Purnululu (Bungle Bungles)

This remote park (commonly known as the Bungle Bungles) is the most outstanding and striking natural feature of the Halls Creek area. Before 1982 this place was virtually unknown to non-Aboriginal people. In 2003 the park received World Heritage listing in recognition of its extensive cultural and environmental values. For Traditional Owners this is a sacred place to be looked after, cared for and respected.

The park is famed for its unique and striking beehive orange and grey banded striped domes. These are highly fragile formations consisting of a thin outer layer of black lichen and orange silica, with soft sandstone underneath. The domes were formed in the Deonian age and carved by erosion over the subsequent 360 million years. The orange bands are actually oxidised iron compounds. The grey ones are cyanobacteria.

Purnululu National Park is extensive, encompassing almost 2.5 million hectares. It runs 25 kilometres north-south by thirty kilometres east-west. Much of the range area is transacted by a maze of deep gorges up to 200 metres in depth.

Tall Livistonia palms rise out of the gorge floor searching for sunlight. There are several marked walking Trails. Attractions include Cathedral Gorge, Mini Palms Gorge, Echidna Gorge, Walanginjdji Lookout and the epic Piccaninny Creek walk. To the north of the Bungle Bungles lie the scenic Osmond Ranges.

Some Aboriginal people, such as Bonnie Edwards, know this place well.  Bonnie was born at nearby Turner River Station and as a child lived at the outcamp in the Bungle Bungles not far from Echida Chasm.  She recalls that her first dress was made from flowerbags. Her brother, who died at birth, is buried here. Bonnie developed an intimate knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna. Older Aboriginal people taught her to track and the fire regime for managing this country.

The park is located 161 kilometres from Halls Creek. Access is from the Great Northern Highway along the 53 kilometre long Spring Creek Track. This route is suited to four-wheel drive vehicles only. There are several rocky outcrops and rough creek crossings. Caravans are prohibited.