While touring Australia, you must be prepared to absorb the huge quantity of natural beauty. The country is so full of it. The extent of the wilderness of the country that Bungle Bungle Range was only discovered in the year 1983! Well, this landform may have been hidden from the world for such a long time, but now it has enchanted everyone with its sheer beauty. Boasting the most fascinating geological features ever- the beehive-shaped towers, this counts for a must-visit in the lifetime.
Location of Bungle Bungle Range
The Bungle Bungle Range is a part of Purnululu National Park located in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia.
History of Bungle Bungle Range
As fascinating as the place is, its history is even more intriguing. Though the range remained hidden from the outside world till recent times, Aboriginal people have lived in the area for more than 40,000 years. It is amazing to know that this geological wonder became known to the world only after 1982. It was in the year 1983 that a documentary film unit discovered the range.
Things to do in Bungle Bungle Range
Better late than never. Although discovered much recent, it didn’t take much time to become popular. The alternate black/grey and orange striped domes are an breathtaking view. The sight maze of sandstone domes from the sky is perhaps the most astonishing sight ever.
These beehive-shaped domes and conglomerates are essentially sedimentary rocks formed some 350 to 375 million years ago. The various natural factors shaped the domes the way they are. Bungle Bungle range is undoubtedly one of the most sought after tourist features of the Purnululu National Park, which is a World Heritage. One can reach there by road, but the air is the preferred medium. The camping experience in the Bungle Bungle range is something to cherish for. If you love remoteness, there is loads of it.
The travellers can opt for the guided air trips which operate from Kununurra. Watching the beehives towers with their orange and black stripes is an unimaginable experience. You just can experience it. The helicopters tour of the area is the highlight of the visit.
You can also enjoy the comfortable safari tours. Walking through the Bungles is entirely a lifetime experience truly. If you are into hiking and other adventurous activities, you would get ample opportunities for that. Hike into Cathedral Gorge or enjoy bushwalking. The Bungles are not just popular for their geological features. But the Aboriginal history associated with it is also worth seeing and experiencing. There are ancient rock arts that tell a lot about the Aboriginals. Many burial sites are also there boasting how a civilization resided there for so long but hidden from the modern world. The wildlife and birds of the national park are another attraction in the area. The park is said to have 130 species of birds for watching.
Attributes
The satellite images can catch the seven km diameter circular feature of the area. The alternate black and orange stripes are due to the difference in the layers of sandstones. While the black colour is due to algal growth resulting in the deep moisture, whereas the orange colour is due to the deposition of minerals like iron and manganese.
Interesting Fact
It is said that the circular seven km diameter features are the result of the remains left behind by a meteorite hit that happened 250 million years ago.
Summary
Well when you see something like Bungles, the mind records memory into its deepest layers. What did you particularly enjoy? The helicopter sightseeing or walkthrough? Please share your photographs and experience with us here
Fun Fact
Why is the Bungle Bungles significant?
The Bungle Bungalow is by far the finest example of a sandstone karst cone anywhere in the world, and its existence and uniqueness is due to multiple interacting geological, biological, erosive, and climatic events.
Also See: Ninety Mile Beach, Australia
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