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The Kimberley region in Western Australia's far north is one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Covering an expanse of nearly 423,000 square kilometres and with an estimated population of just 30,000 it has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on earth.
Testament to this increasing international recognition is the recent World Heritage listing of Purnululu National Park in the isolated East Kimberley region. Famous for its banded beehive rock structures, sandstone cliffs and towers of the Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu has been given this honour for its unrivalled natural values and geological significance. The World Heritage Committee also noted the area's important Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Incredibly the domes, gorges and wet season waterfalls were virtually unknown except to pastoralists, scientists and the local Aboriginal community until 1982. It was then that aerial pictures were first released and widely circulated.
Today, Purnululu is seen as one of the scenic jewels of outback Australia and is ranked alongside other natural treasures such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef.
A scenic flight is one of the best ways to gain a perspective of the massive size of the Bungle Bungles. Twice as many people see the mass by air than those who visit by road. There are several local aviation companies operating from Broome and Kununurra which offer a range of scenic aeroplane and helicopter flights.
The venture in by four wheel drive is also well worth the effort. The route offers views of Boab trees and a hike through the landscape of orange sandstone domes is unforgettable. You can reach the Bungle Bungles by road between April and December, with camping the only accommodation option.
Purnululu National Park is Australia's 15th natural wonder to be given World Heritage listing. Purnululu joins Shark Bay as Western Australia's second listing.
This photo belongs to
Peter Walton ©.
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