G`Day,
Windjana Gorge is accessible with a 2WD via the main highway on a formed gravel road but always depends on road conditions as they can change overnight (and do) after rainfall. Check with the local police (next to the Shell Roadhouse) or the “tourist information office” in Halls Creek.
My tip: When you take the Tunnel Creek/Windjana Gorge turn off after about 1km you will see a track off to the left which takes you to a good (free) bush camping spot for a overnight stay (there are no toilets or rubbish bins). A couple of km´s further on you come to the “Tunnel Creek National Park” day use area, a definite stop to explore the tunnel, make sure you have a good torch and walk (wade) through the water to the end where you can have a good (safe no crocs) swim in the billabong. Check out the “mineral calcium (salt) flow” about half way through the tunnel on the left hand side, its quite amazing when you shine the touch on it. Please note there was a rock-fall in the tunnel a while back and the National Parks closed the area off but I believe its now been re-opened.
The Windjana Gorge camping area was up-graded a few years ago and has new toilets and showers. Make sure you do the bush walk (best early morning) along the Billabong/river, a large colony of “freshies” (fresh water crocodiles) inhabit the area, wildlife and birds are in abundance. Last time I visted there was a very large colony of “flying foxes” (fruit-bats), you smell them before you see them but they can disappear overnight, best time to see them is just before sun-set when they leave in thousands to search for food.
The Bungle-Bungle´s are only accessible with a 4WD and the 50 km from the high-way takes about 2 1/2 hours. I was talking to a ranger a few years ago about the track in and he was telling me the NP´s have decided not to upgrade (the track) in the near future as they don’t wish to make it accessible to “day-trippers” thus restricting the number of visitors as a way to conserve such a very fragile environment ….. makes good sense!.
You still have a number of options to visit the NP, there are 2 to 3 day guided tours out of Halls Creek (Turkey Creek??) or hire a 4WD, there is (or was) a local hire company that operated in Halls Creek just off the Highway at the petrol station (not to be mixed up with the two petrol stations on the highway) or just ask at the tourist office, but remember if you take this option you must take food, water and camping equipment with you and allow at least 3 days with travelling time. You can also take a flight over the “Bungle Bungles” from Kununurra, Turkey Creek and Halls Creek. If you do drive in wait and take the helicopter trip directly in the park, the advantage is that the helicopters are not allowed above 3000 feet and fixed wing aircraft not below 3000 feet the helicopter trip is by far the most impressive.
My tip: If you decide not to drive to the “Bungle Bungles” there is an alternative to view dome shaped rock formations. Just before the WA boarder (3 Km NT side) there is the “Keep River NP” the access is on the right hand side, a maintained formed gravel road suitable for 2WD cars but as always depends on the road conditions, restrictions (if any) are posted on the entry information board or double check at the Ranger station visitors centre at Cockatoo Lagoon. Drive to the Jarnum Camp ground (32 km) you cant miss it, its at the end of the track.. There is a loop walking track starting at the far end of the campground, follow the marked track and at the fork turn left till you reach the rock formations (often called the mini-bungles) This walk is at its best either early-morning or late afternoon, personally I would go in the late afternoon, the rocks/domes in the setting sun are a golden red and a photographers delight!!!!! Or just walk both in the early morning and the late afternoon and decide yourself. If you have the time all the bush walks in the park are all very worthwhile. If you are interested in Aboriginal art and walk along the Keep River bed (Jinumum walk), as the cliff face starts to rise there is on the right-hand side many art sites on the cliff walls including a fine example of a painting of a Emu, they are quite hard to find as the bush and trees have hidden them from being seen from the walking track!
One thing to remember travelling into WA from the Northern Territory there are strict quarantine checks, no fruit, vegetables, honey etc., don’t be caught out, they check your car/campervan and confiscate all items. So only buy enough fresh food to last you till the WA boarder.
see:
http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/impor ... _guide.pdfAnother place to visit is “Hidden Valley”( Mirima National Park) in Kununarra (3km from the town centre), also described as a “mini Bungle Bungles” best seen at late afternoon just follow the signs.
My tip: park your vehicle on the road by the Cemetery, from there, a short marked walking track will take you to the car park. The walk itself is quite interesting and you save yourself A$ 11 car entrance fee, Oh yes if you take your car make sure you have $11 in coins as the entrance is via a coin only machine (like a parking meter).
Hope this helps, if you have any more questions just ask. I might be able to help.
Kind regards, Aussie1
