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.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com