How to Get to Purnululu National Park
Purnululu National Park is located in the northeast of Western Australia, in the Kimberley region.
You can reach Purnululu via the sealed Great Northern Highway (Hwy 1) from either Broome or Kununurra. Then comes the fun part: 53 km of rough dirt track — dust, rocks, and dry creek beds. You’ll need a 4WD.
Could you try it in a regular car? Sure, if you enjoy gambling with your suspension.
You can rent a proper vehicle in Australia via this site.
The turnoff to Purnululu is clearly marked on Hwy 1. The nearest fuel stops are Halls Creek (south) and Warmun (north).
Just after the turnoff, you’ll see Bungle Bungle Caravan Park on your right.
If you’re traveling light (no 4WD), this is your chance: book a cabin and a transfer by off-road bus.
Otherwise — pedal to the metal!
Camping in Purnululu
There are two campgrounds:
- Kurrajong — in the north, larger
- Walardi — in the south, smaller and greener
Kurrajong Campground
Kurrajong has three camping loops.
Pro tip: Go straight to Loop 3 — it’s quieter, more isolated.
There are drop toilets (metal-bucket-in-a-hut style) and water taps nearby.
If you’re not a fan of the toilet huts, Loop 3 gives you space to sneak into the bushes. But do bring a flashlight — there are definitely spiders, possibly snakes.
All spots are numbered, but when it’s quiet, most people spread out to get some privacy. Especially in Loop 3.
Everyone goes to sleep two hours after sunset. It’s dead quiet.
Walardi Campground
I stayed at Walardi on my first visit. It’s smaller and shadier — nice touch, although you won’t need shade at night.
Walardi is closer to the park’s most iconic sights — the striped domes and Cathedral Gorge.
But heads up: some parts allow generators, so it can get noisy. Also, some zones are reserved for organized tour groups.
Visitor Center at Purnululu
When you enter the park, stop by the Visitor Center to pay for your entry and camping.
You’ll get a receipt to place under your windshield — it lists your campground but you’re not tied to it.
Check out both sites and pick your favorite. No judgment.
Things to See in Purnululu
The Visitor Center gives out two maps — one for the north and one for the south.
Both show the area’s walking tracks and major sights.
Expect a lot of walking. Bring sturdy shoes — you’ll be hiking over rocks and sand.
A hat and plenty of water are a must.
We did it in flip-flops, no hats, and one 0.33L bottle to share — don’t be like us.
Southern Purnululu
Cathedral Gorge — a giant cave with a waterhole.
During wet season: a full waterfall.
Dry season: a calm, cold pool. You can swim.
It’s home to little fish that might nibble your feet — harmless.
Other tracks:
- Dome Walk — leads to a smaller cave
- Piccaninny Lookout — view of the beehive domes
- Whipsnake Gorge & Piccaninny Gorge Walk — too far for us
Northern Purnululu
Echidna Chasm — a narrow gorge with wedged boulders and towering walls.
In wet season, a waterfall flows at the end.
Mini Palms Gorge — a gorge where small palms still grow.
There were more a decade ago — climate change is doing its thing.
Homestead Valley Gorge — never made it there. No comments.
How Many Days in Purnululu?
Ideally: 2 nights camping, 2 full days hiking.
Best time to hike: early morning (pre-sunrise if you’re keen).
Best photography: sunset for Piccaninny, midday for Echidna Chasm.
It’s a weird and wonderful place. Highly recommended.
