KUNUNURRA TO THE BUNGLE BUNGLES (PURNULULU) WA

 

We left Kununurra and drove on to a freecamp called Fletchers Creek.  The following morning we made our way to the Bungles.  There is a caravan park on the way in now whereas before we had to leave the caravan at Turkey Creek and drive about 50ks to the turnoff to the Bungles. 

 



 

The Bungles are on a property called Mabel Downs.  After the turnoff you have to stop and open the farm gate, drive in and then close it after you.

 

We booked the vans in to the storage area (which was $20 a night), took what we needed out of the van and then we were off.

 

Oh the corrugations.  Below are a few pics of the way in.

 

We finally got to the Info Centre.  We all had our photos taken with the Purnululu Sign.

 

We drove on to our campspot which was in the Generator Section.  What a great area.  Instead of having to camp next to each other we had our own area which was separated from the next site by a strand of trees and shrubs.  We had our own toilet and cold water tap (well other people used it too but we didn't have to walk far lol)  As we were staying for two nights we didn't venture out again on the day we got there.  It was just a matter of setting up and chilling out.  And chilling out we did.  The area had a cold snap while we were there and it was freeeeezing.  We all had to put lots of layers on to go to bed just to keep warm.  But the days were lovely.

 

The following day we drove to Piccaninny Creek carpark. 

 

This is where we walk to Cathedral Gorge.  The trail follows Piccaninny Creek.  Below are some shots of the walk.

 

And then we arrive.  It is always so overwhelming to stand in this amphitheatre and let the passing of time wash over you.  I have been here 3 times now and it still has the same effect.

 

After spending some time there we left to walk back.  As you can see it is not all flat walking.  The area seen below has a ladder up one side then a small flat area and then another ladder to walk down.

 

 

Rose and I walked back to the carpark a different way to Arnold and Pat.  It had narrower paths but was very picturesque.

 

 

On our way back to the campground we stopped to take some shots of Elephant Rock.  If you look closely you can see a larger and smaller head and trunk.

 

Our campsite is right alongside a very wide dry riverbed so we decided to go for a walk along it.  It was easy for Arnold to get down.

 

Rose and I had a little trouble slipping and sliding and hanging on to tree roots, but we finally made it.

 

I walked along a fallen tree trunk.  It was a balancing act but my trusty branch steadied me.

 

Arnold and I posing for a picture lol

 

Rose and I started collecting rocks.

 

These rocks must have washed down from Zebra Rock.   This river is called Bellburn which runs into the Ord River which runs passed the Zebra Rock area.  How lucky were we to find them. 

Zebra Rock

 

The shot below shows our campsite in relation to the road in .  The building to the right is the toilet.  It was clean as far as outside toilets go.  There were two guys cleaning them and it was great to chat to them and glean information on the birdlife etc.  People caravanning around are always able to get work if they so wish.

 

This is where Rose and I slept.  I had inadvertently sent my two self inflating mattresses home with Ron from Tocumwal as I didn't think I would need them.  So Rose had her lilo and I slept on the doona folded, half on the ground and half over me.  Arnold slept in the car.  So we have "roughed" it a little lol  The second night there was a heavy dew and the tent got quite wet.  No pleasant at all - freezing cold ... and wet.

 

The following day we packed up and then drove to Echidna Chasm.  On the walk in we stopped at a lookout

 

Then the real walk started.  It is a dry creek bed of river rocks.  Very uneven and it takes all your concentration not to turn your ankle on an unstable rock.  But worth it in the end.

 

Below are a few pics of the Chasm.

Rose and Pat

Pat, Rose and I

 

Walking back along the river bed to the car.  It was time to leave.  It took us 2 1/2 hours to travel 53 k's on deflated tyres.  Sometimes we would only be travelling 15 k's an hour the road was so bad.  The pics below are Pat and Maureen's car in our wing mirror.

Pat's car going through a river crossing

There are idiots everywhere and on this road  it is no different.  All you can see is dust when a car (mostly backpackers) drives passed on the dusty corrugated road.

 



 

We finally made it back to the caravan park and our vans. 

 

After inflating the tyres and filling up with water we left.  Of course the gate had to be opened and closed which always seems to be my job lol

Our van and Pat and Mareen behind us

 

We came to the intersection and turned left.  We drove on to Leycesters Rest Free Camp where we will stay for 2 nights.

 

So until my next blog, take care and bye bye.