What you need to know: Purnululu National Park – Bungle Bungles, Western Australia

By Michelle Gilmore
August 5, 2022
Camping, National Parks, Western Australia

Isn’t this photo by CAMPS Ambassadors Dale and Tracey amazing? It just makes you want to be transported, right there – walking under those those striking banded sandstone domes.

Dale said, “If you are unsure on whether to camp or not in the Purnululu National Park, we would highly recommend it. We camped at the Walardi campground at the southern part of the National Park.

“There are 37 campsites here and you need to book online to secure a spot. There are toilets and bore water but no fires are allowed and you must take all your rubbish out with you.”

Warlardi is 12km from the visitor centre, another important stop in this World Heritage listed National Park – it is also closest to the Domes

and Cathedral Gorge.

There is another spot to put up your tent, at Kurrajong Campground, which is the larger of the two sites,

and closest to Echidna Chasm

and Mini Palms Gorge.

27 km from the visitor centre, you’ll come to the Piccaninny Carpark. Walks start from 700m return hike, the Window (6km return) and Whip Snake Gorge (10 km return) to the Picaninny Gorge trek, a 20km return overnighter! But look at those views! Make sure you check in the visitor centre.

Common questions

Can I reserve a campspot?

Book online for the campground and area, you can also register and pay at the Visitor Centre. However you cannot reserve specific sites. Then you just see what is vacant on your arrival and set up!

Is the road suitable for 2WD?

A definite no. Only attempt this notorious road with high clearance 4WD vehicles and high clearance single axle towable units. Dale said “We put our caravan into storage at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park for a cost of $20 per night.” They camped with their swag, instead!

Can you buy ice and food in the park?

Purnululu Visitor Centre stocks cool drinks, ice, snacks and souvenirs. It is currently receiving an upgrade, but it is still open.

Who are the traditional custodians?

Jaru and Kija people as the traditional owners of the ancient Purnululu National Park.

Why are the domes banded?

The striations are caused by cyanobacteria. Iron compounds have oxidised where the orange colour is and the cyanobacteria cannot grow there.

What should I pack?

There is no drinking water – so ensure you have plenty as well as food, fuel, medication and first aid plus equipment and clothing for the conditions.

What are the distances to travel here?

The 240,000 hectare park is 300 km south of Kununurra and 150 kilometres north-east of Halls Creek. It is 53 km from the turn off and 52 km from the Caravan Park to the national park entry.