National Parks
Western Australia has an abundance of amazing natural and cultural experiences that showcase some of the worlds best ecosystems and dynamic landscapes. The East Kimberley is home to one of the most famous bucket list items, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, commonly known at the Bungle Bungle Range. Additionally, there are many other spectacular and breathtaking natural wonders waiting for you to explore.
Walk trails and camping areas are provided in most parks and for your safety, please stay on marked trails and only camp in dedicated campsites. Please also be advised that no pets are permitted with National Parks in the Kimberley Region.
In Western Australia, visitor fees and camping fees apply to National Parks- these are listed below:
Park | Entry Fees | Camping Fee |
Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi) & Silent Grove (Dulundi) | Yes | Yes |
Mirima | Yes | No Camping |
Mitchell River (Ngauwudu) | Yes | Yes |
Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve | No | No Camping |
Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) | Yes | Yes |
Tunnel Creek (Dimalurru) | Yes | No Camping |
Windjana Gorge (Bandilngan) | Yes | Yes |
Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater | No | Yes |
For WA National Parks information and passes: EXPLORE PARKS WA
Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley)
Located just minutes from Kununurra, Mirima is a small park with sandstone ranges, cliffs and valleys, similar in appearance to parts of the Bungle Bungle. The 350 million year old sandstone features within Mirima are subject to some striking colour changes due to sunlight variances and the region is known for its spectacular photo opportunities.
Mirima is the name given to the area by the local Miriuwung people and retains many sites of significance.
The area was declared a National Park in 1982 to conserve the natural features and the associated Miriuwung sites.
Access
Access is via a sealed bitumen road.
Facilities
An entry fee applies and facilities include an information shelter, tables, toilet and car park.
Camping or fires are not permitted at any time within Mirima National Park.
Walks
Three short walk trails are available within Mirima:
"The Derbde-Gerring Banan or "Lookout Walk" takes you to the top of the range and provides spectacular views over the Ord Valley and surrounding sandstone ranges. This 800m return walk is a Class 4 - moderate to difficult.
The "Looking at Plants" walk is a 400m return loop walk with trailside signage to help you get to know some of the local plants and their Traditional uses
The "Demboong Banan" walk trail is 500m return and rewards you with a spectacular view of Kununurra through a gap in the eroded sandstone. Demboong means gap and Banan means trail in the local Miriuwung language.
One long walk is available:
The "Yoorrnging Geranyem Banan" or " Painting on Rocks Trail" is a 3.5km loop that takes you deep into the sandstone range of Miriwoong country. Class 5, this is a moderately difficult walk with a ladder, stairs and uneven rock surfaces and short climbs and descents. Allow 1 - 3 hours.
Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle)
The Bungle Bungle Range is renowned for its striking sandstone domes, striped with orange and grey bands. Purnululu is the name given to the sandstone area by Aboriginal people and covers an area of almost 240,000 hectares.
The Bungle Bungle has been a tourist destination since 1983 and was granted World Heritage status in 2003.
Access
Purnululu is open from the 1st May until 1st December depending on weather conditions. The park may also be temporarily closed due to fires or unseasonal rain.
Access is restricted to 4WD access only and only single axle, off - road trailers with high clearance are permitted. 2WD vehicles are not permitted in the park.
Geology
The Bungle Bungle Range:
- Are an estimated 360 million years old.
- Rise over 200 metres high.
- Formed during the Devonian age.
- Carved over 20 million years through erosional forces.
- The grey banding is formed by cyanobacteria.
- The orange banding is the result of oxidised iron compounds within the layers.
Visitors must register at the Purnululu Visitor Centre on arrival.
Facilities
There are two Parks and Wildlife campsites, Walardi (12km south of the Visitor Centre) and Kurrajong (7km north of the Visitor Centre) with basic amenities such as bush toilets, water and firewood. Visitors are advised to boil water prior to drinking . Campsites are non-powered.
Tour companies operate within the park offering a range guided walks, safari stays, accommodation and helicopter flights. Tours are also available from Kununurra.
All tours can be booked through the Kununurra Visitor Centre.
Ngauwudu Management Area (Mitchell Plateau)
The Ngauwudu Management Area (Mitchell Plateau) is located in the far north of the Kimberley and is extremely remote. Visitors need to be completely self-sufficient as the area has few facilities It is important to ensure that you carry sufficient water, food and fuel supplies .
It is one of the most biologically important areas in the Kimberley. The landscape around the laterite-capped plateau varies from mangroves and wetlands, to woodlands and lush rainforest pockets. The area has a rich diversity of wildlife, with many rare animals, such as the Monjon (Australia's smallest rock wallaby) and the Black Grass Wren.
The area contains many Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and features fine examples of the various forms of rock art.
Access
The Ngauwudu Management Area is restricted to 4wd vehicles only, via the Kalumburu Rd and the Port Warrender track. The 85km Port Warrender track is narrow, winding and at times extremely rough with numerous washouts and corrugations.
All visitors to the Area require the Uunguu Visitor Pass. This can be purchased from Drysdale River Roadhouse, Munurru Campground or online at Uunguu Visitor Pass.
Only Dry season access to the plateau is permitted.
Aerial access is available from Kununurra and El Questro by way of numerous scenic flights.
Highlights and Facilities
The Mitchell Falls are formed by a series of spectacular cascades and are best viewed just after the wet season, (May - July) when maximum water is falling. The falls normally flow all year round but by the late dry season (Sept-Oct) can be reduced to only a trickle.
The total height of the falls are 150m.
There are numerous walk trails within the area and most are considered moderate to difficult walks. These walk trails take you to the Mitchell Falls, Merten's Gorge and into Surveyors Pool (Aunauyu).
Campsites are located at Mertens Campground, near the Mitchell Falls walking track, and also at the King Edward River (Munurru). Fees apply at both areas and both have basic toilet facilities. One private safari style tented camp is also available near the Mitchell Plateau airstrip. At Munurru visitors can take guided tours with Traditional Owners, exploring the rock art sites in the area.
4wd ground tours and aerial scenic flights (helicopter) are also available.
Scenic fixed wing and helicopter flights can be arranged by the Kununurra Visitor Centre staff who can also advise of tour schedules and bookings if required.