Exploring the Enchanting Bungle Bungle Range

First Tastes of the Kimberley

After our long journey from Bonn, Germany, via Perth, Maximilian and I finally arrived in Kununurra, the gateway to the East Kimberley. The air was warm and dry, a stark contrast to the crisp autumn we left behind. I was immediately struck by the vibrant colors of the landscape; the deep red earth, the silvery green of the eucalyptus trees, and the clear blue sky. It felt like stepping into a different world, a world teeming with ancient stories and natural wonders. I was eager to begin our exploration of the Bungle Bungle Range, but first, we decided to take a day to acclimatize and discover some of the local gems.

Our first stop after a hearty breakfast at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, was the Kununurra Visitor Centre. I always find visitor centres incredibly helpful, especially in a region as vast and remote as the Kimberley. The friendly staff provided us with maps, brochures, and invaluable advice on the best trails and lookout points in Mirima National Park. I was particularly interested in learning about the local Aboriginal culture and history, and the centre had a wealth of information on the Jaru and Gija people, the traditional owners of this land. It's important to me to understand and respect the cultural significance of the places we visit. Maximilian, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the practicalities – road conditions, weather forecasts, and where to find the best coffee! He did, however, perk up when he saw a display of local gemstones, his data scientist brain immediately drawn to the geological formations. We also learned about the Kununurra Christmas Markets scheduled for late November. Perhaps we could do some Christmas shopping while here!


Explore the stunning East Kimberley region at the Kununurra Visitor Centre, your gateway to adventure and discovery in Western Australia.

The Kimberley is a place that whispers stories of ancient landscapes and enduring cultures.

With our newfound knowledge, we set off for Mirima National Park, just a short drive from Kununurra. Known locally as Hidden Valley, Mirima is a miniature version of the Bungle Bungle Range, offering a taste of the iconic beehive-shaped sandstone formations without the long drive into Purnululu National Park. As we walked through the park, I was mesmerized by the towering cliffs and narrow gorges, sculpted by millions of years of wind and rain. The colours were incredible, ranging from deep reds and oranges to pale yellows and creams. I felt like I was walking through an open-air museum, each rock formation a work of art. Maximilian, armed with his camera, was in his element, capturing the play of light and shadow on the sandstone. He has a knack for finding the perfect angle, the perfect composition. I, on the other hand, was content to simply soak it all in, feeling a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer scale and beauty of nature. The November weather was warm, with highs around 39°C. We made sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.


Explore ancient rock formations and Aboriginal culture at Mirima National Park, Kununurra's 'Mini-Bungles', offering stunning views and walking trails.

We took our time exploring the various trails, each offering a different perspective on the landscape. The park is relatively small, but it packs a punch. We saw several species of birds, including the cheeky spinifex pigeon, and a couple of agile wallabies bounding across the rocky terrain. I was particularly impressed by the resilience of the native plants, clinging to life in the cracks and crevices of the sandstone. It's a testament to the power of nature to adapt and thrive in even the harshest environments. I did miss my travel guidebook for local flora and fauna, though. It was one of the essentials I forgot to pack. I made a mental note to purchase one tomorrow at the shop at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company when we head to Purnululu National Park.

For lunch, we stopped at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge. The lodge is nestled on the banks of the Bellburn Creek. We enjoyed our lunch while bird watching and enjoying the ambiance of the bush. I had a light salad with grilled barramundi, a local fish, while Maximilian opted for a more substantial steak sandwich. Both were delicious, and the perfect fuel for our afternoon adventures. The lodge has a swimming pool to cool off from the November heat.


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

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Kununurra, stopping at a lookout point to admire the panoramic views of the Ord River Irrigation Area. The landscape was bathed in a golden light, the colours even more intense than before. It was a truly magical moment, one that I will cherish forever. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such beauty, to connect with nature on such a profound level. It reminded me why I love to travel, why I love to explore new places and cultures. It's not just about seeing the sights, it's about opening your heart and mind to the world, about embracing the unknown and discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Dinner was at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company. I chose to have dinner here so we could get familiar with the area, as we will be taking a tour with them tomorrow. The food was hearty and comforting, perfect after a long day of exploring. We chatted with some of the other travellers, swapping stories and tips. It's always interesting to hear about other people's experiences, to learn from their mistakes and successes. We met a couple from France who were cycling across Australia, a young woman from Japan who was volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary, and a group of retirees from England who were on a birdwatching tour. It's amazing how travel can bring people together, how it can create connections between strangers from different corners of the globe.


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

As we drove back to our accommodation, I reflected on our first day in the Kimberley. It had been a day of discovery, a day of wonder, a day of connection. I felt a sense of excitement for what tomorrow would bring, for the opportunity to delve deeper into the heart of this ancient landscape. We are planning to visit Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungles tomorrow. I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face, dreaming of beehive domes and hidden valleys. The adventure has truly begun.

Tomorrow, we're venturing into Purnululu National Park to witness the iconic Bungle Bungle Range. I'm particularly excited about seeing Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm, two of the park's most famous sites. Maximilian is keen to capture some aerial shots of the beehive domes, so we're considering a scenic flight. We also plan to visit the shop at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company to purchase a travel guidebook for local flora and fauna, since I forgot to pack one of our trip essentials. It promises to be another day of adventure, and I can't wait to share it with you all.