Adventurous Journey to the Bungle Bungle Range

A Kimberley Oasis

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the heart of the Kimberley. After several days of exploring the Bungle Bungle Range, we ventured towards Home Valley Station, a legendary stop along the Gibb River Road. It promised a blend of rugged landscapes, Indigenous culture, and quintessential Aussie hospitality, and it certainly delivered.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Home Valley Station, your gateway to the Kimberley region's natural wonders.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. The lodge offered a wonderful spread, and I enjoyed some freshly baked pastries and tropical fruits while chatting with Thomas and the others about our plans for the day. Leela was excited about the prospect of seeing some animals and exploring a new place. After breakfast, we packed our bags and set off towards Home Valley Station. The drive itself was an experience, with the iconic Gibb River Road presenting its usual corrugated challenge. Thankfully, we were well-prepared, and the scenery was more than enough to keep our spirits high.


Experience nature's wonder at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge—your gateway to breathtaking landscapes and serene relaxation in Purnululu National Park.

We stopped for lunch at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. It was a welcome break, and we grabbed a quick bite before browsing their shop. I picked up a lovely handcrafted bracelet made by local artisans—a perfect memento of our time in the Bungle Bungles. Leela, of course, chose a stuffed kangaroo, which she promptly named 'Bungle'.


Experience breathtaking landscapes and rich Indigenous culture at Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company in Western Australia.

Finally, we arrived at Home Valley Station. The entrance itself is impressive, marked by massive gates shaped like Kimberley boabs. As we drove in, the landscape opened up to reveal stunning views of the Cockburn Ranges and the Pentecost River. It felt like entering an outback oasis. Welcome to the outback oasis that is HV8, the gates seemed to say.

The magic of the Kimberley isn't just in its landscapes, but in the stories whispered by the wind and etched into the ancient rocks.

Our first stop was the reception to check in and get our bearings. Home Valley Station is vast, offering a range of accommodations from camping sites to luxurious suites. We opted for the Homestead Deluxe rooms, which were not only comfortable but also wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone in our group could move around with ease. I was particularly impressed by the station's commitment to accessibility, making it a welcoming place for all travelers.

After settling in, we decided to explore the station. Home Valley is managed by the Balanggarra people, the Traditional Owners of this land. Their connection to the country is palpable, and the station offers several ways to learn about their culture and history. We joined a Walking Station Tour led by a knowledgeable Balanggarra guide. He shared stories of the land, the seasons, and the pastoral history of the station. It was fascinating to learn about the Balanggarra vision and values, and how they balance traditional practices with modern tourism.

The guide explained that Home Valley Station has a rich history, initially established as a cattle station in 1957. Over the years, it has evolved into a tourism hub, offering visitors a chance to experience the Kimberley's natural beauty and Indigenous culture. Today, it also serves as a training center for Indigenous men and women, providing them with skills in tourism, hospitality, and pastoral operations. This commitment to empowering the local community is truly commendable.

We also learned about the flora and fauna of the region. The Kimberley is home to a unique array of plants and animals, including the iconic boab trees. These ancient trees, with their distinctive swollen trunks, are a symbol of the Kimberley. Our guide pointed out various bush tucker plants, explaining how the Balanggarra people have traditionally used them for food and medicine.

In the late afternoon, we took a short drive to Bindoola Falls, a picturesque spot just a short distance from the station. The falls were a welcome sight, and we enjoyed a refreshing dip in the cool water. Leela was thrilled to spot a variety of birds, and Thomas, ever the patient teacher, helped her identify them using his binoculars (I really should have remembered to pack mine!).

As the sun began to set, we made our way to one of the station's lookouts for the Balanggarra Country Cultural Sunset Tour. Sipping on a cool drink and enjoying some nibbles, we watched as the landscape transformed into a canvas of fiery colors. The Cockburn Ranges glowed in the fading light, creating a truly magical scene. It was a perfect moment to reflect on the beauty and serenity of the Kimberley.

For dinner, we headed to Dusty's Bar and Grill, the heart of Home Valley Station. The bar has a quintessential Aussie outback feel, with old country memorabilia and a lively atmosphere. We enjoyed some locally inspired meals, including fresh-caught barramundi, while listening to live entertainment. It was a great opportunity to mingle with other travelers and share stories of our adventures.

Before heading to bed, we spent some time stargazing. Away from the city lights, the night sky was ablaze with stars. Thomas pointed out constellations, and Leela was fascinated by the Milky Way. It was a humbling experience, reminding us of our place in the vast universe.

As I lay in bed, I thought about the day's experiences. Home Valley Station is more than just a place to stay; it's a place to connect with the land, the culture, and the spirit of the outback. It's a place where you can learn about the history of the Kimberley, immerse yourself in the traditions of the Balanggarra people, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Tomorrow, we're heading to Galjiba (Molly Spring). I've heard it's a beautiful spot, and I'm looking forward to exploring it. But for now, I'm content to drift off to sleep, dreaming of boab trees, red rock landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Home Valley Station.

P.S. I almost forgot! I did a bit of shopping at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company today and picked up a few little souvenirs. I found a charming, handcrafted bracelet made by local artisans—a perfect memento of our time in the Bungle Bungles. And Leela, of course, chose a stuffed kangaroo, which she promptly named 'Bungle'!

The weather today was warm, with temperatures reaching the high 30s. The sun was shining, and there was a slight breeze. Perfect conditions for exploring the Kimberley!

Dinner tonight was at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park. The lodge offers a dinner, bed, and breakfast package, which includes a chef-prepared meal served buffet style. The food was delicious, and there was plenty of variety to suit all tastes.

Discover eco-friendly luxury at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge in Purnululu National Park—where adventure meets comfort in stunning natural surroundings.

We visited the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company shop today. The shop sells a range of souvenirs, including clothing, books, and local crafts. It's a great place to pick up a memento of your trip to the Bungle Bungles.

I am so glad that Thomas and Leela could enjoy this with me!