Bungle Bungle Tours

The Bungle Bungle Range is a gorgeous treasure chest with sparkling secrets that remained hidden until 1983 when documentary filmmakers flying high overhead unearthed the spectacular striped jewel. Keen for a closer tour of the Bungle Bungles, they took to the ground in 4WDs and discovered their precious sparkling bounty, which later in 1987 became a National Park. The area, although unknown to the rest of the world until the mid-80s, has long been home to local Indigenous people, with the name Purnululu meaning ‘sandstone.’

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Most people are fascinated by the striped sandstone formation. It was formed more than 350 million years ago from the amassed sediment of an ancient river bed. The residue collected in layers and compacted into sandstone to eventually rise, forming the impressive mountain range. Beginning as one large block, the weak areas and edges of the sandstone consistently were hammered by severe wet season rain and winds, as well as contrasting winter freezes and soaring 50+ Celsius degree summer heat. This caused endless cracks, deep canyons, wide creeks and chasms to form. And of course, the spectacular circular Cathedral Gorge resulted from a massive wet season whirlpool. The lighter layers have less clay with the iron in the sandstone being oxidised, resulting in the bright orange hue. The striped domes surround the edges of the range, with a new area of domes forming as the erosion continues towards the centre of the massive formation.

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The Bungle Bungles is stunning at the start of the dry season and the best way to get there is  on a 4×4 Bungle Bungle adventure. This is when it is most accessible by road and the common time for guided Bungle Bungle tours. The wet season, however, is utterly spectacular, although at this time the region can only be viewed by air. Weather permitting, 4WD road access into Purnululu National Park re-opens in early April. At this time of the year, the region is lush and green with bright yellow Acacia flowers an d Grevillea blooming all around the dome plains.

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May sees hot days well above 30 degrees and higher amongst the domes with plenty of water in the rock pools, although the water does recede quickly with pools becoming stagnant and smelly. Mid-June to mid-August, the coolest time of the year is peak season for tourists with the weather being very pleasant during the day. However, in July temperatures can drop to below zero overnight so it’s best to ensure you have a warm sleeping bag if camping. August and September sees the weather warming up again, but the tourists drop off as the water has disappeared and the landscape has transformed to brown and dusty. October sees temperatures soaring to over 50 degrees C, with heat exhaustion being a common problem.

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The best time to go on a Bungle Bungle tour depends on what type of experience you are looking for, and your tolerance of weather extremes. May is ideal. June, July and August are good options for anyone who is not worried about the cold weather and September is a good option for those that don’t mind the heat. Today, travellers from across the globe visit the region by plane, helicopter and 4WD to discover the wonders found within this gorgeous, natural phenomenon. Contact us today to find your perfect Bungle Bungles tour.

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