Soaring Over Wonders: Our Bungle Bungles Helicopter Adventure
Exploring Purnululu’s Ancient Domes by Air and Foot
There are some places in Australia that feel almost unreachable, shrouded in ancient history and separated by vast stretches of wild country. On a recent trip to Western Australia, we found ourselves soaring over just such a place: the iconic Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park — an experience equal parts thrilling and humbling.
Taking Off Over the Kimberley
Our day began at El Questro, where anticipation buzzed in the warm morning air. Before we knew it, we were belted into a helicopter, headsets on, lifting off to the steady pulse of the rotors. The flight path took us up and away, giving us a bird’s-eye view of the rugged Kimberley landscape.
If there’s any way to appreciate the sheer size and beauty of this region, this is it. We traced the sinuous edge of Lake Argyle — shimmering sapphire set within golden hills — and banked wide circles over the famed Argyle Diamond Mine, its ochre scars a reminder of the riches hidden deep in this land.
Fault Lines and Forgotten Time
As we pressed farther, natural fault lines sliced through the earth, leading us directly toward the mysterious Bungle Bungle Ranges. From above, the formations looked almost surreal — strange striped “beehives” rising from the red dirt, their banded domes glowing in the late-morning sun.
Our pilot swept us across the ranges several times, making sure we didn’t miss a single angle of this geological marvel. Every pass seemed to reveal new colours and patterns, evidence of eons of weather and water at work.
On Foot in a Land of Giants
Landing at the park’s edge, we were greeted by a knowledgeable ranger, who guided us on a walking tour through the heart of Purnululu. There’s nothing like standing at the base of those beehive domes to appreciate their immensity.
The trail wound through sun-baked corridors before opening into the soaring cathedral of Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre that whispers with echoes from the Dreamtime.
By midday, with the heat bearing down, a light lunch in the shade was a blissful pause. It gave us space to reflect — and recharge — before our return flight.
The Magic of the Return
The adventure wasn’t over yet. Our flight back took us on a new route over the wild, untouched Kimberley — cascading over secret waterfalls, twisting waterways, and endless tracts of forest and rock. From the air, it felt like the land was revealing its hidden stories just for us.
A Journey to Remember
The Bungle Bungles are, without a doubt, one of Australia’s great natural wonders — even more spectacular in person than any photograph can capture. Returning to El Questro with dust on our boots and wonder in our hearts, we knew this was a day we’d treasure forever. If you ever get the chance to see the Kimberley by helicopter, grab it. It’s truly an amazing experience.
