Halls Creek - Nature's creation

The Bungle Bungle range is a stunning collection of beehive style geological formations arrayed in alternating bands of orange, black and green, in Purnululu National Park, 250 kilometres south of Kununurra, in the Kimberley, Western Australia. The area has been inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003 for its outstanding natural heritage values.

While the reef is ancient, dating back hundreds of millions of years, locals kept it a secret and so the Bungle Bungle or Purnululu (meaning sandstone in the local Aboriginal Kija tongue) was not discovered by the wider world until the 1980s.

The hypnotically beautiful formations were formed by 20 million years of erosion and river movements. They are a combination of sandstone, and conglomerates (pebbles and boulders fixed together by finer material). Back when active faults were shaping the landscapes these sedimentary formations were dumped onto the Ord Basin, some 375 million years ago. The dome shapes are caused by natural erosion and uplift over 20 million years. The darker bands are more porous rock, which lets water move through and creates a dark algal growth. The domes are more fragile than they look. While the sandstone is held in place by overlying rock it is easily eroded, as revealed by the rounded tops.

The land is also rich in Aboriginal culture, being the site of indigenous art and sacred burial grounds. Wallabies, euros, and more than 130 bird species dwell in the park, including rainbow bee-eaters and flocks of beautiful wild budgerigars.

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.

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.