Bungle Bungle Range 4WD Track — Purnululu National Park Entry Road via Spring Creek Track
Beehive domes at the end of a brutal dirt road.
The Bungle Bungle Range sits inside Purnululu National Park in the East Kimberley, and the only way in by road is the 53-kilometre Spring Creek Track off the Great Northern Highway near Turkey Creek (Warmun). That access track alone will shake loose anything poorly secured — deep bulldust holes, exposed rock shelves, and up to a dozen creek crossings depending on season. Once through, the beehive domes of layered orange and black sandstone rise from the savannah floor like something that doesn’t belong on this planet. Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm are the two mandatory stops, both reached by short walks from dedicated campsites inside the park.
This is not a challenging technical trail in the rock-crawling sense, but it punishes underprepared rigs without mercy. High-clearance 4WD is mandatory — the park entrance sign makes it law. Two spare tyres minimum, recovery kit, and enough water for at least three days. The park is only accessible in the dry season (April to December); the access track floods and closes entirely in the Wet. Entry fees apply. Fuel is available at Warmun (Turkey Creek), roughly 250km from Kununurra — fill up before you turn off the highway. The reward is camping under those improbable domes with almost no crowds mid-week.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 33 mi / 53 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | April-December |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD (mandatory by law) |
| Nearest town | Warmun (Turkey Creek), WA |
| Land manager | Parks and Wildlife Service WA — Purnululu National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | DBCA Purnululu National Park page WA Parks entry fees |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can I drive this in a rented 2WD or a standard AWD SUV?
No — high-clearance 4WD is mandatory by law to enter Purnululu National Park via Spring Creek Track. Rangers enforce this at the entry point, and rental companies often explicitly prohibit their 4WDs from this road anyway, so check your hire agreement before you go.
When is the track open, and what happens if you try it in the wet season?
The track is typically open April through December; it closes during the wet season (roughly January–March) when creek crossings become impassable and the road turns into a muddy mess that'll swallow vehicles whole. Always confirm current conditions with DBCA before departing — closures can extend if the wet runs late.
Do I need a permit, and is there an entry fee?
Yes, a national park entry fee applies — as of 2024 it's around AUD $15 per adult per day. Pay at the self-registration station at the park entrance or in advance via the WA Parks website. No separate 4WD permit is required beyond the standard entry fee.
What's the hardest section of the track and what should I actually expect?
The Spring Creek Track itself is the gauntlet — 53 km of heavy corrugations, loose bulldust, and multiple creek crossings that can catch you off guard if you've been lulled into a rhythm. The crossings aren't technical rock-crawling, but the relentless corrugations will shake your gear loose, loosen bolts, and wear you down mentally; slow down and check your load and tyre pressures before you start.
Is there any fuel or water available inside the park, and how far is the nearest servo?
There is no fuel inside Purnululu National Park — the nearest servo is in Warmun (Turkey Creek) on the Great Northern Highway, roughly 53 km from the park entrance, so plan your fuel load accordingly with a solid buffer. Potable water is available at the Kurrajong campground inside the park, but don't rely on it as your only source — carry at least 10 litres per person per day given the heat and remoteness.
Trail track
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