New tours, a safari camp and a music legend in the Bungle Bungle range
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the Bungle Bungle range - the distinctive beehive-like domes in Western Australia's Purnululu National park. Until 1983, when it was accidentally stumbled upon by a film crew, only the local Djaru and Kija people knew of its existence. Even after receiving UNESCO World Heritage status, this geological wonder 350 million years in the making has continued to be one of Australia's best kept secrets. Now, thanks to a new camp, improved access and high profile visitors, Purnululu National Park is finally on the map.
Last year 53,700 visitors explored the 2,500 square kilometres of rainforest, towering arches and natural amphitheatres, which is rich in culture, wildlife and walking trails - an increase of 23.9% compared to 2011 (Tourism WA Quarterly Visitor Snapshot).
In addition $1.9 million worth of access improvements to the park was completed in May 2013 which include new and upgraded walking trails around the stunning natural attractions of Echidna Chasm, Mini Palms Gorge and Homestead Gorge in the north-west part of the park as well as improved 4WD access and power to the sites to make it easier to explore.
Follow the stars
Feel like Indiana Jones squeezing through the 1,000m long Echidna Chasm and marvel at the overhanging natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. Or follow philanthropist and music legend Sir Bob Geldof's lead and take a 'flightseeing' tour over the park.
Sir Bob took an early morning helicopter flight over the spectacular formations earlier this month - the best way to appreciate the scale of the range (three times the size of Uluru) and its surreal beauty. He also toured Kununurra and visited the 10 day Ord Valley Muster, a festival which celebrates outback life and includes concerts under the stars, a rodeo, cooking classes and cultural tours.
"I absolutely love it here," said Sir Bob. "It's such a beautiful country. I flew up to Kununurra for the Ord Valley Muster and was fortunate enough to visit the Bungle Bungles whilst I was there. I had heard so much about both of them and seen pictures but had to go see them for myself. It was definitely worth the effort as both were simply spectacular" he explained.
Stay in a new camp
The new Bungle Bungle's Safari Camp, developed by Kimberley Wild Expeditions, is the only private camp in the national park to boast views of the Bungles Massif. The camp features 10 eco-safari tents, hot showers and a dining deck with panoramic views. bunglesafaricamp.com.au
The camp is the first to open under the Western Australia's government Naturebank programme, designed to develop eco-friendly camps in protected beauty spots across the state. The camp and park opens in April at the beginning of the dry season which runs until end of October.
Kimberley Wild Expeditions has a 5 day tour through the Kimberley including the Bungle Bungles, staying in the new camp for $1,595 (£1,006) including accommodation, transport, meals and guides
Best of the Kimberley - new tour
Kimberley Wild Expeditions is launching a new 10 Day Kimberley Trail from Broome to Darwin (and reverse), offering fantastic walking amongst the national parks, swimming in waterfalls and the chance to spot wildlife from kangaroos and crocs to amazing birds.
The new tour, which start April 2014, will travel the iconic Gibb River Road, explore the West Kimberley Gorges, El Questro Wilderness Park, Purnululu National Park for the Bungle Bungle Range and Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge. The itinerary also allows for a full day in Kununurra, on which travellers can cruise the mighty Ord River & Lake Argyle or take a flight over the dramatic Mitchell Falls. All Kimberley Trail travellers will stay at the new private Bungle Bungles Safari Camp.
The 10 day tour starts from $2695 (£1,699) including accommodation, transport, guides and meals
kimberleywild.com.au/Broome_to_Darwin_10_Day_Tour.html
For more information, visit westernaustralia.com
