Bungle Bungles, Kununurra & Wyndham

The vast remote Kimberley is one of Australia's last great wilderness areas. We decided to explore its rugged beauty on board one of  Alligator Airways scenic flights. One of the more interesting and newer forms of agriculture in Kununurra is the sandalwood plantations on the Packsaddle irrigation plains. Sandalwood is a semi-parasitic tree that attaches itself to the root system of a host tree from which it gets its nutrients and water. Its uses vary from arts and crafts but especially in the production of perfumes, oils and incense.
Spanning over 45,000 hectares the Bungle Bungle range is situated within the 240,000 hectare Purnululu National Park. For thousands of years the Bungle Bungle Range was extensively used by the Aboriginal people. In 1982 a journalist filming a documentary on the cattle industry in the area captured the amazing beauty of the ranges on film. Prior to this few others knew of their existence but quickly received worldwide attention. It is now recognized as a World Heritage site. Flying over this spectacular landmark was truly an amazing experience. Just north of Kununurra is the small town of Wyndham where we stopped at the local pub for some refreshments. The owner of the pub allowed Bob behind the bar to pour his own beer much to his delight. She also had a collection of aboriginal art that was pretty awesome not to mention some photos of crocodiles having their lunch. The town mascot has a place of honor in the centre of the street as you drive into town. Crocodile Dundee would be proud! After satisfying our thirsts we drove to the top of the range for an overview of the surrounding countryside. Breathtaking!!