Inexperienced 4wders - bungle bungles, tunnel creek and windjana gorge

Neither Tunnel Creek or Windjana need specialised 4wd to get there - the semi off road van could get through.

Can't speak for the Bungle Bungle, but I don't think the track in there is too difficult.

Just go.
The Bungles road may have some water to get through, but if the road is open, you will be fine.
Leave the van at Turkey Creek.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

As others have said, you will have no trouble getting to Windjana where you could leave the van and do a day trip to Tunnel Creek. In April there could still be some water in the creeks on the track into the Bungles. They are not wide creeks and they have a solid rocky base. The main thing is to take each crossing SLOWLY. If you have taken heed of the signs at the start of the track you will be 4WD high range anyway, just slow down or better still stop before entering the water and then just go slowly and steadily across. Stop for a few moments at the other side to let the water drain out then go on your way

It would be a sensible precaution to fit diff breathers before you leave. An even better precaution would be to do a 4WD course so that you can really enjoy what the Kimberley has to offer.

Cheers,

Val.

We were up that way in August. You are permitted to take a camper trailer into the Bungle Bungles and camp there but not a caravan. There are 2 options - you can leave the van at the caravan park just after the turn off into the park for $20/day or you can do as we did and leave your van at the free camp just opposite the turn off. We camped there for 2 nights and most people staying there are doing a day trip into the park.
The road from the Fitzroy Crossing end into Tunnel creek and Windjana gorge was in quite good condition - a few creek crossings and a few rocks on the road in places but after we drove it we wished we hadn't left our van at Fitzroy Crossing which would have meant we could have driven along the Derby end of the GRR.

Sherron,
Last year we went into the Bungles just before dawn, about 20mins of complete darkness then dawn breaking. I don't like others dust.

This is what we we were told. Horror track and very difficult. You will take 2 and a 1/2 hours to get there.

Well we took 1 and a 1/4 hours and had no panic stops for crossings or anything else + at that time you had to be watchful for cattle and wildlife. No 4wd or low range with a few creek crossings max depth 300mm.

Now things can change so try to get some good info of the locals as to what you should look out for and what depths the creeks are.

Have a good trip,
RA.

As others have said, this was the worst crossing to the Bungle Bungles and it was not far in when we went there in June 2011. It looked worse then it was. You will have no problems, even the backpacker vans go in! Kevin

Sherron,

the tracks have been covered in previous responses. You'll have no worries. Could I also recommend that on the trip such as this, quarantine some $$$$ and take the helicopter trip over he Bungles. It is so worth it!.

Enjoy.

Mick

Hi

We were at the Bungles in 2010.

The road in had only been opened the day before, May 27th, and the Walardi camp ground and that end of the park was still closed due to the wet conditions. 39 degrees on the first day.

The road in was a bit damp in places but still ok. There is always someone who wants to travel at an excessive speed for the conditions. We had one near miss and we were told it was an ongoing problem.

The creek crossings had water but were ok and we were towing a single axle off road van. This was allowed at the time, not sure if this has changed.

The only thing I would add is that if there is water in the creeks to make sure your front number plate is secure. We were lucky enough to retrieve ours after it came off but we were told that the Ranger decorates his barbie with all the lost plates.

1hr 47min on the way out with an early start to avoid the traffic.

Regards

Hi Sherron, another two bobs worth. Going in April means mega HEAT and besides, the NP may not even be open. The track is 53 km from the highway into the park. You will lose your newby status regarding 4WDing by the time you have driven the track. When we did it in Sept '05 it was as corrugated as #$%. Yes it is curvy and scenic and has fun creek crossings but you'll be lucky to do 30 or 40kmh if towing. Stop to give yourselves a rest from the pounding and to let your shocks cool down. Run tyres at 25 psi.
If you are like us then tenting is not an option. The park lets in single axle vans and thats where all your comforts are so thats what you camp in. The link here to Great Northern Hw & Purnululu NP Access has some pix. The no caravans sign is obviously out of date. You will love the place with Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge easily walked . Longer trips such as Piccaninny Gorge will be a days walk. Enjoy... W