Review of Bungle Bungle 4WD Bus Day Tour.

As retirees enjoying travel in the Kimberley there was no way we were going to miss visiting the Bungle Bungles. Yet we found out it is a 2 hour 4WD drive to get to the Bungle Bungle Range. So, we decided to book onto the Bungle Bungle 4WD Bus Day Tour.

About the the Bungle Bungles

The Bungle Bungle Range is renowned for it’s outstanding geological formations and natural beauty. The unique formations include spectacular gorges, sandstone domes, and deep chasms.

The Bungle Bungle Range is estimated to be over 360 million years old. The aboriginal people named the sandstone area Purnululu. To this day, the aboriginal people maintain a strong connection with the ancient landscape.

The Purnululu National Park covers almost 240,000 hectares. It is amazing to think that this area was basically unknown as a tourist destination until 1983. In 2003 Purnululu National Park was granted World Heritage Status.

The Bungle Bungle Range is said to have the world’s most outstanding example of cone karst in sandstone. The beehive shaped domes have striking grey and orange bands, and stand some 200 metres above the plain.

Access to Purnululu National Park

Access to Purnululu National Park is seasonal. Depending on weather conditions, Purnululu is usually open between April until the end of November.

Access is restricted to 4WD, with ONLY single axle off road and heavy – duty trailers.

About the Bungle Bungle 4WD Bus Day Tour.

We stayed at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park the night before and the evening after taking our day trip. This caravan park is located on the Mabel Downs cattle station, just off the Great Northern Highway.

Here are some details about the Bungle Bungle 4WD Bus Day Tour:

• 7am – 5pm day tour
• Transported in a modern, air conditioned 4WD bus
• Morning tea, lunch and a bush dinner (on return to caravan park) included
• Bus driver / guide provided a commentary about Mabel Downs station, cattle industry, Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle Range, plus other relevant history and facts
• Cost $315.00 per person

The trip took 2 hours one way, on a corrugated dirt road, with multiple water crossings. After a short stop at the park Visitors Centre we travelled onto the southern end of the Bungle Bungle Range. After morning tea we visited Piccaninny Lookout, Cathedral Gorge and the Domes. We had lunch before driving about another ½ hour to Echidna Chasm. Then we had the return trip.

Here’s what we saw & did

Piccaninny Lookout

From the very start we were impressed by the beautiful sandstone formations jutting above the flat landscape.

The Piccaninny Lookout was the first highlight. We enjoyed elevated views looking towards sandstone domes in the near distance.

Cathedral Gorge

We then walked onto Cathedral Gorge. The walk towards this Gorge was very beautiful.

This was generally an easy walk, however there were sections where we walked along a sandy creek bed. I’ve always found walking in a lot of dry sand hard work.

The rich colours in the tall sandstone cliffs were brilliant.

Suddenly the walk opens up to show the Cathedral Gorge. What an impressive and very beautiful area! We all felt very small standing in this huge cathedral shaped gorge.

Greg and I always love a water scene. And we loved the pool within the Gorge, especially with all it’s wonderful reflections. All in all, the area was truly breathtaking.

The Domes

The last section of our walk was into the area called The Domes. Here we were able to walk close by dome shaped sandstone rock formations.

Echidna Chasm

Echidna Chasm was a completely different landscape.

This was rather a difficult walk. We had to trek along a creek bed, into the Chasm, over varying sized river rocks. Let me say, no one on the bus found this walk easy. Indeed, we were the only ones to walk to the end of the Chasm.

But, what an amazing sight. This is a spectacularly narrow chasm with 200 metre high walls. At times we were able to touch both sides of the Chasm walls.

 

Osmand Lookout

After we completed our walk through Echidna Chasm we walked to the Osmond Lookout. This lookout is only a short walk from the Echidna Chasm car park.

Review of the day tour

The famous Bungle Bungles did not let us down. We were so pleased we visited Purnululu National Park and saw the sights we did.

We also give a thumbs up to the Bungle Bungle 4WD Bus Day Tour. Our bus was basically full. We heard very positive comments from everyone we spoke to on the bus tour. Indeed, everyone was saying they were pleased they didn’t drive themselves.

Yes, it was expensive. Perhaps some may say it is too expensive. What we have learned as we travel throughout the Kimberley is nothing is cheap out here.

We decided we didn’t want to drive the 2 hours each way on the rough road. And the road was rough. One woman experienced motion sickness, and we had to pull up once. Yet, we found the bus very comfortable.

The bus driver / tour guide was excellent. He was a real character. Greg especially enjoyed his commentary on the landscape and associated history.

The food was fresh and tasty. My only criticism of the day was the evening meal. While it was a three course meal, the menu was very basic – soup, a mince dish, and a muffin and custard dessert. Greg thought I was being picky.

Yet, again, we recommend you visit the Kimberley. If you do, make sure you plan a visit to the Bungle Bungles. And, we have no hesitation recommending the Bungle Bungle 4WD Bus Day Tour. We enjoyed it and we believe you would too.

Have you visited the Bungle Bungles? How did you travel out? What was your experience?

We would also love to hear your thoughts on the day trip we did. Please leave a comment.

Happy and safe travels

From Estelle and Greg – Retirees Enjoying Travel.