Purnululu National Park

Bungle Bungle Range
Photo caption	Sandstone beehive formations at Piccaninny Creek, Purnululu National Park
Country	Australia
Region	East Kimberley, Western Australia
Coordinates	Approximately 17°30′S 128°30′E
Area (km2)	2397.23
Established	27 March 1987
National park	Purnululu National Park
Elevation (m)	250
Geology	Devonian sandstone and conglomerate
Notable features	Beehive-shaped domes, Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Creek, Echidna Chasm
World Heritage Site	Yes (since 2003)
Flora	Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Livistona palms, spinifex grasses
Fauna	Wallabies, dingoes, echidnas, rock pigeons, grey falcons
Climate	Dry monsoonal
Nearest town	Halls Creek, Western Australia
Discovered by	Alexander Forrest, 1879
Management	Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (CALM)

The Bungle Bungle Range, located within the Purnululu National Park in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, is celebrated for its striking beehive-shaped sandstone domes and deep gorges. The range extends about 25 kilometres from north to south and 30 kilometres from east to west, rising roughly 250 metres above the surrounding plains. The formations are composed of Devonian sandstone and conglomerate, shaped by erosion from rivers and creeks over the last 20 million years.[1]

The region has been inhabited by Aboriginal peoples for over 20,000 years, with traditional owners maintaining cultural connections through Dreaming stories, rock art, and ceremonies. Aboriginal groups of the area speak several languages, including Kija, Jaru, Malngin, and Miriuwung.[2]

European exploration of the area began in 1879 when Alexander Forrest’s expedition first recorded the range. Later, geologist Edward T. Hardman conducted geological surveys in 1884, noting the distinctive sandstone structures and rugged terrain.[3]

The name “Bungle Bungle” is believed to have originated around 1930, possibly derived from the Aboriginal word “Purnululu” or from “bundle bundle,” a common Kimberley grass. The term was first used by Arthur Muggleton, a pastoralist who managed land in the area during that period.[4]

The national park was officially declared on 27 March 1987, covering over 239,000 hectares. In recognition of its exceptional geological formations, biodiversity, and Aboriginal heritage, Purnululu National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.[5]

The area’s unique banded domes are the result of alternating layers of silica and cyanobacteria on the sandstone surface, which cause the characteristic orange and dark grey stripes. Major attractions include Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Creek, Echidna Chasm, and Mini Palms Gorge.[6]

Flora within the park ranges from eucalyptus woodlands and spinifex grasses to palms and ferns within the gorges. More than 600 plant species and nearly 300 vertebrate species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, have been recorded in the park.[7]

The park is co-managed by Aboriginal traditional owners and the Western Australian government to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Entry is via the Spring Creek Track, accessible only to four-wheel-drive vehicles.[8]

References

1. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson, David Blake, Arthur Mory, Ian Tyler, Mark Pittavino, Bev Allen, Julienne Kamprad, and Ian Oswald-Jacobs, Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, p.7.
2. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson et al., Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, pp.11–13.
3. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson et al., Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, pp.14–16.
4. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson et al., Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, p.20.
5. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson et al., Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, p.11.
6. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson et al., Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, pp.46–53.
7. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson et al., Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, pp.23–25.
8. Bungle Bungle Range: Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia, by Dean Hoatson et al., Australian Geological Survey Organisation, 1997, p.8.