Halls Creek, Western Australia

Halls Creek, Western Australia Halls Creek lies on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, at the junction of the Great Northern Highway and Duncan Road in the north west of the State. Halls Creek is the town closest to Purnululu National Park, the park of the famous Bungle Bungles.

Also nearby is Wolfe Creek Crater, the second largest meteorite crater in the world. Tours of the crater and the Bungle Bungles are available from the town.

Visit the site of the first goldrush in Western Australia following the discovery in 1885. You can still find gold in the area, particularly around the old town site which is 16 kilometres east of Halls Creek and also features ruins of mud brick buildings and a small cemetery. Mineral exploration continues on a large scale in the area. The town is also the hub of a vast cattle industry.

Russian Jack, a goldmining character from the turn of the century who typified the hardy brand of early Halls Creek pioneers, has been immortalised in the town's main street. The bronze statue depicts him in the act of pushing his sick friend in a wheelbarrow over 300 kilometres to Halls Creek in search of medical attention.

Halls Creek services the tourist market with a hotel, motel, caravan park and two roadhouses.

Articles

A natural buzz

The orange-and-black striped mounds of rock that dominate the Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, are a striking geological phenomenon. They look like giant beehives, and shelter cooling gorges, crystal-clear pools and fan palms. more

Cultural significance

During the wet season, Aboriginal people found abundant food in the Bungle Bungle. The area is rich in Aboriginal art and there are many burial sites. Traditional owners are involved in the park's management.

Drive in or fly over?

Four-wheel drive vehicles are the only way to reach the Bungle Bungle Range, 250 kilometres south of Kununurra. Scenic flights by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft are a great way to enjoy its spectacular scenery and also gain a perspective of its massive size. more

Gold fever

Gold fever lingers at Halls Creek where prospectors still live. Visit the old mud-brick post office, or swim in nearby pools and gorges. China Wall - a long protruding quartz vein - is a local attraction. So, too, is Wolfe Creek meteorite crater.

Living museum

More than 130 bird species are found in Purnululu National Park, including rainbow bee-eaters and budgerigars. The nail-tail wallaby and euro live around the massif, while short-eared rock wallabies are thought to live on top.

Nature's creation

The Bungle Bungle's beehive-shaped towers come from sandstone and other material cemented together about 350 million years ago and eroded into unusual shapes over the past 20 million years. Rock layers, algal growth and minerals formed the stripes. more

Taking to the bush

The most visited site in Purnululu National Park is Cathedral Gorge, reached by a fairly easy walk. Some people prefer to take a couple of days to explore nearby Piccaninny Creek and Gorge, camping overnight. If you do this, tell a ranger beforehand.

Experiences/Activities

Caravan and Camping:
Historic/Heritage:
Industry/Mining/Agriculture:
Nature based:
Bush Tucker:
Bushwalking:
Caravan and Camping:
Prospecting:
Scenic Flights:

Halls Creek, Western Australia

Articles

A natural buzz

Cultural significance

Drive in or fly over?

Gold fever

Living museum

Nature's creation

Taking to the bush

Experiences/Activities

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Halls Creek lies on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, at the junction of the Great Northern Highway and Duncan Road in the north west of the State. Halls Creek is the town closest to Purnululu National Park, the park of the famous Bungle Bungles. Also nearby is Wolfe Creek Crater, the second largest meteorite crater in the world. Tours of the crater and the Bungle Bungles are available from the town. Visit the site of the first goldrush in Western Australia following the discovery in 1885. You can still find gold in the area, particularly around the old town site which is 16 kilometres east of Halls Creek and also features ruins of mud brick buildings and a small cemetery. Mineral exploration continues on a large scale in the area. The town is also the hub of a vast cattle industry. Russian Jack, a goldmining character from the turn of the century who typified the hardy brand of early Halls Creek pioneers, has been immortalised in the town's main street. The bronze statue depicts him in the act of pushing his sick friend in a wheelbarrow over 300 kilometres to Halls Creek in search of medical attention. Halls Creek services the tourist market with a hotel, motel, caravan park and two roadhouses.
Articles A natural buzz The orange-and-black striped mounds of rock that dominate the Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, are a striking geological phenomenon. They look like giant beehives, and shelter cooling gorges, crystal-clear pools and fan palms. more Cultural significance During the wet season, Aboriginal people found abundant food in the Bungle Bungle. The area is rich in Aboriginal art and there are many burial sites. Traditional owners are involved in the park's management. Drive in or fly over? Four-wheel drive vehicles are the only way to reach the Bungle Bungle Range, 250 kilometres south of Kununurra. Scenic flights by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft are a great way to enjoy its spectacular scenery and also gain a perspective of its massive size. more Gold fever Gold fever lingers at Halls Creek where prospectors still live. Visit the old mud-brick post office, or swim in nearby pools and gorges. China Wall - a long protruding quartz vein - is a local attraction. So, too, is Wolfe Creek meteorite crater. Living museum More than 130 bird species are found in Purnululu National Park, including rainbow bee-eaters and budgerigars. The nail-tail wallaby and euro live around the massif, while short-eared rock wallabies are thought to live on top. Nature's creation The Bungle Bungle's beehive-shaped towers come from sandstone and other material cemented together about 350 million years ago and eroded into unusual shapes over the past 20 million years. Rock layers, algal growth and minerals formed the stripes. more Taking to the bush The most visited site in Purnululu National Park is Cathedral Gorge, reached by a fairly easy walk. Some people prefer to take a couple of days to explore nearby Piccaninny Creek and Gorge, camping overnight. If you do this, tell a ranger beforehand.
Experiences/Activities
Caravan and Camping: Historic/Heritage: Industry/Mining/Agriculture: Nature based: Bush Tucker: Bushwalking: Caravan and Camping: Prospecting: Scenic Flights: