Exploring the Enchanting Bungle Bungle Range

Day 17: Farewell to the Bungles: Discovering Ancient Caves and Reflecting on Our Journey

Erzsébet and Maximilian bid adieu to the Bungle Bungle Range, exploring Mimbi Caves and cherishing memories from their Kimberley adventure.

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A Journey's End, But a Story to Last


As our adventure in the Bungle Bungle Range draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. There's a tinge of sadness, of course, at the prospect of leaving this extraordinary landscape, but also an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had. Today, we embarked on our final exploration, venturing beyond the familiar beehive domes to discover the ancient wonders of Mimbi Caves. It was a day of reflection, appreciation, and a final immersion into the rich cultural tapestry of this remarkable region.

Discover the enchanting Mimbi Caves, a stunning natural wonder in Western Australia, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Discover the enchanting Mimbi Caves, a stunning natural wonder in Western Australia, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Our day began, as many others had, with a hearty breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge. Maximilian and I enjoyed the buffet, reminiscing about our time here. The staff were so friendly, and we felt very welcome. We savored the last moments of the Purnululu National Park's serene atmosphere before setting off on our next adventure. It’s funny how quickly a place can feel like home, even in the heart of the Australian outback.

The drive to Mimbi Caves was an experience in itself. As we left the Bungle Bungle Range behind, the landscape transformed, revealing a different kind of beauty. The ochre-red earth gave way to rugged limestone formations, hinting at the geological wonders that awaited us. We were driving to Mimbi Caves, about 202km west of Halls Creek and 90km east of Fitzroy Crossing.

Arriving at Mimbi Caves, we were greeted by our Gooniyandi guide, who welcomed us with a traditional smoking ceremony. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the deep connection between the Aboriginal people and this land. The caves themselves are part of an ancient Devonian reef system, formed over 350 million years ago. As we stepped into the cool, dark depths of the cave, I felt like we were entering another world.

To walk through Mimbi Caves is to walk through time, to feel the echoes of ancient stories and the presence of a culture that has thrived for millennia.

Our guide shared stories of the Gooniyandi people, their history, and their connection to the caves. We learned about the Dreamtime stories, the significance of the rock art, and the traditional uses of bush tucker and medicine. The caves are not just a geological wonder; they are a living cultural heritage site. We saw ancient marine fossils, stalactites, and stalagmites, all illuminated by our guide's torchlight. It was fascinating to see the well-preserved fish fossils. The tour involved walking and standing for approximately 2 hours.

Emerging from the caves, we were treated to a traditional morning tea of damper and tea. Sitting around the campfire, listening to more stories, I felt a profound sense of connection to this place and its people. It was a reminder that travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about understanding different cultures and perspectives.

After Mimbi Caves, we made our way back towards the Bungle Bungle Range, stopping at Walardi Campground. We wanted to take one last look at the beehive domes, to etch the image into our memories. The campground was quiet, peaceful, a perfect spot for reflection. We were able to access the campground with our 4WD. Picnic tables were available at some campsites.

Discover the natural beauty of Walardi Campground, a serene escape near the stunning Bungle Bungles in Western Australia, perfect for camping and adventure.
Discover the natural beauty of Walardi Campground, a serene escape near the stunning Bungle Bungles in Western Australia, perfect for camping and adventure.

For lunch, we stopped at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. We enjoyed our lunch and reminisced about our favorite parts of the trip. The lodge offers a unique and unforgettable stay. Maximilian and I enjoyed the scenery on the outdoor deck.

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.

Our final dinner in the Bungles was at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. The communal dining experience was wonderful, sharing stories with fellow travelers around the crackling fire. The buffet of locally sourced beef, barramundi, and salads was a perfect end to our culinary journey through the Kimberley.

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, writing this final blog post from our Bungle Bungle adventure, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty, for the chance to learn about Aboriginal culture, and for the memories we’ve created along the way.

This trip was especially meaningful for me, as it allowed me to reconnect with my love for history and culture, something I don't always get to indulge in my daily life as a software developer in Bonn. Sharing these experiences with Maximilian, and seeing his enthusiasm for the Australian outback, has made it even more special.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey home, carrying with us not just souvenirs, but a deeper understanding of this incredible part of the world. While this chapter of our adventure may be closing, the memories and lessons learned will undoubtedly stay with us for a lifetime. I know I will continue to share my stories and photos with my readers.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Until next time, happy travels!
Go to day 16 Chasing Waterfalls and Ancient Gorges: A Kimberley Adventure
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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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