Adventurous Journey to the Bungle Bungle Range

Day 3: Whispers of the Bungle Bungles: Exploring Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge

Discover the hidden wonders of Echidna Chasm & Mini Palms Gorge in the Bungle Bungles. A day of awe-inspiring beauty and natural splendor!

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A Day Among Giants


Today was a day of exploration and wonder, as the Bungle Bungle Range continued to reveal its secrets. The sheer scale of this place is something you can't quite grasp until you're standing within it, craning your neck to take in the towering rock formations. It’s a humbling experience, a reminder of the earth’s ancient power and artistry. Today, my friends and I ventured into the heart of two of its most captivating features: Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge.

Explore Echidna Chasm in Purnululu National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder of towering cliffs and vibrant rock formations in Western Australia.
Explore Echidna Chasm in Purnululu National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder of towering cliffs and vibrant rock formations in Western Australia.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. The lodge, nestled in such a remote location, was amazing. The friendly staff and tasty food made it a great start to the day. After breakfast, we packed our essentials – water, sunscreen, and of course, my camera – and set off towards Echidna Chasm. I did miss having insect repellent, though, a mistake I won’t be making again.

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

Echidna Chasm: A Sliver of Light


The drive to the Echidna Chasm carpark was an adventure in itself, the red dirt road winding through the landscape. As we approached the chasm, the air seemed to grow cooler, a welcome change from the already warm morning sun. The walk into Echidna Chasm is along a creek bed, with the towering walls of the Bungle Bungle Range rising on either side. The towering conglomerate boulders strewn along the path were amazing.

The chasm itself is a narrow, breathtaking split in the rock, a place where the sun only reaches directly overhead for a short time each day. As we ventured deeper, the walls seemed to close in, the sky above becoming a mere sliver of light. In some spots, you can touch both walls simultaneously. The textures and colours of the rock were incredible, shades of orange and red swirling together in patterns created over millennia.

The earth has music for those who listen.


The walk required a bit of scrambling over rocks, and there were even a couple of ladders to navigate towards the end. The effort was more than worth it, though. Reaching the end of the chasm, we were rewarded with a view of a massive boulder wedged high above, a testament to the forces that shaped this place. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Lunch with a View


After exploring Echidna Chasm, we enjoyed a simple lunch at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. The park was conveniently located, and we enjoyed the lunch. It was a welcome opportunity to rest and refuel before our next adventure. I made sure to buy some snacks from the shop at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park for our next hike.

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

Experience the wild beauty of Purnululu National Park at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, an eco-friendly haven for nature lovers.
Experience the wild beauty of Purnululu National Park at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, an eco-friendly haven for nature lovers.

Mini Palms Gorge: A Hidden Oasis


Our afternoon was dedicated to Mini Palms Gorge, another gem in the Bungle Bungle’s crown. The drive from Echidna Chasm to the Bloodwood carpark, the starting point for the Mini Palms Gorge trail, offered stunning views of the escarpment. The walk to the gorge was more challenging than Echidna Chasm, with some steep slopes and large boulders to navigate. But as we entered the gorge, we were greeted by a hidden oasis, a small valley filled with Livistona palms clinging to the cliffs.

The contrast between the red rock and the green palms was striking, a testament to the resilience of life in this harsh environment. The trail led us to a viewing platform overlooking a natural amphitheater, enclosed by majestic walls of rock. It was a peaceful spot, the only sounds the rustling of the palms and the occasional call of a bird. I could have stayed there for hours, soaking in the serenity of the place.

Evening Reflections


As the sun began to set, we made our way back to the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park for dinner. The lodge was great, and the kitchen team was fantastic, especially with my dietary needs. I enjoyed the barramundi. After dinner, I did some shopping at the lodge.

Back at the lodge, as I sit here writing, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences of today. The Bungle Bungle Range is a place that stays with you, a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world. The towering chasms, the hidden gorges, the resilient palms – they all tell a story of time, resilience, and the delicate balance of life. I’m also excited about tomorrow’s plan: a scenic helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungle Range with HeliSpirit. I am sure that seeing these amazing formations from above will be an entirely different, but equally unforgettable, experience.

Tomorrow, we're taking to the skies for a helicopter tour, a completely different perspective on this ancient landscape. I can't wait to share that experience with you all as well.

A Thought for Thomas and Leela


Even though Thomas and Leela aren’t here with me on this trip, I felt them with me today. I know Thomas would have appreciated the geological formations, and Leela would have loved the little palms in Mini Palms Gorge. I picked up a small, smooth stone from the creek bed in Echidna Chasm. It will be a small token to remind them of my adventure here. I can't wait to share all my stories with them when I return to Heidelberg.

This trip to the Bungle Bungles is more than just a vacation; it's a journey of discovery, a chance to connect with nature, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing our planet. I am happy that I get to experience all of this with my friends. And even though I miss my family, I know that these experiences will enrich my life and give me new stories to share with them when I return home. The Bungle Bungles have whispered their secrets to me, and I am eager to share them with you all.

Until tomorrow, keep exploring!
Go to day 2 Awe-Inspiring Cathedral Gorge and Panoramic Views at Piccaninny Creek
Go to day 4 Taking Flight: A Bird's-Eye View of the Bungle Bungle Range
trip photo
Adventurous Journey to the Bungle Bungle Range

Explore the majestic Bungle Bungle Range with friends for an unforgettable adventure in Australia's breathtaking natural landscapes.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Anjali Müller
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Software Engineer
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 38

Namaste and Hallo! I'm Anjali Müller, an Indian expat living in the charming city of Heidelberg, Germany. By day, I'm a software engineer, but my true passion lies in exploring the world with my husband, Thomas, and our daughter, Leela. This blog is my creative outlet, a space where I share our family travel adventures, cultural insights, and tips for sustainable living. As an Indian woman navigating life in Germany, I offer a unique perspective on travel, blending my love for Indian traditions with my fascination for German culture. Join us as we discover hidden gems, savor delicious cuisine, and create unforgettable memories around the globe!

Interests:
  • Technology
  • Indian Culture
  • German Culture
  • Expat Life
  • Sustainable Living
More about Anjali Müller

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