Exploring the Majestic Bungle Bungle Range with Family
Day 11: From Kununurra to Kimberley: A Day of Outback Wonders
Experience the heart of the Kimberley! Discover El Questro & Home Valley Station, and savor unique dining under the stars.
A Kimberley Kind of Day
The vastness of the Kimberley is something you can only truly appreciate when you're standing right in the middle of it. Today, our family adventure took us from the bustling hub of Kununurra to the heart of the outback, a day filled with stunning landscapes, unique experiences, and the kind of tranquility that only the Australian wilderness can offer. It was a day of exploration, good food, and quality time spent with Astrid and Lasse, creating memories we'll cherish long after we've returned to our quiet life in Silkeborg.
The day began with a hearty breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. The lodge was amazing, and the breakfast buffet offered a sumptuous spread of freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits and cereals. After fuelling up, we headed out to our first stop: the El Questro Wilderness Park - Kununurra Office.

Discover the wild charm of El Questro Wilderness Park, where adventure meets nature in the heart of Australia's Kimberley region.
El Questro is an iconic destination in the Kimberley, and its Kununurra office serves as the perfect starting point for exploring this vast wilderness. The office itself was buzzing with activity, as fellow travellers planned their own adventures. We gathered some maps and brochures, chatted with the helpful staff, and soaked in the excitement of the place. From there, we set off to experience some of El Questro's wonders. El Questro Wilderness Park spans a massive 283,000 hectares and is located 110 kilometers west of Kununurra. El Questro offers everything from camping to luxurious rooms.
As a restorer of antique furniture, I'm always drawn to the history and stories behind places, and El Questro certainly has its fair share. Originally a cattle station, it has been transformed into a tourism destination, offering visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Kimberley. The landscape is dramatic, with deep gorges, thermal springs and cascading waterfalls.
After El Questro, we continued our journey to Home Valley Station.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Home Valley Station, your gateway to the Kimberley region's natural wonders.
The drive itself was an experience, with the rugged landscape stretching out before us. The Kimberley is known for its challenging roads, and the Gibb River Road is no exception. But with our trusty vehicle and a sense of adventure, we were more than ready for the challenge. I must admit, I did miss having my portable phone charger, as keeping our devices powered up for navigation and photography was a bit of a challenge. Astrid, ever the pragmatist, reminded me that sometimes it's good to disconnect and simply enjoy the moment. She always knows how to bring me back down to earth.
Home Valley Station, also known as HV8, is a pastoral lease and cattle station located 114 kilometers west of Kununurra. It's managed by the Balanggarra Traditional Custodians and offers a range of accommodations, tours, and activities. As we arrived at Home Valley Station, we were immediately struck by its beauty. Situated beside the Pentecost River and overlooking the Cockburn Ranges, it's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Kimberley.
We explored the station, taking in the views of the Cockburn Ranges and learning about the history of the area. Home Valley has a rich indigenous culture, and they offer cultural tours where you can learn about the traditions and customs of the local people. I found it fascinating to hear the stories of the Balanggarra people and their connection to this land. Lasse, surprisingly, was also captivated, asking insightful questions about the indigenous art and Dreamtime stories.
Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that take you far from the familiar, immersing you in a world that's both ancient and breathtakingly beautiful.
We enjoyed lunch at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park, which was a delightful experience.
Discover eco-friendly luxury at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge in Purnululu National Park—where adventure meets comfort in stunning natural surroundings.
The dining area was comfortable, the lunch itself was delicious and the staff were friendly. After lunch, we did a bit of shopping at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Purnululu National Park at Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company, offering adventure and relaxation in harmony.
We bought some souvenirs for our friends back home and picked up a few essentials for our ongoing camping adventure. Astrid found a beautiful piece of indigenous art, which she plans to hang in our living room as a reminder of our time in the Kimberley.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to The Bungle Bungles for dinner, eager to experience a meal under the stars.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of The Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park - a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site in Western Australia.
The Bungle Bungles region offers a unique dining experience, with many tour companies and lodges providing meals in the heart of the outback. We enjoyed a delicious barbeque buffet, with locally sourced beef, barramundi, and sausages. The communal seating encouraged lively discussions, and we made new friends from all over the world. It was a truly magical evening, sharing stories and laughter under the vast Kimberley sky.
Sitting there with my family, under a blanket of stars, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this experience. The Kimberley has a way of stripping away the unnecessary and reminding you of what truly matters: connection, adventure, and the simple beauty of the natural world. It's a far cry from my workshop in Silkeborg, but perhaps that's why it's so special. Sometimes, you need to step outside your comfort zone to truly appreciate the richness of life. I was also reminded of the portable phone charger I had forgotten, and vowed to remember it next time.
Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Mimbi Caves Tours and Ellenbrae Station, delving deeper into the cultural and natural wonders of this region. I am particularly excited about Mimbi Caves, and the aboriginal art and history of the area. I've packed my camera, a fresh notebook, and a renewed sense of curiosity. The Kimberley, it seems, has much more to offer, and I'm eager to uncover its secrets.
Before heading back to our camp for the night, we enjoyed a cold beer at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. The lodge has a licensed bar that offers a selection of local wines and beers. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and adventure. Sipping on a cold drink, surrounded by the sounds of the outback, I felt a deep sense of peace and contentment. This is what travel is all about: experiencing new places, connecting with different cultures, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge also has a dining area where visitors can dine under the stars.
And as I sit here now, writing these words under the soft glow of our camping lantern, I can't help but smile. Today was a good day. A Kimberley kind of day. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Discover the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range with your family and explore its natural wonders and cultural heritage on an immersive Australian adventure.
Meet this Featured Explorer
-
Occupation: Restorer of Antique Furniture
-
Country: Denmark
-
Age: 47
Ciao! I'm Andrea Colombo, a restorer of antique furniture with a passion for history, art, and exploring different cultures. Born in Italy and now living in Denmark, I've spent my life surrounded by craftsmanship and stories of the past. Join me as I share my travel experiences, weaving together personal anecdotes, historical facts, and practical tips for those who appreciate immersive and authentic journeys. Together with my family, I seek out unique destinations, connect with local communities, and uncover the hidden gems that make each place special. Benvenuti!
- History
- Art
- Architecture
- Different Cultures
- Culinary Experiences
Find Similar Travel Diaries
Explore locations from this diary
-
El Questro Wilderness Park - Kununurra Office
Discover the wild charm of El Questro Wilderness Park, where adventure meets nature in the heart of Australia's Kimberley region.
-
Home Valley Station
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Home Valley Station, your gateway to the Kimberley region's natural wonders.
-
Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge
Experience nature's wonder at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge—your gateway to breathtaking landscapes and serene relaxation in Purnululu National Park.
-
Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park
Discover eco-friendly luxury at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge in Purnululu National Park—where adventure meets comfort in stunning natural surroundings.
-
The Bungle Bungles
Explore the breathtaking beauty of The Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park - a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site in Western Australia.
-
Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Purnululu National Park at Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company, offering adventure and relaxation in harmony.