Exploring the Enchanting Bungle Bungle Range

A Day of Stations and Stories

Today was a journey into the heart of the Kimberley's pastoral history, a day of scones, homesteads, and tales of resilience. Leaving the Bungle Bungle Range behind, Maximilian and I set out to explore the stories etched into the landscape, stories of pioneers and the challenges they faced. It was a day to appreciate the raw beauty and the enduring spirit of the Australian outback.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge | Eco Accommodation in Purnululu National Park. I enjoyed some fresh fruits along with a cup of coffee. It was just the fuel we needed for the day ahead. The lodge was buzzing with fellow travelers, all eager to share their stories and plans for exploring the Kimberley. After breakfast, we packed our essentials and hit the road, ready to immerse ourselves in the history and hospitality of the region.

Our first stop was Ellenbrae Station, a million-acre pastoral lease about 230km from Kununurra. The drive itself was an experience, the landscape transforming from the dramatic Bungle Bungle Range to the vast, open plains of the Kimberley. As we turned onto the short 5km driveway leading to the homestead, we were immediately greeted by the rustic charm of a true Kimberley oasis.


Experience the rugged beauty and tranquility of Ellenbrae Station, a premier camping destination on the Gibb River Road in Western Australia.

Ellenbrae Station is renowned for its delicious scones, and I must say, they lived up to the hype. We sat in the gardens, sipping tea and savoring the warm, freshly baked scones with jam and cream. It was the perfect mid-morning treat, a delightful pause in our journey. The homestead itself was a step back in time, a beautifully maintained example of early station life. Maximilian, ever the history enthusiast, was captivated by the stories of the station and the families who had called it home. We learned about the cattle operations, the challenges of life in such a remote location, and the warm hospitality that Ellenbrae offers to weary travelers.

The Kimberley is a land of stories, each station and homestead a chapter in the ongoing saga of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of the Australian outback.

After Ellenbrae, we continued our journey to the Argyle Homestead Museum, located near Lake Argyle. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the Durack family, prominent pioneers who played a significant role in the development of the Kimberley. The original Argyle Downs Homestead was built in 1894-95 by Patsy Durack. The family trekked across the continent with 7,250 cattle and 200 horses to establish a pastoral industry along the fertile Ord River.


Explore the heritage and beauty of the Lake Argyle region at Argyle Homestead Museum, a must-see for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The homestead itself had an incredible story. It was originally built in the 1890s but had to be dismantled and relocated when Lake Argyle was formed in the 1970s. The meticulous process of moving the building stone by stone and rebuilding it as a museum is a testament to the importance of preserving this piece of Kimberley history. Walking through the rooms, I could almost feel the presence of the Durack family, imagining their daily lives and the challenges they faced in establishing a successful cattle station in such a remote and unforgiving environment.

The Argyle Homestead Museum is open from 8am to 4pm. Maximilian was particularly interested in the displays about the Durack's grueling two-year journey from Queensland to Kununurra, driving 2,000 head of cattle across the continent. The hardships they encountered and their determination to build a life in the Kimberley were truly inspiring. We explored the various rooms, each filled with artifacts and information about the Durack family and their contributions to the region. The gardens surrounding the homestead were a peaceful oasis, a reminder of the importance of creating a sense of home in the vast and rugged landscape.

For lunch, we stopped at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. I had a light salad, and Maximilian opted for a sandwich. We enjoyed our meal on the outdoor deck, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The lodge is known for its gourmet meals and comfortable accommodations, and it was a welcome respite after a morning of exploring. The Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge offers a full breakfast and a three-course gourmet dinner.


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

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company for dinner. This place offers a unique dining experience with a communal barbeque buffet of locally sourced beef, snags, and saltwater barramundi. We sat at the communal tables, sharing stories with fellow travelers around a crackling fire pit. It was a perfect way to end the day, connecting with others who shared our love of adventure and the Australian outback.


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

The Bungle Bungle Caravan Park is accessible by two-wheel drive, but only high clearance 4x4 vehicles and single axle trailers can access the national park. The restaurant offers a communal dining experience with a barbeque buffet that includes locally sourced beef, snags, and saltwater barramundi, along with salads and desserts.

As we sat around the fire, Maximilian and I reflected on the day's experiences. We had traveled through time, glimpsing the lives of those who had come before us and marveling at their resilience and determination. The Kimberley is a land of stories, and we felt privileged to have heard just a few of them. We will enjoy breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, lunch at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge and dinner at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company again tomorrow, as our lodging is not changing.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Lake Argyle and the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges. I am excited to see the vastness of Lake Argyle and learn more about its significance to the region. The Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, with their rugged beauty, promise to be another highlight of our Kimberley adventure. For now, though, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of exploration in this extraordinary corner of Australia.

Back at our campsite, under a sky full of stars, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the Kimberley's rich history and natural beauty. It's a place that stays with you, a reminder of the power of the human spirit and the enduring allure of the Australian outback.