The Bungle Bungle Range is one of the most remarkable landforms in Western Australia. Inside the remote Purnululu National Park, the range rises from the Kimberley landscape like a field of orange-and-black striped domes.
These striking shapes have drawn scientists, photographers, and travelers from around the world. Few places show erosion and geological time as clearly as this sandstone wonder, which locals often call simply the Bungle Bungles.
It was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, and it remains a natural monument to wind, rain, and time itself.
Where Is the Bungle Bungle Range Located?
The Bungle Bungle Range, Australia, lies about 300 kilometers south of Kununurra in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia. It forms the heart of Purnululu National Park, stretching for nearly 450 square kilometers.
The easiest access is by four-wheel-drive from the Great Northern Highway or by air on one of several Bungle Bungle scenic flights that depart from Kununurra or Halls Creek.
For an unforgettable view, many travelers choose a Bungle Bungle helicopter flight to see the maze of beehive domes and narrow gorges below.
On a Bungle Bungle Range map, the park appears as a remote patch of red and orange surrounded by arid plains. Its isolation has protected it for millions of years.
How Were the Bungle Bungles Formed?
The Bungle Bungle Range was formed over 350 million years ago from Devonian sandstone laid down when this region was part of an ancient river system.
Over time, uplift and erosion carved the layered domes seen today. The distinctive bands are the result of two natural coatings:
The dark gray-black stripes come from cyanobacteria that grow on the more moisture-retentive layers.
The orange bands contain iron and manganese oxides exposed where the rock stays dry.
These alternating layers give the range its iconic beehive appearance. It’s a textbook example of how weathering and biological processes combine to shape rock landscapes.
Similar erosion patterns can also be observed on Australia’s coastal reefs, such as Montgomery Reef and Rowley Shoals, where natural forces continually sculpt stone and coral alike.
Discovery and Cultural Importance
Although scientists “discovered” the range for modern mapping only in 1983, the area has been known for thousands of years to the Kija and Jaru peoples. They regard the domes, gorges, and waterholes as sacred places tied to creation stories.
Aboriginal guides now share these cultural perspectives through authorized Bungle Bungle tours, adding meaning beyond the geological story.
The official opening of Purnululu National Park in 1987 led to careful conservation planning, balancing visitor access with respect for Indigenous heritage. The park’s name, “Purnululu,” itself means “sandstone” in the local Kija language.
Exploring Purnululu National Park
Visitors to the Bungle Bungle National Park can explore dramatic gorges, palm-lined pools, and ancient rock shelters.
The most famous walks include Cathedral Gorge, where towering cliffs form a natural amphitheater, and Echidna Chasm, a narrow slot canyon glowing red in the midday sun.
Those seeking comfort stay at the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, located inside the park boundary, or at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park near the entrance.
For adventurers, Bungle Bungle camping areas allow a deeper connection with the outback’s silence and stars.
The best visiting months are May to September when the tracks are open and the air is dry. During the wet season, access roads often close due to flooding.
Bungle Bungle Scenic Flights and Helicopter Tours
A Bungle Bungle scenic flight is the most popular way to grasp the scale of the range. From above, the domes form endless honeycomb patterns across the park. Flights from Kununurra, Broome, and Halls Creek operate between April and October.
For closer views, Bungle Bungle helicopter flights hover low over the gorges, offering photographers a chance to capture the dramatic contrasts between red rock and green spinifex. Some itineraries combine air tours with ground walks or overnight stays at eco-lodges.
Bungle Bungle Range Facts
- Location: East Kimberley, Western Australia
- Park area: ~2,400 km² including surrounding conservation zones
- Height of domes: up to 250 meters
- Rock type: Devonian sandstone
- UNESCO status: World Heritage Site (2003)
- Traditional owners: Kija and Jaru peoples
These Bungle Bungle facts demonstrate both the age and complexity of the formation. It’s often described as a geological cousin to Uluru but with hundreds of peaks rather than one.
Conservation and Research
The Bungle Bungle Range in Australia is protected under strict management to limit erosion and visitor impact. Boardwalks and viewing decks reduce foot traffic on fragile domes. Scientists study its weathering patterns to understand how semi-arid sandstone evolves over time.
The park is part of the same Western Australian natural-heritage network that includes coastal sites such as Ningaloo Reef. Both areas showcase the country’s commitment to preserving diverse geological environments—from coral platforms to inland rock domes.
For official travel details and visitor guidelines, see the Western Australia Tourism – Purnululu National Park.
Bungle Bungle Tours and Visitor Tips
Several operators run Bungle Bungle tours ranging from one-day scenic flights to multi-day hiking packages. Travelers often combine their visit with stops at Lake Argyle or El Questro Station.
Tips for first-timers:
- Carry ample water and sun protection.
- Respect sacred Aboriginal sites—enter only where permitted.
- Avoid climbing domes to prevent erosion.
- Stay on marked tracks.
For environmentally responsible travel tips, visit NatureBase’s Ecotourism Guides section.
Why the Bungle Bungles Matter
Beyond beauty, the range represents millions of years of Earth’s natural history. The unique striped pattern helps scientists study sediment layering, microbial growth, and climate adaptation in sandstone ecosystems.
The area’s cultural and scientific importance makes it one of Australia’s greatest living classrooms.
Its preservation ensures that our future generations can continue exploring how wind, water, and life interact to shape the planet—echoing lessons found across Western Australia’s landscapes, from Rowley Shoals to Montgomery Reef.
FAQs
Where is the Bungle Bungle Range located?
It lies in Purnululu National Park, about 300 km south of Kununurra in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
How were the Bungle Bungles formed?
They formed from Devonian sandstone eroded by wind and rain over 350 million years. Iron oxide and cyanobacteria created the orange and gray stripes.
When was the Bungle Bungle Range discovered?
Although well known to Aboriginal custodians, it was introduced to wider attention in 1983 after aerial photographs revealed its scale.
What state is the Bungle Bungle Range in?
It is in the state of Western Australia, within the East Kimberley region.
Why is the Bungle Bungle Range important?
It is significant for its geological rarity, ecological diversity, and cultural heritage. Its preservation supports both science and Indigenous traditions.
Conclusion
The Bungle Bungle Range stands as one of nature’s finest works of erosion and time. Rising in vivid orange domes across the Kimberley wilderness, it tells a story that stretches back hundreds of millions of years. From the ground, the gorges echo with ancient silence; from the air, the domes form a pattern as intricate as coral reefs.
Whether explored by 4WD, foot, or helicopter, the Bungle Bungle Range in Australia offers a journey into geology, culture, and awe itself—proof that the Earth’s artistry is as alive in the desert as it is beneath the sea.
