Exploring the Enchanting Bungle Bungle Range

Bungle Bungle from Above and Below

Today was a day of contrasts, soaring through the skies and then standing in awe as the sun dipped below the horizon. The Bungle Bungle Range revealed its beauty from every angle, leaving Maximilian and me breathless. From the ancient Aboriginal dreamtime stories to the modern marvels of flight, today was a collision of history and adventure.
Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park. The lodge is nestled in the heart of Purnululu National Park, and the buffet style breakfast was the perfect fuel for our adventures. I enjoyed some fresh fruit and pastries, while Maximilian opted for a more substantial meal of eggs and bacon. Sipping my coffee, I could already feel the excitement building for what the day had in store.


Discover eco-friendly luxury at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge in Purnululu National Park—where adventure meets comfort in stunning natural surroundings.
Our first stop was HeliSpirit Bungle Bungle | Scenic Helicopter Flights for a scenic helicopter flight. I had been looking forward to this experience since we started planning our trip. I must admit, as someone who spends most of her time coding, the idea of seeing this ancient landscape from above was incredibly appealing. The flight was scheduled for mid-morning, and as we approached the helipad, the anticipation was palpable. Maximilian, ever the data scientist, was fascinated by the logistics of the operation, while I was simply eager to get off the ground. The November heat was already making itself known, but I knew that the views from above would more than make up for it.


Soar above the breathtaking Bungle Bungles with HeliSpirit for an unforgettable helicopter adventure in Purnululu National Park.
We chose the Domes Special flight, a 30-minute tour that promised breathtaking views of the Bungle Bungle Range. As the helicopter lifted off, the landscape transformed beneath us. The beehive-shaped domes, carved over millions of years by wind and rain, stretched out in a seemingly endless expanse. The orange and black stripes, caused by the presence of cyanobacteria and iron and manganese deposits, created a mesmerizing pattern. From above, we could truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of this natural wonder.

The world reveals its secrets to those who dare to look from a different perspective.

Maximilian, of course, was in his element, pointing out geological formations and explaining the forces that shaped the landscape. I, on the other hand, was content to simply soak in the beauty. The experience was surreal, almost dreamlike. It felt as though we were floating above an ancient, forgotten world, untouched by time. I snapped photos, trying to capture the essence of what we were seeing, but I knew that no image could truly do it justice.

The flight took us over Piccaninny Gorge, Cathedral Gorge, and the Valley of the Giants. Each landmark was more impressive than the last, a testament to the power of nature's artistry. I was particularly struck by the contrast between the rugged, rocky landscape and the lush greenery that clung to the gorges and crevices. It was a reminder that even in the harshest environments, life finds a way to thrive.

After our exhilarating flight, we had lunch at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. The lodge offered a welcome respite from the heat, and we enjoyed a delicious meal in a relaxed setting. We chatted about our aerial adventure, reliving our favorite moments and marveling at the sheer scale of the Bungle Bungle Range. I opted for a salad, while Maximilian, still energized from the flight, chose a hearty sandwich. It was a perfect midday break, allowing us to recharge before our next adventure.


Experience nature's wonder at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge—your gateway to breathtaking landscapes and serene relaxation in Purnululu National Park.
With the sun beginning its descent, we made our way to Kungkalanayi Lookout. This spot, located just a short drive from the visitor center, promised panoramic views of the Bungle Bungle Range, and it did not disappoint. The short, steep walk to the top was manageable, even in the afternoon heat, and as we reached the summit, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight. The western face of the Bungle Bungle Range was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, creating a stunning display of reds, oranges, and pinks. The spinifex-covered limestone ridges added to the beauty, creating a landscape that seemed to belong to another world.


Experience the stunning vistas of the Ord River and the Bungle Bungles at Kungkalanayi Lookout, a must-see attraction in Western Australia.
As we sat and watched the sun dip below the horizon, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's experiences. From the thrill of the helicopter flight to the tranquility of the sunset, it had been a day of contrasts, a day of discovery. I thought about the Aboriginal people who have called this area home for thousands of years, and I wondered what they must have thought when they first laid eyes on these magnificent formations. The Kija and Jaru people have a deep connection to this land, and their stories and traditions are woven into the very fabric of the Bungle Bungle Range.

The Bungle Bungle Range is known in the language of the traditional Djaru owners as 'Ballinjul', which means 'place of falling sand'. According to Dreamtime legend, the beehive mounts are the children of four tribes who had argued over who would lead the clans. A dreaming spirit had gone up into the night sky taking with them sand from the earth, and when the moon was full they sprinkled sand down and out of the earth rose all those 'Piccaninny Domes'.

As the sun disappeared completely, we made our way back to our campsite, our hearts full of gratitude for the experiences we had shared. The sky was now ablaze with stars, and the Milky Way stretched out above us in all its glory. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. We had dinner at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. The licensed restaurant offers communal dining, and we enjoyed a barbeque buffet of locally sourced beef, snags and saltwater barramundi, along with salads and dessert. The fire pit crackled away under the Kimberley stars, and we shared stories with fellow travelers. It was a lovely way to end the day, connecting with others who were equally captivated by the magic of the Bungle Bungle Range.


Experience breathtaking landscapes and rich Indigenous culture at Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company in Western Australia.
Tomorrow, we plan to explore Galjiba (Molly Spring) and Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge). I'm eager to see what other wonders await us in this ancient and awe-inspiring landscape. I have a feeling that the Bungle Bungle Range will continue to surprise and delight us at every turn.

It's funny, isn't it? Here I am, a software developer from Bonn, finding myself completely captivated by rocks and gorges in the middle of the Australian outback. But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? It opens your eyes to new perspectives, new possibilities. It reminds you that there's a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and that sometimes, the most unexpected places can hold the greatest treasures. And as I drifted off to sleep under the stars, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that our adventure was far from over.