An easy 250km drive to the Bungle Bungles, through the coastal ranges, climbing several hundred metres to the plain just before Warmun. The Road House is a good shady spot for lunch..
The Bungle Bungle Caravan Park is 1km off the highway on Mabel Downs Station. Everything is transportable; power is by diesel generation, and no rubbish collection. Tonight there are about 50 camper families with a variety of vehicles/trailers/caravans, and 20 in safari tent-rooms, some with a patio and private bathrooms. Most have 4×4 so make their own way on the 70km 2hr rough road to the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge in Purnululu Park. We and 13 others will go on the daily safari bus tour as the camper van is not allowed on long dirt roads. The up-market Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge in the midst of the Bungles is usually accessed by flying from Kununurra.
When booking, I had requested a helicopter trip as well, but on arrival was the only one (they need 2 or 3) but a couple later signed up for Friday morning. I spoke to the young pilot as I thought the afternoon would be better, but he thinks morning is better, especially on the south eastern end where his 30 min flight goes. The north is better in the afternoon, but not as interesting. I convinced the other couple to leave at 8 rather than 9 to be there at sunrise.
I had a short walk to Spring Creek; these refreshing tree lined streams and pools are such a pretty sight in the generally dry scrub.
We ordered dinner which commenced with a fire-side chat at 5.30, where we found ourselves next to another S African couple (Hendrik Grobler). We chatted through the soup, tough stew, and small sweet – not great, but adequate. Also met the driver for tomorrow, a long-bearded guy. He answered my query whether he was the driver by “I’ll give it a try!” We leave at 7am.
