Rising impressively out of the Ord River Valley in the remote East Kimberly wilderness, the Bungle Bungle Range is the most outstanding example of cone kast sandstone mountains anywhere on earth.
The World Heritage Purnunulu National Park offers a unique trekking experience as we journey deep into the magnificent sandstone gorges of the central mountain range of the Bungles.
The local Aboriginal people of this rocky outpost – which borders the great deserts to the south – have a deep connection with the gorges and creek systems, which cut spectacularly through the landscape. There are significant burial and art sites scattered throughout the park and our trek itinerary and guides are sensitive to these special places. Our trek takes us into Piccaninny Gorge, located geographically in the centre of the Bungle Bungle Ranges.
We establish a basecamp enabling our group to explore the extensive sandstone chasms of the Five Fingers, located beyond the imposing sheer cliffs of Piccaninny Gorge. The trekking here is unmarked and exploratory in nature; we spend three full days exploring the wonders of the secluded and sheltered micro-habitats of the Fingers. Our five night adventure allows us to experience the unique wonder of this ancient land. This is an unparalleled trekking adventure of a lifetime.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 : Depart Kununurra, fly to Purnunulu National Park, Cathedral Gorge, Black Rock Pool | 10kms
Day 2 to 4 : Piccaninny Gorge, Explore the chasms of the Five Fingers | approx 6-10kms each day
Day 5 : Descend Piccaninny Creek, Whip Snake Gorge | 14kms
Day 6 : Piccaninny Creek, return to Kununurra | 3kms
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners.
- All delicious snacks on the trail.
- 2 experienced professional wilderness guides.
- All national park permits and camping fees.
- All camping equipment including mosquito dome, sleeping mat and sleeping bag.
- All catering equipment including cutlery, cups, plates, bowls.
- Group emergency satellite communication/navigation equipment.
- Group wilderness first aid equipment and supplies.
- Return flights from Kununurra to Purnunulu National Park.
- This is a small group off-track trek for experienced hikers with a maximum of 10 people.
- Gear hire available
Notes to consider
Our 6 day Bungle Bungle trek is a demanding hike, we advise you to do as much training as you can before your adventure with us. The more you train for this trek the easier you will handle the terrain and the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world. It’s also important to come along with an open mind ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group.
We need to stress that this is a demanding hike – there is no vehicle support once you have been dropped at the start, and you need to feel confident carrying a full pack weighing around 18kg. The other factor is the heat – while we try to walk in the coolest parts of the day, you need to be prepared for temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s.
It is very important that you bring the right gear for the conditions. A comprehensive gear list is included at the end of the itinerary. Quality backpacks are available for hire. If you are at all concerned about your ability to do this walk, please feel free to call one of us here at Trek Tours Australia for more advice.
DAY 1 : DEPART KUNUNURRA, CATHEDRAL GORGE, BLACK ROCK POOL
Pick up from your Kununurra accommodation around 5.20am – transfer to Kununurra airport for the best scenic flight in Australia into the World Heritage listed Purnunulu National Park. We are collected by a 4×4 bus at the Bellburn airstrip for a 45 minute transfer to the start of our trek. In the cool of the morning we make our way down the impressive Piccaninny Creek. The early morning light provides stunning colourful photographic opportunities, as we walk amongst the spectacular sandstone domes surrounding us. Our first side trip is into the iconic Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre with a permanent pool. We then continue up Piccaninny Creek, and after enjoying a fresh & healthy lunch we continue on to Black Rock Pool, our camp for tonight. You guides will prepare a delicious evening meal before you settle in for your first night under the stars.
Walking: 10kms 5-6hrs Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 TO 4 : PICCANINNY GORGE, EXPLORE THE CHASMS OF THE FIVE FINGERS.
An early start, and our journey continues up Piccaninny Gorge itself, flanked by massive sheer walls on either side of immense sandstone and conglomerate rock. By mid morning we arrive at our remote wilderness home for the next three nights. After dropping our big packs, we embark on our first adventure into the vast chasm systems of the Five Fingers. Each day the group will decide on another adventure with endless possibilities to explore the deep interior of the Bungles. With only a day pack, we travel light and can take our time to explore the hidden wonders of the Fingers. The Fingers contain the most southern extent of Kimberley rainforest, underground tunnel systems and lush green palm strands harboring stunning bird life, including Budgerigars, Red Winged Parrots and Rainbow Lorikeets. Depending on the proceeding wet season, some of the gorges may also be partially filled with water and require a refreshing wade and/or swim to further explore their wonders. The hiking here is untracked and together with your expert wilderness guides, we retrace our exploratory footsteps to base camp each night
Walking: 6-10 kms each day 4-8hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 : DESCEND PICCANINNY CREEK, WHIP SNAKE GORGE.
Today we retrace our route through Piccaninny Gorge and descend Piccaninny Creek to a spectacular campsite providing access to a forgotten chasm called Whip Snake Gorge. We explore the gorge and surrounding dome hills in the late afternoon, before enjoying another special wilderness dinner under one of the best night skies on earth.
Walking: 14kms | 6-8hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 : PICCANINNY CREEK, RETURN TO KUNUNURRA.
An early start takes us on our final leg down Piccaninny Creek. We are collected and transferred back to Bellburn airstrip for a mid-morning flight over the vast wilderness we have just immersed ourselves in. We farewell the Bungles in stunning style, flying over Lake Argyle and the mighty Ord River, before arriving at Kununurra airport at midday. Our trek concludes here, where you have the option of connecting flights out or to explore more of Kununurra and surrounds.
Walking: 3kms | 1-2hrs Meals: Breakfast
WHAT YOU CARRY
You will be required to carry all your equipment in a full trekking pack, that is 70-90 litres in capacity. This includes sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat, mosquito dome, a proportion of the group’s food supplies and all personal items as specified in our gear list. Depending on the quality and quantity of personal gear and toiletries, your pack will weigh around 18kg.
A pre-trip briefing and a full gear check with your guides at 3pm the afternoon before your Bungle Bungle trek departs, will ensure you have the right mix of gear for your adventure. Please make your way to Celebrity Tree Park on Old Darwin Road – opposite the entrance to Kimberyland Holiday Park.
The terrain experienced on this trek is a mix of trekking through sandy creek beds, climbing over large boulders, wading through cold waters and squeezing & climbing through tight spaces. Minimal Impact trekking techniques are used in sensitive areas and certain route options are determined by local conditions and hazards.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
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IMPORTANT NOTES
Our 6 day Bungle Bungle trek is a demanding hike, we advise you to do as much training as you can before your adventure with us. The more you train for this trek the easier you will handle the terrain and the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world. It’s also important to come along with an open mind ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group. We need to stress that this is a demanding hike – there is no vehicle support once you have been dropped at the start, and you need to feel confident carrying a full pack weighing around 18kg. The other factor is the heat – while we try to walk in the coolest parts of the day, you need to be prepared for temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s. It is very important that you bring the right gear for the conditions. A comprehensive gear list is included at the end of this itinerary. Quality backpacks are available for hire.
If you are at all concerned about your ability to do this walk, please feel free to call one of us here at Trek Tours Australia for more advice (1300 133 278).
