Bungle Bungle versus Forester

dlb
Those little Forresters are magic machines..
We took one into Chambers Pillar, with us on our trip a couple of years back.. and also did Big Red...

Into the Bungles shoould not be an issue, as long as you take your time..

Cheers
Bucky

Absolutely! A work colleague of mine was there around Aug/Sep last year in his previous model Forester towing a small camper van, sorry, dont know what type of van. He did it with no problems on Yokohama "rally" tyres. Just need to take it easy thats all.

When we were there last year it was the bigger 4WD's only and being policed also.

Apparently there were a bunch of soft roaders that were bogged the previous season. They also had problems getting over the rough creek crossings etc. No doubt on a fine day you would get a mini in there as well (my wifes mini anyway. She was the rally one). The road was almost as corrugated as the Mitchell Falls road as well. With all the clowns rattling along at 10 to 15 kph and shaking their trailers and false teeth out.

I would double check with the rangers if I were you.

Phil

I have no doubt a carefully driven Forrester will do that job easily, little if any water in crossings at that time, but as said, make sure you have approval of
Rangers...be a bugger to drive in & be hunted out again. cheers....oldbaz.

I found this info on a website that may be relevant for you, apparently came direct from DEC from a query regarding access to the Bungle Bungle;

Purnululu National Park Vehicle Access Guidelines

Please do your bit to help protect Purnululu National Park’s fragile environment by heeding the following advice. By doing so, you will not only be protecting yourself and the roads but also the natural wonders you’ve travelled so far to admire.

Only off-road, four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance and low range gears are permitted in Purnululu National Park.

SINGLE AXLE off road or heavy duty trailers, caravans and other towable units ARE permitted in the park.
DUAL AXLE trailers, caravans and other towable units ARE NOT permitted into the Park and will be asked to leave.

Dual axles are not permitted for several reasons:
1. Dual axle units damage the park’s fragile tracks. The rear wheels on the second axle are unable to turn left or right with the tow vehicle when cornering. Consequently the second axle gets ‘dragged’ around corners rather than following the tow vehicle in the direction of travel. This ‘drag’ effect cuts up and damages tracks and, even in a short period of time, makes tracks rougher and more difficult to traverse.
2. Dual axle units are generally wider than single axle units. Several sections of the park’s tracks are not sufficiently wide enough to permit two of these caravans passing each other safely – even if the drivers did see each other coming.

Advice for driving in Purnululu National Park:
Engage four-wheel drive for the duration of the visit to the park.
While in the park, reduce tyre pressure by approximately 10 psi from normal highway pressure.
Observe the speed advisory signs.
All vehicles must proceed slowly and with caution at creek crossings, blind rises and sharp corners.
Be aware of wildlife and feral cattle, particularly at dawn and dusk, and if possible, do not drive in the park after dark.
In case of breakdown or recovery, visitors should be aware that roadside assistance is only available at Kununurra or Halls Creek and visitors are responsible for any costs incurred
Be aware that you are travelling on an ungazetted track and that insurance companies are unlikely to cover any costs for accident, injury or vehicle recovery.
Drivers with single axle off road caravans or other towable units should also note:
Proceed DIRECTLY to your camping area after registering at the Ranger Station.
Trailers must remain in the camping area until departure and are NOT permitted on other tracks within the park.
The tow vehicle must comply with the load ratings of that vehicle and of the trailer and the tow bar.
Consider towing training prior before visiting the park.

Cheers

Captain

Have tried to go through twice 'early in the season' both times in a CRV. I called the ranger the second time before leaving Perth and he was very helpful.

The first time we were 'passing through' on an LSL trip and the water was at least 500mm at the first crossing and we turned back after waiting for hours to see if it dropped. I probably could have gone through if I took the best track but thought better of it.

The second time the crossing was dry and there was only one small crossing with water. Same time of year as the previous time, so it can vary greatly.

We went 'everywhere' possible around the Bungles that we could find and had no problem.

Though, we have the biggest Coopers that we can put on our CRV which definitely helped with clearance a couple of times.

Have a great trip!

Water in the creeks is not always as shallow as you think. I suspect this would be true if there was any unseasonal rain in the area. We went earlier in the season and it was above the wheel arches on the Jackaroo at one crossing and we had water running up the bonnet at the second. Both crossings looked like they were six inches deep. I know the Jackaroo's float, not sure about a Subaru!

Steve

It is to laugh.
when I was there last year THE CAMP HOST of the southern camp had an on road Avan in there.
He had to take the jacks off to get across the last crossing as it has a steep exit, and had damaged the hinges, but there you are.
I thinka well driven Forrester would have no trouble if the water levels were low enough. Its a case of walking the crossings and avoiding big rocks.

The week before I was there someone had rolled an Ultimate camper in the only 20-30 metre stretch of bulldust, which could easily been driven around. So some people can destroy even the best equipment with a fit of the stupids.

Regards Philip A