Exploring the Enchanting Bungle Bungle Range

Arrival in the Australian Outback

After what felt like an eternity in transit, Maximilian and I have finally arrived in the heart of the Australian Outback! Leaving behind the crisp autumn air of Bonn, Germany, we’ve traded our cozy sweaters for sun hats and insect repellent. The journey was long, but the anticipation of witnessing the Bungle Bungle Range has kept our spirits high.

Our adventure began with a flight from Bonn to Perth, followed by a domestic flight to Kununurra. As a software developer, I'm used to staring at screens, but nothing could have prepared me for the stunning landscape unfolding beneath us as we approached Kununurra. The red earth, vast open spaces, and the promise of the ancient Bungle Bungle Range were simply breathtaking. It’s a far cry from my usual coding environment, but I’m ready for the change!

From Kununurra, we embarked on a drive towards Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park. The drive itself was an experience, a taste of the rugged terrain that defines this part of the world. I must admit, I felt a pang of regret for forgetting to pack that travel guidebook on local flora and fauna. Maximilian, ever the prepared data scientist, assured me he’d downloaded several informative articles. Still, there's nothing quite like having a physical book in hand, especially when you're surrounded by such unique natural beauty.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and ours began with a very long flight and a bumpy car ride.

As we settled in for the night, the vastness of the landscape began to sink in. The silence here is profound, broken only by the occasional chirp of insects and the distant call of a bird. It’s a stark contrast to the familiar sounds of Bonn, where the hum of the city is ever-present. I found myself reflecting on my childhood in Hajdúböszörmény, Hungary, where the open fields and starry nights held a similar sense of peace. Perhaps that’s why I feel such a strong connection to these wild places.

Our first day in the Bungle Bungle Range was all about settling in and preparing for the adventures ahead. After arriving, we checked in, and enjoyed breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge. The Savannah Lodge is lovely, nestled on the banks of the Bellburn Creek. They offer cabin-style accommodations, which is great because we didn't book a hotel, as we are planning to camp under the stars. I was able to enjoy some bird watching from the cabin, which was amazing. The Bungle Bungles are home to a wide variety of birdlife.


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

After that, we had a delicious lunch at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is set in the heart of Purnululu National Park, and offers convenient access to attractions like Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge.


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

For dinner, we ate at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. It was a great way to end the day, enjoying good food and preparing for tomorrow.


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

One thing that struck me today was the sheer remoteness of this place. Kununurra is the nearest town, about 300 kilometers north of the Bungle Bungles. As we drove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the early explorers and the Aboriginal people who have called this area home for thousands of years. Their connection to the land is palpable, and I’m eager to learn more about their stories and traditions throughout our trip.

The weather in November is warm, with average highs around 39°C. It's important to stay hydrated and protect ourselves from the sun. I made sure to pack my sunscreen and hat, as well as lightweight clothing to stay cool during the day. I'm so glad I remembered to bring those essentials!

For our meals today, we took advantage of the local lodges. We had breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, lunch at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, and dinner at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. Each meal was a delightful experience, offering a taste of the local flavors and a chance to chat with other travelers. It’s always interesting to hear about other people’s adventures and gather tips for our own journey.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Kununurra Visitor Centre and Mirima National Park. I’m particularly excited to learn more about the region’s history and geology at the visitor center, and I’m looking forward to exploring the unique rock formations of Mirima National Park. Maximilian is keen to put his data analysis skills to work, identifying the various rock types and formations. It’s wonderful to have someone with such a diverse set of skills to share this adventure with.

As the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle Range, casting long shadows across the landscape, I feel a sense of gratitude for this opportunity. It’s a privilege to be here, to witness the beauty and majesty of this ancient place. I know that the coming days will be filled with challenges and discoveries, but I’m ready to embrace them all, with Maximilian by my side. I can’t wait to share more of our adventures with you as we delve deeper into the heart of the Australian Outback. Good night from the Bungle Bungles!