Bungle Bungle Ranges, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Sep 12th, 2005
The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia. The Bungle Bungle Range rises up to 578 metres above sea level. The range stands 200 to 300 metres above a woodland and grass-covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western face. Elsewhere, particularly where Piccaninny Creek has formed Piccaninny Gorge, the range is cut by deep gullies and breaks up into complex areas of ridges and domes, with prominent orange and black or grey bands.
The distinctive beehive-shaped landforms seen today have been produced by uplift and erosion during the last 20 million years. Contrary to its solid appearance, the sandstone is extremely fragile.
The weight of overlying rock holds the sand grains in place, but when this is removed, the sandstones are easily eroded and the rounded tops reflect this lack of internal strength. Water flowing over the surface will exploit any weaknesses or irregularities in the rock, such as cracks or joints, and rapidly erodes the narrow channels that separate the towers.
To see the Bungle Bungle Range you can stay at APT Wilderness Camp. The camp features permanent safari tents with beds and ensuite bathroom facilities.
There is also a restaurant at the base camp. From your base at APT Wilderness Camp, you can do tours around the Bungle Bungle Range. You will marvel at the majesty of Cathedral Gorge as you test out the acoustics of the natural amphitheatre. Walk along the ancient dry bed of Piccaninny Creek for a close-up inspection of the domes. A local guide will bring the history of the domes to life, describing both their cultural and geological significance. On an APT tour you can also visit mini palms gorge, where the sun creates a beautiful ethereal glow and take an easy hike along Livistona palm-fringed trail into magical Echidna Chasm.
From an aircraft, the Bungle Bungle Range is an imposing sight. Heliwork WA run scenic helicopter tours of the Bungle Bungle Range. The orange and black stripes across the beehive-like mounds, encased in a skin of silica and algae, are clearly visible as you approach from the south. As you sweep further over the range a hidden world of gorges and pools is revealed, with fan palms clinging precariously to walls and crevices in the rocks.
Further information
Heliwork WA scenic flight from $225 a person for 30 minutes. Telephone: 08 9168 1811, or website: slingair.com.au
An APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures two day package starts from $999 for a standard tent and $1059 for an ensuite tent. This includes accommodation, meals, air transfers from Kununurra, sightseeing & entrance fees.
The first 100 callers receive $150 off an ensuite tent package.
APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures.
Telephone: 1800 335 003, or website: www.kimberleywilderness.com.au
Prices correct at 12/9/05.
