Bungle Bungle Range

Bungle Bungle Range

　 Introduction: Located within Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle Range is one of Western Australia’s most captivating geological wonders, ranking alongside natural marvels such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef. Rising 578 meters above sea level and 200–300 meters above the surrounding plains, this range is covered in forest and grassland, along with steep cliffs. Viewed from the air, the Bungle Bungle Range features a honeycomb-like pattern of orange and black striped domes, set within a crust of silica and algae, with the entire range clearly visible from the south. Sweeping across the range reveals a hidden world of valleys and gorges, endlessly sculpted by the hands of wind upon the rock. During the wet season, the Bungle Bungle Range teems with plant and animal life, resources that were extensively utilized by Indigenous peoples until the mid-1980s when the area was discovered by non-Indigenous people. As a result, the region is rich in Aboriginal rock art and burial sites. The iconic striped, beehive-shaped rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and summits of the Bungle Bungle Range are some of the most famous landscapes in Purnululu National Park. The World Heritage Committee notes that the area contains significant Aboriginal cultural sites dating back 20,000 years. Remarkably, these domes, gorges, and seasonal waterfalls remained unknown to all but poets, scientists, and Indigenous people until 1982, when aerial photographs were first released to the public and widely circulated. Tip: Whether you plan to explore by car or air, you can call 1300 361 351 to contact the Western Australian Visitor Centre. An aerial tour is the best way to see the full extent of the Bungle Bungle Range—the views from the sky reveal twice as much as those from the ground. Visiting the Bungle Bungle Range between April and November means staying in a tent only.

Perth, Australia