Bungle Bungle Range
Western Australia
The Bungle Bungle Range is a remarkable natural landform located within Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is renowned for its distinctive beehive-shaped towers composed of ancient sandstones and conglomerates deposited between 275 and 250 million years ago. These formations were sculpted over millions of years by the combined forces of wind and rainfall, resulting in the unique domed structures with alternating orange and dark grey bands. The orange layers are stained with iron and manganese minerals, while the dark bands are due to moisture-retaining layers supporting algal or cyanobacteria growth. The range covers approximately 450 square kilometers and includes a notable 7-kilometre diameter circular topographic feature believed to be the eroded remnant of an ancient meteorite impact crater known as the Piccaninny crater. The site holds deep cultural significance for the local Aboriginal peoples, who have inhabited the area for over 20,000 years and maintain a strong spiritual connection to the landscape. The Bungle Bungle Range was relatively unknown to the wider world until 1982, when filmmakers documented the Kimberley region, leading to its designation as a National Park in 1987 and its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Today, it remains a captivating destination for visitors drawn to its extraordinary geology and cultural heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Bungle Bungle Range is during the dry season from May to September when weather conditions are ideal for hiking and exploring. Visitors are advised to book tours and park entry permits in advance due to limited access and to benefit from available concessions for seniors and children. Carry sufficient water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for walking on rugged terrain. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the geology and Aboriginal culture of the area.
Interesting facts
- •The Bungle Bungle Range's orange and dark grey banding is caused by iron and manganese staining and cyanobacteria growth respectively.
- •A 7-kilometre diameter circular feature visible via satellite is believed to be an ancient meteorite impact crater called the Piccaninny crater.
- •The range covers an extensive area of approximately 450 square kilometers within Purnululu National Park.
- •The formations were deposited as sedimentary rocks in the Red Basin during the Permian period, 275 to 250 million years ago.
- •The Bungle Bungle Range was relatively unknown to the wider world until a 1982 documentary brought attention to the Kimberley region.
History
The Bungle Bungle Range formations originated from sedimentary deposits laid down in the Red Basin approximately 275 to 250 million years ago.
Over time, active faults and erosion by wind and rain sculpted the distinctive beehive domes.
Aboriginal people have lived in the region for over 20,000 years, with the area featuring in Gija creation stories involving the Brolga and the Frog.
The range remained largely unknown outside local Aboriginal communities and stockmen until 1982, when it was documented by filmmakers.
It was declared a National Park in 1987 and later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
Place Guide
Beehive Domes275-250 million years ago
Distinctive beehive-shaped sandstone towers with striking orange and dark grey horizontal bands, formed by natural erosion and mineral staining over millions of years.
Piccaninny CraterAncient (exact age unknown)
A 7-kilometre diameter circular topographic feature believed to be the eroded remnant of an ancient meteorite impact crater visible from satellite images.
Contact
Phone: (08) 9168 7300
