Piccaninny Gorge is located in the Bungle Bungle Range which is the main feature within the Purnululu National Park in North Western Australia.  The Bungle Bungle Range was only opened to the public in the late 1980’s and is a relatively unknown destination.  It is one of the most spectacular places in Australia with wonderous geological formations, chasms and gorges.  Purnululu National Park was registered as a World Heritage site in 2003.

The most outstanding features are domed rock formations in the southern part of the range.  The conical domes have horizontal striations which create the appearance of beehives from a distance.  The domes are banked up in tiers and the overall visual impact is awe inspiring.  The range and its formations are the result of nature’s work over the last 360 million years although the domes were only formed over the last 20 million years ago by erosion processes.  All the history and geological details can be found on www.dec.wa.gov.au (search purnululu).

There are numerous walks in the National Park to places of interest such as Cathedral Gorge, Piccaninny Gorge, Froghole Gorge, Echidna Chasm, etc. The Piccaninny Gorge walk is the longest of the walks (30km return).  The walk route follows Piccaninny Creek  which rises deep in the range.  The route is impassable in the wet season after heavy rain while it is mostly devoid of water in the dry season.  Walkers must be well prepared and carry adequate water as well as a good map showing where the permanent waterholes are located (there are no signs on the trail).

The best way to tackle the walk is to carry a full pack up to Black Rock pool (first permanent water hole) and camp there for the night.  Next day take a small pack and complete the rest of the walk into the upper reaches of the Creek exploring the side fingers as you progress up the Creek.  This is a wonderful walk, quite remote but safe for experienced, well prepared hikers.  All walkers must sign in at the ranger’s office and sign out on return so they can keep track of hikers.

The hiking party setting out to the Gorge

Lower reaches of the gorge..this is a raging torrent in the wet season

Upper reaches of Gorge where we turned around

Our campsite at the remote Black Rock pool

Heavy erosion in the Picanniny river bed

On the way out of the gorge