Exploring the Enchanting Bungle Bungle Range

Day 9: A Day of Discovery: Embracing the Raw Beauty of the Bungle Bungles

Erzsébet and Maximilian explore the rugged landscapes of Purnululu National Park, from Kurrajong campground to the historic Ivanhoe Crossing.

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Whispers of the Kimberley


Today was a day of immersion, a day where the ancient spirit of the Kimberley truly seeped into our souls. It wasn't just about seeing the sights; it was about feeling the land, connecting with its history, and understanding its profound beauty. The Bungle Bungle Range, with its majestic presence, has a way of doing that to you, doesn't it?

The day began with the sunrise casting long shadows across the Kurrajong campground in Purnululu National Park. Maximilian and I emerged from our tent, eager to embrace another day in this extraordinary landscape. The air was crisp, a welcome change from the daytime heat, and the promise of adventure hung heavy in the air. We quickly packed up our campsite, fueled by a simple breakfast, and set off to explore what the day had in store for us. The Kurrajong Campground is a great spot to be based at, exposing you to the unique beauty of the Bungle Bungle Ranges. It’s also close to walks like Piccaninny Creek trail, Mini Palms Gorge, Echidna Chasm and the famous Cathedral Gorge.

Experience the serene landscapes and unique geological wonders of Kurrajong Campground in Purnululu National Park, a true nature lover's paradise.
Experience the serene landscapes and unique geological wonders of Kurrajong Campground in Purnululu National Park, a true nature lover's paradise.

Our first stop was breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge. As we drove towards the lodge, the landscape transformed into a canvas of ochre and sienna, the iconic beehive domes rising like ancient sentinels against the horizon. The Savannah Lodge was a welcome oasis, offering a hearty breakfast that fortified us for the day's adventures. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and we enjoyed chatting with other travelers, swapping stories and tips about exploring the region.

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

After breakfast, we decided to indulge in a bit of souvenir shopping at the Bungle Bungle Guided Tours shop. I found a beautiful piece of Aboriginal art that resonated with me, a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of this land. Maximilian, ever the practical one, picked up a sturdy walking stick, anticipating the hikes to come. We had a nice chat with one of the local tour guides, Nigel, who shared some fascinating insights about the history and geology of the Bungle Bungle Range. It's always enriching to learn from those who have a deep connection to the land.

Discover the breathtaking Bungle Bungles with expert-guided tours showcasing stunning landscapes and rich Indigenous culture.
Discover the breathtaking Bungle Bungles with expert-guided tours showcasing stunning landscapes and rich Indigenous culture.

Fueled by coffee and cultural insights, we continued our journey towards Ivanhoe Crossing. The drive itself was an adventure, the rugged terrain demanding our full attention. As we approached the crossing, the Ord River came into view, a shimmering ribbon of water cutting through the landscape. Ivanhoe Crossing, with its iconic concrete causeway, has a rich history, originally built in 1954 as part of the Darwin to Wyndham Beef Road. It was quite the sight to see the water flowing over the crossing, a testament to the power of the Ord River, especially considering that it may be impassable during the wet season. We took some photos, marveling at the engineering feat and the sheer beauty of the surroundings. I could almost picture Lady Sarah Ashley being brought to Faraway Downs station, as the crossing was featured in the film *Australia*.

Explore the stunning Ivanhoe Crossing in Kununurra, Western Australia - a breathtaking bridge offering picturesque views and rich wildlife experiences.
Explore the stunning Ivanhoe Crossing in Kununurra, Western Australia - a breathtaking bridge offering picturesque views and rich wildlife experiences.

The land whispers stories if you take the time to listen.


For lunch, we stopped at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, nestled amidst the rugged landscape. The lodge offered a welcome respite from the heat, and we savored a delicious meal while enjoying the panoramic views. It was interesting to learn that the lodge is open seasonally, typically from April to October, to coincide with the dry season. The Wilderness Lodge offers elegant accommodations with luxury tent accommodations, including private bathrooms and outdoor furniture.

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.

After lunch, we made our way back towards the Kurrajong campground, taking our time to soak in the scenery. We also had dinner at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we found ourselves at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park. The aroma of a hearty dinner wafted through the air, drawing us towards the communal dining area. We enjoyed a delicious meal, swapping stories with fellow travelers around a crackling campfire. Thomas, from Sydney, shared his amazing helicopter tour experience. It was a perfect end to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

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.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post under a canopy of stars, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences of today. The Bungle Bungle Range has a way of stripping away the superficial and connecting you to something deeper, something more profound. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the raw beauty of nature and the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people who have called this land home for thousands of years.

Tomorrow, we plan to continue our adventure, exploring Home Valley Station and Digger's Rest Station. I'm excited to see what new wonders await us, what new stories the land has to tell. I think Maximilian is looking forward to relaxing at the bar at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge. Until then, I'll cherish the memories of today, the whispers of the Kimberley echoing in my heart.

The weather today was hot and breezy, with average highs of 103°F (39°C) and lows of 78°F (25°C). It was really hot, and the general area felt breezy.

One thing I did miss today was having a travel guidebook for local flora and fauna. I will need to remember that for the next trip. Also, I wish I had brought an extra memory card for the camera.

Good night from the Bungle Bungles!

Go to day 8 Croc Spotting and Cave Diving: Our Kimberley Adventure Continues
Go to day 10 From Cattle Stations to Stargazing: A Day of Outback Wonders
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Exploring the Enchanting Bungle Bungle Range

Join Erzsébet and Maximilian on an adventurous journey to the Bungle Bungle Range in Australia, exploring its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Erzsébet Szabó
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Software Developer
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 33

Sziasztok! My name is Erzsébet, and I'm a Software Developer by day and a passionate traveler by night (and weekends!). Originally from Hungary but now living in Bonn, Germany, with my husband, Maximilian, I've always been drawn to exploring new cultures, savoring delicious food, and capturing the beauty of the world through my lens. This blog is my way of sharing my adventures, travel tips, and cultural insights with you. I hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and discover the wonders that await!

Interests:
  • History
  • Photography
  • Culinary Arts
  • Hiking
  • Modern art
More about Erzsébet Szabó

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