Purnululu National Park - Bungle Bungles 16/7/15

Up and away at our usual 8 am with approx 60 km travel into the park, arrived to set up 2 hrs later, just a little bit rough( quite corrugated) a bit rocky and several water crossings. The scenery was to 'die for', some black and orange banded rock mountains and escarpments, small orange sandstone hills covered with spinifex , and plains leading to the mountains covered with a variety of different shaded green spinifex with some black spear grass ( actually a rust red shade) to add texture to the picture. Once again, we have a great backyard backdrop of banded orange/ black mountain ranges.

Staying here for four nights so all the bells and whistles are out being used, full annex, shower, and the beer fridge now relocated under the kitchen bench for easier access , camper setup amongst the snappy gums.

Great hiking today into Homestead Valley, Mini Palms Gorge, and Frog Hole, all trails follow river beds smothered in river rocks. We found this harder going at times as opposed to rock hopping or scrambling over boulders. But all the while, we were amongst 200-300 my high escarpments showing off those beautiful ochre and black hues. All up we hiked 10 km and spent time for lunch at Mini Palms.

Saturday- Lost for words today! The domes/beehives were exceptional viewing, so stately, exuding natural beauty. If these haven't been seen yet, there is plenty of time as it will take up to 30 million years to be eroded!! According to the experts! We walked Piccaninny Creek to The Window over some river pebble but mostly a solid rock riverbed which has suffered deep water erosion crevasses over millions of years. Cathedral Gorge was a straight forward trail but the end result didn't disappoint. Covered 11 km for the day.

Sunday - set off mid morning for Osmand Range lookout and Echidna Chasm and Gorge. Spectacular views to the Ranges and information informs us that these ranges have virtually had no human contact. Echidna Chasm is just that, almost cathedral like and as the sun passes over the chasm the sandstone walls come alive with colour.

Our camp in the Kurrajong section was an ideal location, just a short walk to the lookout. The nights were cold though, temps dropping to 4 deg while the days were quite hot particularly while walking amongst rock and on the open stoney riverbeds.We couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more here, just in awe of nature and what a wonderfully diverse country we live in.