5 interesting facts about the Bungle Bungle Range

Author: Sonja Mitchell

The 1. The Bungle Bungle Range is made up of unique rock formations that closely resemble the look of a beehives, standing about 250 meters high. The bands that wrap around the rock are formed by layers of sandstone, pebbles and larger rocks that have being cemented together. These sediments were deposited into this area about 375 million years ago, then with the combination of wind and rain has the resulted in the current formation of the Bungle Bungle Ranges.

Cultural Connection

2. The aboriginal people of the area, known as the Karjaganujaru peoples have inhabited the area for over 20,000 years. This group of indigenous people continue to hold a strong connection with the Bungle Bungle Range and the surrounding area. Up until 1982, only local indigenous people knew about the Bungle Bungle Range, until a film crew came to the area while creating a

documentary on the Kimberley.

Located in Purnululu

3. The Bungle Bungle Ranges are located within the Purnululu National Park which in 2003 became a world heritage listed site. The national park became world heritage listed due to the unique nature of the formations and the cultural significance of the area to the local indigenous people. Purnululu national park is approximately 2,397.23 square km is size and managed by the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife in conjunction with the traditional indigenous owners of the area.

Origin of the name, "Bungle Bungle"

4. The commonly used name "Bungle Bungles" is incorrect with the technically correct name being a singular term "Bungle Bungle". The local indigenous people who have lived in the area for 20,000 years called the area Purnululu which is the Kija word for sandstone. In 1930 a station was established near by the Purnululu area, which was named Bungle Bungle, therefore in 1983 when the Department of Lands and Surveys needed a name for the range, they used the name of the station.

Tours and Accommodation

5. Despite the Bungle Bungle Range being in a relatively remote location, there are still many places on offer to stay and a range of tours to experience to famous national park. The superb Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge caters to everyone with a number is different type of cabins with meals provided. Bungle Bungle scenic helicopter flights travel over the range from Kununurra, Warmun and the Bungle Bungle base itself. Fixed-wing flights are also available with Aviair, departing from Kununurra and arriving at the Bungles linking up with chopper flights and guided walking tours. There are so many options to experience this amazing part of the world.

If you are interested in finding out more about experiencing The Bungle Bungle Range and Purnululu National Park