Purnululu: Cathedral Gorge & Piccaninny
Also known as: Bungle Bungles
Purnululu’s Bungle Bungle domes - the orange-and-black banded beehives and the echoing Cathedral Gorge
The route
The line through Purnululu NP (Kimberley), WA, Australia - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Apr-Oct (dry season only)
Extreme heat; dry-season access only
Dry-season only (Apr-Oct); the park closes in the wet. Confirm.
On the trail
Sandy gorge floors between banded beehive domes
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Moderate in the dry
Cathedral Gorge (short); the longer Piccaninny Gorge for the experienced
Getting there & staying
Purnululu NP (4WD track off the Great Northern Hwy)
4WD access or scenic flights from Kununurra
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Kununurra; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
Purnululu NP entry; 4WD or scenic-flight access; remote Kimberley
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat, remoteness, flash-flood in the wet (closed)
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.