Park — Journey through Purnululu National Park on a 4WD tour. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

After a full day exploring highlights including Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge, you can finish the day watching the sunset over the Bungle Bungle Range with a glass of bubbly in hand.

sunset at Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park — Fiery hues colour the sky over the Bungle Bungle Range. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Scenic flights

A scenic flight over Purnululu National Park offers a bird’s-eye view of the iconic Bungle Bungle Range, providing a new perspective on the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder.

a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range with Aviair — Get a bird’s-eye view of the monolith on a scenic flight.

Departing from Kununurra, Aviair offers short two-hour trips up to full-day tours that include walks to Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Gorge and Echidna Chasm.

Aviair Bungle Bungle Adventurer scenic flight — Aviair offers a range of tours within Purnululu National Park.

Helicopter tours

For those looking for an even more intimate aerial experience, helicopter tours offer the opportunity to hover over key landmarks and even land in some otherwise inaccessible areas.

a helicopter adventure with Helispirit, Purnululu National Park — Book a memorable helicopter adventure with Helispirit. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Helispirit has knowledgeable guides who can provide in-depth information about the park’s geology and history.

a helicopter tour above Purnululu National Park with HeliSpirit — Hover above Purnululu National Park on a HeliSpirit helicopter tour.

Guided hiking tours

Guided hiking tours offer a more grounded way to explore the park’s natural beauty. Led by experienced guides, locally owned Bungle Bungle Guided Tours offer guests visits to hidden gorges, secluded waterholes and ancient art sites. But to truly feel connected and understand this remarkable living landscape, book in with Kingfisher Tours to be led by a Gija guide.

a local guide at Purnululu National Park — Head guide Rebecca Sampi of Kingfisher Tours. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Choose from day tours from Kununurra, walks from Purnululu and Bungle Bungle overnight tours.

a guided walking and hiking tour at Purnululu National Park — Get an up-close view of the park’s natural wonders. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Accommodation and Camping

Purnululu offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all preferences, from the rustic allure of bush camping to the luxurious comforts of air-conditioned cabins. See our handy guide to Purnululu National Park accommodation.

an aerial view of two people walking at Purnululu National Park — Camp near Purnululu National Park’s iconic attractions. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Bungle Bungle Caravan Park

Located just off the main highway, Bungle Bungle Caravan Park offers a range of accommodation options, from cabins and safari tents to powered and unpowered sites. The park also offers 4WD bus tours and scenic helicopter flights, adding an extra layer of adventure to your stay.

Walardi Campground

Walardi Campground is a public facility managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife. It offers basic amenities like bush toilets and bore water taps, but its real charm lies in its proximity to some of Purnululu’s most iconic attractions.

Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

If you want luxury and a top location, then make a beeline for the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge .

The 27 hard-walled cabins with timber flooring have ensuite bathrooms with eco-friendly products and the lodge is home to the only swimming pool in the park.

Pool at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge — A stay at Savannah Lodge means you will get access to the only pool in the park. (Image: CJ Maddock)

Plan your trip to Purnululu National Park

How to get there

The journey to Purnululu is an adventure in itself. The park is accessible only by 4WD, and the drive offers numerous opportunities for scenic photography and wildlife spotting. Fly into Kununurra Airport, hire a car and drive three hours south to Purnululu National Park or join a land-based or air tour.

riding a helicopter on top of Purnululu National Park — Opt for a helicopter tour to get the most of your trip. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Purnululu is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the weather is more accommodating, and the park’s various attractions are easily accessible.

two people exploring The Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park — Explore the park’s top attractions like The Bungle Bungle Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Fuel and supplies

Before setting off, make sure you’re well-stocked with fuel and essential supplies. The nearest fuel stations and grocery stores can be quite a distance away, so it’s always better to be prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the entry fees for Purnululu National Park?

A: The entry fee for Purnululu National Park is $15 per vehicle, which is valid for one day.

scenic landscapes in Purnululu National Park — Step into the remote wilderness of Purnululu National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Q: Are pets allowed in the park?

A: No, pets are not allowed in Purnululu National Park to protect the native wildlife.

Q: Is it safe to swim in the gorges?

A: Swimming is generally not recommended due to the presence of freshwater crocodiles in some areas.

a group of tourists resting on the rocks at Cathedral Gorge, Purnululu National Park — Freshwater crocodiles inhabit some of the gorges within the park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Q: Do I need a 4WD to access the park?

A: Yes, a 4WD vehicle is required to access Purnululu National Park due to the rugged terrain.

Q: Are guided tours available?

A: Yes, there are several guided tour options available, ranging from 4WD adventures to scenic flights.

Bungle Bungle Guided Tours in Purnululu National Park — Explore the majestic domes with Bungle Bungle Guided Tours.

Note: an earlier version of this article incorrectly included a picture of Kingfisher Tours without reference to the tour. This has since been amended.

For more insider tips and unforgettable experiences, read our guide to the Kimberley.

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.