Ultimate 8-Day Bungle Bungles & Duncan Road Caravan Loop

Hundreds of kilometres without fuel or phone signal. Endless corrugations, ancient red dirt, and the kind of silence you only find deep in the Kimberley. This is our 8-day Bungle Bungles and Duncan Road itinerary for caravans.

We completed this eight-day loop before tackling the Gibb River Road. It turned out to be more rewarding than we expected. It combines the Bungle Bungles with the far quieter Duncan Road. If you’re travelling with an off-road caravan and don’t mind corrugations and isolation, this is one of the most rewarding trips in the Kimberley.

This 8-day Bungle Bungles and Duncan Road itinerary is a rugged 970km loop designed for off-road caravans. We have mapped out the trek into Purnululu National Park, including technical tips for the notorious Spring Creek Track and the return via the remote Duncan Road. Whether you are exploring Cathedral Gorge or finding solitude at Sawpit Gorge, this guide will help your rig handle the East Kimberley safely.

Let’s be blunt: this route is a nightmare for big rigs. The 53km access track into Purnululu is single-axle only. The Duncan Road is 400km of unsealed, no-services wilderness. But for small hybrid caravans, camper trailers and well-set-up tourers? This is exactly what you came to the Kimberley for.

If you haven’t already, you may wish to read our Kimberley Travel Guide for an overview of the Kimberley region.

Important Factors to Consider

Before we present the itinerary, we want to highlight some important considerations. This is a remote area and you must be prepared for it.

After the itinerary, we have a more comprehensive list of requirements. 

Here are the things you need to consider:

• Vehicle: You must have a high clearance vehicle and an off-road caravan.
• Rig Limit: Single axle only for Purnululu.
• Fuel/Water: Last fuel Halls Creek; Water is only available in Halls Creek from Monday to Friday
• Communications: 100% off-grid.

Of course, if you skip Purnululu, the vehicle requirements are less stringent.

A Brief History of the Land and the Road

The Bungle Bungle Range sat quietly for over 350 million years and was known only to its traditional owners, the Gija and Jaru peoples, and a handful of local stockmen. Aboriginal people have called this country home for at least 20,000 years and today they co-manage Purnululu National Park alongside the WA government. The name “Purnululu” comes from the Gija language and means “fretting sands.” It’s a place of deep spiritual significance, with rock art, burial sites and song lines woven through the landscape.

The rest of Australia didn’t know the Bungle Bungles existed until 1983, when a television crew filming a documentary called Wonders of Western Australia flew over and captured the striped beehive domes from the air. By 1987, it was declared a national park. In 2003, it received UNESCO World Heritage listing. Even now, the access track keeps visitor numbers modest, exactly as it should.

Duncan Road has a different kind of history. It started as a horse track in the late 1800s, following creeks and waterholes up to the port at Wyndham. In 1949, the government formalised a route to help move cattle out of the remote East Kimberley stations. The road was named in 1961 after Ron Duncan, the Main Roads engineer who spent 13 years pioneering infrastructure across the North West. It was often a one-man operation driving thousands of kilometres between Carnarvon and Wyndham. The Duncan Highway was decommissioned in 1976 and handed to Halls Creek Shire in 1995. Today, it remains one of the most scenic and least travelled roads in the Kimberley.

Note: If you plan to do the loop clockwise, we have provided a summary of the legs after the itinerary to make things easier (see now).

Bungle Bungles & Duncan Road Loop: Quick Facts

• Duration: 8 Days (recommended)
• Distance: ~970 km total (~400 km unsealed), not including day trips in Purunululu (~ 110 km)
• Start / Finish: Kununurra, WA (Loop)
• Best Months: May to September (Dry Season)
• Road Conditions: Bitumen, corrugated gravel, single-lane dirt, rocky river beds, high-clearance 4WD required. 46% of the route is unsealed
• Caravan Suitability: Off-Road Hybrid Caravans & Camper Trailers only (Single-axle/compact highly recommended, single axle only into Purnululu)
• Camping Cost: Low to Moderate (National Park fees + low-cost/free bush sites)
• Fuel Availability: Kununurra, Warmun, Halls Creek (Longest gap ~495 km along Duncan Rd)
• Mobile Reception: Very limited (Telstra at main towns; Satellite/Starlink required on track)
• Pet Suitability: No (Pets prohibited in Purnululu National Park)
• Highlights: Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm, Palm Springs Oasis, Sawpit Gorge, Old Ord River Ruins
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Remote off-grid travel)
• Who This Trip Suits: Experienced caravan travellers wanting a remote Kimberley adventure.
• Last Verified: July 2026

The Purnululu and Duncan Road Loop Map

To aid in your planning, we have prepared a map of the route. Later in the article, there is an interactive map for more information (jump to interactive map).

You may prefer to download a static map of the loop: Bungle Bungles & Duncan Road Loop Map.

Rob’s Tech Tip: Don’t count on this map loading when you’re halfway round Duncan Road. Open this Google Map while you still have Wi-Fi in Kununurra and select ‘Download Offline Maps’ for the East Kimberley region. Your GPS will still work even when the phone signal disappears.

Bungle Bungles & Duncan Road Loop Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Kununurra to Kurrajong Campground (Purnululu National Park)
• Day 2: Southern Bungle Bungles Exploration (Cathedral Gorge, The Window & Domes)
• Day 3: Northern Bungle Bungles Exploration & Kungkalanayi Sunset (Echidna Chasm)
• Day 4: Purnululu National Park to Palm Springs Camping Area (via Halls Creek)
• Day 5: Palm Springs to Old Ord River Homestead
• Day 6: Rest Day at Old Ord River Homestead
• Day 7: Old Ord River Homestead to Behn River Campground
• Day 8: Behn River Campground to Kununurra (optional Lake Argyle detour)

Day 1: Kununurra to Kurrajong Campground (Purnululu National Park)

The Drive

Kununurra → Purnululu National Park (Kurrajong Campground) | ~310km | 5 – 6 hours

The Track

The first 250km on the Great Northern Highway is sealed and straightforward. The fun part starts at the Spring Creek Track turn-off, leading to a 53km corrugated, 4WD-only access track into the park. This is single-axle trailers only. Expect creek crossings, rocky sections and patches that’ll test your ground clearance. Drop your tyre pressures at the information booth shortly after leaving the Highway. Drive to conditions, as vehicle damage out here means a very long wait for help. To determine your optimal tyre pressure, see our Caravan Tyre Pressure Calculator.

The road is rough and winding. However, it is very doable with a small caravan if you take it easy. From the highway, it took us 2.5 hours to get to camp with a short rest stop. We made a quick rest stop at about half-way.

If you do not wish to take your caravan, there is a caravan park close to the highway. People do day trips into the park from here, but it will make for a long day (note that this caravan park is closed for the 2026 season from the 1st of June). You will not be able to fully experience the park in a single day so factor that in. You need to book as when we passed it there was a ‘full’ sign out the front. Another option is the Spring Creek Rest Area on the highway. It is a free camp.

The Stay

Located 7km from the visitor centre, Kurrajong is a basic bush camp with drop toilets and no potable water. Sites are unpowered and mostly unshaded, so arrive with full water tanks and a good solar setup. It’s remote, quiet and well positioned to explore both the northern and southern areas of the park. You may book through Parks and Wildlife, or pay as you enter the park at the information centre.

Kurrajong Campground: 3 nights

See our post about Kurrajong Campground for further information, including site photos and booking details. This is a paid campground. Keep in mind that, being a national park, pets are not permitted.

The Highlight

We were amazed at our first glimpse of the Bungle Bungle Range as we entered the park. After hours of corrugations and clearing the last creek crossing, the ranges stretched out in both directions. Stop at the visitor centre, check in with the rangers and get your bearings. Today is about settling in and soaking up where you are.

Note: unless you are already prepared, you can get your park pass and pay for camping at the visitor centre.

Rob’s Tip: Stock up on water, fuel and food in Kununurra before you leave as it’s the last reliable resupply. Don’t be “that guy” who thinks they don’t need to air down. Drop your pressures at the highway turn-off. It saves your tyres, your suspension and your spine.

Muay’s Tip: Optus claims they have signal at the campground. It would have been nice if it were true. Assume you are 100% off-grid. Use the visitor centre for the latest track intel and then switch the phones to Airplane Mode.

Day 2: Southern Bungle Bungles Exploration

The Drive

Kurrajong Campground → Southern gorges → Kurrajong Campground |~64km return + serious hiking.

The Track

A short drive from camp to Piccaninny carpark, then it’s all walking tracks. Paths are well-marked but can be sandy and uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water as there’s no shade once you’re out among the domes.

The Stay

Kurrajong Campground: Night 2 of 3

The Highlight

Cathedral Gorge.

This is the one. A 3km return walk through a narrow canyon that opens into a natural amphitheatre with towering walls and cathedral-like acoustics. Stand in the centre, clap your hands and listen to the sound bounce. It’s a natural red-rock amphitheatre with acoustics that make you want to whisper.

But don’t stop there. The southern area has plenty more:

• Whip Snake Gorge: This is a beautiful 10km return walk taking in Piccaninny Creek Lookout and The Window.  The Window is a short detour off the main track, offering a framed view through the rock. If possible, start this one early.
• Piccaninny Creek Lookout: For a shorter walk, this is a 2.8km return track with views over the creek as it winds south toward the Ord River and the distant beehive domes.
• The Domes (Bungle Bungles) Walk: Get up close to the orange-and-black striped beehive formations.
• Elephant Rock: Exactly what it sounds like. Worth a photo on the way to or from Piccaninny.

If you’ve got the budget, HeliSpirit operates scenic helicopter flights from within the park. It’s the only way to truly appreciate the scale of this place.

Rob’s Tip: The gorges are coolest in the morning and the light on the domes is magic in the first few hours after sunrise. By midday, the heat can be brutal and the car park gets busy. Also, Check your solar panel angles while at camp. The sun is brutal and without shade your fridge will be working overtime. Keep those batteries topped up while you’re out walking.

Muay’s Tip: Get to Cathedral Gorge as early as possible. By 10:00 AM, the tour groups arrive and the “magic silence” disappears. Aim for sunrise light on the domes as the light is unbelievable. Late afternoon can also work.

Day 3: Northern Bungle Bungles Exploration + Kungkalanayi Lookout Sunset

The Drive

Kurrajong Campground → Northern gorges → Kungkalanayi Lookout → Kurrajong Campground | ~37km driving + walks | Full day

The Track

Like all roads in the park, it is an unsealed road to the northern car parks. Walking tracks vary: Echidna Chasm involves some rock-hopping and narrow squeezes, while Mini Palms and Homestead Gorge are more moderate. Check conditions at the visitor centre before heading out

The Stay

Kurrajong Campground: Night 3 of 3

The Highlight

Echidna Chasm.

A 2km return walk that takes you deep into a slot canyon so narrow you can touch both walls. Time your visit for around midday when the sun hits the chasm floor and the walls glow like they’re on fire. It’s a photographer’s dream and unlike anything else in the park.

The northern area has a different feel to the south with more open woodland, towering cliffs and hidden palm-lined gorges:

• Mini Palms Gorge: A 5km return walk through Livistona palms to a peaceful rock pool.
• Homestead Gorge: Shorter walk to a shaded gorge with soaring walls.
• Osmand Lookout: Panoramic 360-degree views of the western escarpment.
• Stonehenge: A short walk to an unusual rock formation worth a quick stop.

For sunset: Drive to Kungkalanayi Lookout on the western side of the range. The views across the escarpment as the light fades are sensational. It’s a perfect way to end your time in Purnululu. Take a beverage of your choice to enjoy while you are there.

Rob’s Tip: If you’re heading to Kungkalanayi Lookout for sunset, remember you’ve got a drive back to camp in the “roo hour.” Take it slow; the wildlife out here doesn’t have road sense.

Day 4: Purnululu National Park to Palm Springs Camping Area (via Halls Creek)

The Drive

Kurrajong Campground → Halls Creek → Palm Springs Camping Area |~210km | 4 – 5 hours

The Track

Retrace the 53km Spring Creek Track back to the Great Northern Highway. Head south to Halls Creek (about 110km of sealed road) for resupply, then continue a short distance before turning onto the Duncan Road. Initially, Duncan Road to Palm Springs is sealed, then becomes generally well-maintained gravel. During our trip, road conditions were good, but always drive to conditions, as this can change quickly after wet weather.

We suggest keeping tyre pressures low until you turn onto the Great Northern Highway. Stop at Spring Creek Rest Stop, which is 500m from the turn-off. Reinflate your tyres here and use the dump point, as the one in Halls Creek is not reliable.

The Stay

Palm Springs Camping Area

A small, basic bush camp right where the Duncan Road crosses Palm Springs Creek. Room for about four or five parties and it’s first-come, first-served and right beside the road. A short walk northeast takes you to the spring-fed source pool (no swimming as it’s a reserve and former town water supply). Remote, peaceful and free. Check out our full campground breakdown here for site photos and site details.

For more information on this campground, see Palm Springs Camping Area.

The Highlight

Set up camp, then spend the afternoon exploring Sawpit Gorge. It’s one of the most beautiful spots along Duncan Road. Remember to be croc safe.

The turn-off to Sawpit Gorge is just a few hundred metres past the Palm Springs crossing. A 3km narrow dirt track leads to the gorge with a series of deep pools along the Black Elvire River, flanked by towering rock walls and shaded sandy banks.

Also worth a stop on the way:

• China Wall: Just 7 minutes along the Duncan Road from Halls Creek. A striking natural wall of white quartz that looks like a miniature Great Wall. Quick stop, good photos. Remember to close the gate. There is plenty of space to turn a caravan around.
• Old Halls Creek: The ruins of the original township and pioneer cemetery, marking the site of WA’s first gold rush in the 1880s.

Rob’s Tip: Halls Creek resupply is essential, but be aware:

• This is your last fuel stop before Kununurra.
• Water and dump point available in town, but only open Monday to Friday.
• There’s also a dump point near the junction of the Purnululu access road on the Great Northern Highway, with a free camp nearby.
• Vehicle theft is a known issue in Halls Creek. Lock your vehicle at all times, even when refuelling and standing right beside it. You may wish to review Caravan Security.

Muay’s Tip: Save your grocery receipts from Kununurra and Halls Creek! When you loop back into Kununurra on Day 8, you’ll hit a quarantine checkpoint. Those receipts are your “get out of jail free” card for your veggies and will help you clear quarantine more quickly.

The “Wolfe Creek Detour” (Optional)

From Halls Creek, there is a legendary side-trip worth considering: Wolfe Creek Crater (Kandimalal). It will add about another 300 km to the trip, but it will allow you to tick off such an iconic location.

• The Drive: Halls Creek → Wolfe Creek Crater → Halls Creek | ~300km return).
• The Track: Heading south on the Tanami Road. It’s unsealed, often heavily corrugated and dusty. It will add a solid 4 – 5 hours of driving to your loop.
• The Stay: There is a basic Wolfe Creek Crater Campground (National Park). We’d recommend staying the night rather than rushing back to Halls Creek (take it from us, Mick is not here). It’s a simple bush camp with a toilet but no water.

Day 5: Palm Springs to Old Ord River Homestead

The Drive

Palm Springs Camping Area → Old Ord River Homestead | ~215km | 4 hours

The Track

Continuing north on the Duncan Road, the unsealed track follows the line of the White Mountain Hills and the Ord River. Expect gravel, some corrugations and a handful of creek crossings which are all reinforced with concrete or bitumen, though wash-outs and potholes can appear after the wet. The road is remote but straightforward if you take your time. During our trip, conditions were good. Traffic is light, even by Kimberley standards; you might see a few vehicles a day.

Be aware that coming across unexpected road damage can ruin your day. We came across a couple who had hit a washout at 70km/hr. They had suffered damage to their hitch.

The Stay

Old Ord River Homestead: 2 nights

This is raw, remote camping at its best. No power, no water, no signal. A beautiful, remote camping area located on the Ord River near the ruins of the first cattle station established in the East Kimberley. There is no water, no power and no phone signal. Just red dirt, big skies and the kind of quiet that seeps into your bones. This is a place to slow down. We stayed two nights and didn’t regret a minute of it.

For more details of this camp, you can read Old River Homestead.

The Highlight

The Homestead Ruins: Where Kimberley Cattle History Began.

You’re standing at the birthplace of the East Kimberley pastoral industry. Ord River Station was established in 1884, after Nat Buchanan completed an epic trek in 1883, driving 4,000 head of cattle overland from Richmond, Queensland. It was one of the first great cattle drives into the Kimberley and the route he blazed would later be used by gold seekers heading to the Halls Creek fields in 1886.

The homestead is a fine example of Kimberley vernacular architecture, being built from local stone and whitewashed. It has wide verandahs supported by rough bush poles, all sheltered under a corrugated-iron canopy. It was designed to cope with the brutal climate: the iron roof creating a large insulating volume of air, the verandahs shading the walls from the relentless sun. The ruins remain in remarkably good condition and are heritage listed with the WA Heritage Council for their historical, aesthetic and social significance.

Nearby is a small cemetery overlooking the station. It is the final resting place of some of the best-known characters of their generation in the Kimberley. Writer Tom Ronan noted in 1968 that “every grave in that little enclosure is someone whose memory deserves perpetuating.”

The Durack family’s name is synonymous with Kimberley pastoralism. They arrived shortly after Buchanan, establishing Argyle Downs, Ivanhoe and Lissadell stations nearby. Their epic 4,828km cattle drive from Queensland between 1883 and 1885 remains one of the longest ever recorded. Together, these pioneering families built an industry that shaped the region and the ruins at Old Ord River Homestead are where it all began.

Take your time. Wander through the stone walls. Read the graves. Let the history sink in.

You may notice on the drive this day that you can see the Bungle Bungle Ranges. They are not far from Duncan Road. However, they cannot be accessed from Duncan Road.

Rob’s Tip: Check your dust seals. After 150km of Duncan Road dirt, you’ll know if your canopy or caravan seals are up to the task. If you’re seeing red dust inside, it’s time for a temporary “tape-up” before departing.

Muay’s Tip: Take a walk to the small cemetery overlooking the station at golden hour. The light on the headstones and the surrounding ranges is incredibly peaceful. It’s a place that demands you slow down and just be.

Day 6: Rest Day at Old Ord River Homestead

The Drive

Staying put. 0km | All day

The Track

None. Leave the rig parked. Your tyres deserve a break too.

The Stay

Old Ord River Homestead: Night 2 of 2

The Highlight

Use this day to reset. No phone pings, no engine noise. We spent the day exploring the ruins in detail and watching the birds down by the river. You may see a croc or two.

Wake up slowly. Brew a coffee and watch the morning light hit the ranges. Take another wander through the homestead ruins as you’ll notice details you missed yesterday. Sit in a camp chair with a book. Have a long lunch. Watch the birds. Nap in the shade. Throw the line in as we caught a couple of small fish here.

If you need to stay busy, use the time for rig maintenance: check your tyres, inspect underneath for any damage from the corrugations, top up fluids and tighten anything that’s rattled loose. But honestly? The best thing you can do today is rest.

The Kimberley rewards those who slow down.

Rob’s Tip: Use this “off” day for a mid-trip rig inspection. Check your wheel nuts, look for any loose bolts on the hitch and inspect your solar gain. It’s better to find a rattle now than on the move. If the corrugations have been bad check your caravan’s suspension bolts.

Muay’s Tip: This is the perfect spot for “slow camp cooking.” Since there’s no rush, fire up the Weber or get a long brew going. It’s about recalibrating your pace to match the landscape.

Day 7: Old Ord River Homestead to Behn River Campground

The Drive

Old Ord River Homestead → Behn River Campground (Rosewood Station) | ~130km | 2 – 3 hours

The Track

More unsealed Duncan Road winds north through Rosewood Station. The scenery starts to shift as you get closer to the Lake Argyle catchment area. Watch for cattle on the road as this is active station country.

On this section of the track, you will come across sections of sealed road in very poor condition. The unsealed road is better to drive on.

The Stay

Behn River Campground (Rosewood Station)

A peaceful riverside camp on the banks of the Behn River, located on Rosewood Station. Basic facilities with no water, no power. You’re still very much in remote territory. The river setting is beautiful, with shady spots along the banks. Behn is a beautiful spot to pull up, crack a cold one and realise you’ve almost completed the loop.

See our post about Behn River Campground for further information, including site photos and contact details of the property owner. You must get permission from the station owners before entering the property. If you are not using Starlink, contact them before leaving Halls Creek.

The Highlight

The Behn River Crossing.

There’s something deeply satisfying about crossing these Kimberley rivers with concrete causeways cutting through red dirt, water trickling underneath, the landscape opening up on the other side. The Behn River is a pretty spot for your last Duncan Road camp. Set up camp, crack a cold drink and reflect on the country you’ve covered.

The Durack family’s original Argyle Downs homestead was built on the banks of this very river in 1895 before it was dismantled stone by stone and relocated to higher ground when Lake Argyle formed in the 1970s. You can visit the rebuilt homestead (now the Argyle Homestead Museum) if you visit Lake Argyle.

Rob’s Tip: Croc Safety. You’re in the Kimberley. The Behn River looks inviting, but “No Swimming” isn’t a suggestion: it’s a rule. Keep your camp set back from the water’s edge and stay croc-wise.

Muay’s Tip: This river was the original site of the Durack’s Argyle Downs homestead before the dam flooded the valley. Even though the original house was moved, the “spirit” of the old Argyle station still feels very present here.

Day 8: Behn River Campground to Kununurra (The Smooth Finish)

The Drive

Behn River Campground → Kununurra (or via Lake Argyle) | ~120km direct | 2 hours or add ~70km return for Lake Argyle detour

The Track

The Duncan Road finally hits the Victoria Highway. It’s a strange feeling when the tyres hit that smooth bitumen again. The final stretch of the Duncan Road delivers you to the Victoria Highway, about 20km east of the WA/NT border. From there, it’s sealed road all the way back to Kununurra or Lake Argyle if you take that option. Enjoy the smooth bitumen.

The Stay

Back to civilisation. Take your pick of caravan parks in Kununurra, or push on to your next adventure.

Alternatively, if you’re not in a rush, consider a couple of nights at Lake Argyle Caravan Park before heading into Kununurra. Hot showers, an infinity pool overlooking the lake and cold drinks make for a solid way to ease back into civilisation after a week off-grid.

The Highlight

The Return and an Optional Grand Finale.

There’s a strange feeling that comes with finishing a remote loop like this. Relief, satisfaction and a tinge of sadness that it’s over. You’ve seen World Heritage-listed landscapes, walked through ancient gorges, camped at heritage-listed ruins and driven one of the most scenic and least-travelled roads in the Kimberley.

It’s a fitting end to a trip steeped in Kimberley pastoral history and a chance to connect the dots between the ruins you camped at and the story of what came after.

Pull into Kununurra, find a park with a hot shower and let it sink in. You did it and your small rig made it possible.

Welcome back to phone signal, cold beer and fresh food.

Rob’s Tip: Don’t forget to air back up. As soon as you hit that Victoria Highway bitumen, get the compressor out and get your pressures back to highway spec. Your fuel economy (and your tyres) will thank you. There is a large area on the opposite side of Victoria Highway from Duncan Road. Here you will find the Beef Road monument. Alternatively, there is enough space to pull up on the side of the road before the intersection.

Muay’s Tip: The checkpoint is outside Kununurra and before the Lake Argyle turnoff. If you have any veggies left from Halls Creek or Kununurra, have your receipts ready. If you can’t prove where they came from, you’ll be handing them over to the inspectors.

Optional Detour: Lake Argyle

Before hitting Kununurra, turn off to Lake Argyle. Seeing that massive inland sea after a week in the dusty ranges is a massive contrast. The infinity pool at the resort is the ultimate “we survived the Duncan” reward.

Rob’s Tip: if you wish to take this option, book the caravan park before departing Kununurra as it can be busy.

Lake Argyle is Australia’s largest man-made reservoir, holding around 20 times the volume of Sydney Harbour. The lake was formed when the Ord River was dammed in the early 1970s, flooding the original Argyle Downs station and forcing the relocation of the Durack family homestead, stone by stone (you can visit the rebuilt Argyle Homestead Museum nearby).

The lake is stunning: vast, blue and surrounded by ancient red ranges. Options include:

• Sunset cruise on the lake (book ahead)
• Swim in the infinity pool at Lake Argyle Resort: arguably the best pool view in Australia
• Visit the Argyle Homestead Museum: walk through the 1890s Durack home and learn more about the pioneering families whose history you’ve been tracing along the Duncan Road
• Freshwater croc spotting: the lake is home to an estimated 35,000 freshwater crocodiles

Your only option for camping at Lake Argyle is at the Lake Argyle Holiday Park. It is popular, so consider booking as early as possible.

Kununurra

Make sure that you spend some time in Kununurra. There are some lovely things to see and do. There is, of course, Ivanhoe Crossing and the Mirima National Park, which is often called the mini Bungle Bungles.

We stayed at Hidden Valley Kununurra Caravan Park while in Kununurra. They have powered and unpowered sites available. We found that their prices were OK. If you book within a few days of arrival, there is a discount. The site is below Mirima National park so it has a great backdrop.

Below are experiences in Kununurra that we think are worth considering. We only recommend experiences that genuinely complement a self-drive caravan trip.

Interactive Purnululu and Duncan Road Loop Map

To aid in your planning, we have prepared a map of the route. Also on the map are the campground locations, points of interest, starting points for walks and the locations of important dump points. You can toggle the layers for easier viewing.

The map has layers you can turn on and off for clarity. Click the icon in the top left to view the layers. You can zoom into areas with a high density of points.

For those who jumped to the interactive map, you may return to the static map: click to return.

Before You Go

Before You Go

This is remote, rugged country. There is no easy roadside assist. No phone signal. No second chances if you’re underprepared. Get this right before you leave Kununurra.

Supplies

• Fuel: Fill up in Kununurra. Top up again in Halls Creek as it’s your last chance. Calculate your range carefully and carry extra if your setup allows. From Halls Creek to Kununurra there is no fuel available.
• Water: Stock up in Kununurra. Other than possibly Halls Creek, there is no potable water on this route. Bring more than you think you need.
• Food: Enough for the full 8 days plus a buffer. Resupply options are limited to Halls Creek and you don’t want to rely on it.
• Gear: Check that your solar is working as best as possible and that you are within your weight limits.

Dump Points

• Spring Creek: Near the junction of the Purnululu access road on the Great Northern Highway. Free camp nearby.
• Halls Creek: Water and dump point available, but only open Monday to Friday. Plan accordingly. Our suggestion is to empty your waste at Spring Creek.

Connectivity

Forget about phone signal. There’s supposed to be Optus coverage in Purnululu National Park but it didn’t work for us. Assume you’ll be completely off-grid from the moment you leave Kununurra until you return. Carry a satellite communicator (PLB, InReach, or similar) for emergencies unless you have Starlink. It’s a good idea to check that you have WiFi calling available on Starlink.

Quarantine

WA takes biosecurity seriously. If you’re carrying fruit, vegetables, honey or plant material purchased outside of Western Australia, you’ll need to comply with quarantine rules.

• Save your receipts from Kununurra and Halls Creek to prove produce was bought within WA. This got us through quarantine very quickly.
• When in doubt, dispose of questionable items before you reach the checkpoint.

Safety

• Be croc safe. This is crocodile country. No swimming in rivers, creeks, or waterholes, no matter how inviting they look.
• Drive to conditions. Vehicle damage out here means a long wait for help. Corrugations, washouts and unexpected obstacles can appear without warning. Slow down and protect your rig.
• If you break down do not leave your vehicle.
• Carry emergency water in your tow vehicle.
• Let someone know your plans.

Warning: We don’t say this to scare you, but vehicle theft is a known issue in Halls Creek (WA teenager escapes jail time over petrol station caravan-car theft that left tourist in coma). Lock your vehicle at all times, even when refuelling and standing right beside it. Don’t leave valuables visible.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Checks

Before you leave Kununurra, give your rig a thorough once-over:

• Tyres (including spare): check condition and pressures
• Suspension and shock absorbers
• Wheel alignment
• Brakes
• Fluids: oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering
• Belts and hoses
• Battery terminals
• Wheel bearings
• Lights and indicators
• Tow hitch and safety chains
• Recovery gear: straps, shackles, shovel, tyre repair kit. It’s very important that you know how to use the equipment.

If something’s marginal, fix it now. The Kimberley will find your weak points.

Rob’s Tip: If you develop an issue with your caravan or 12V system before departing Kununurra, the guys at TJ Adventures will sort you out.

Rig Readiness Checklist

This route demands self-sufficiency. Here’s what you need:

Power

• Solar panels (fixed and/or portable): enough capacity to sustain your setup off-grid for 8+ days
• Battery system in good condition: lithium or AGM with adequate amp-hour capacity
• Battery monitor to track state of charge
• Charging cables for devices

Water

• Minimum 100L capacity (more is better): we left Kununurra with 300L
• Water filtration or purification as backup
• Collapsible jerry cans for extra capacity if needed. We used a 120L bladder that sits in the rear footwell of the car.

4WD & Recovery

• Engaged and tested 4WD system (high and low range)
• Tyre pressure gauge and compressor (a TPMS is a worthwhile investment)
• Tyre repair kit (plugs, patches, levers)
• Two spare tyres (one on the vehicle, one on the trailer)
• Recovery tracks (MaxTrax or similar)
• Snatch strap and rated shackles
• Shovel
• Basic tool kit
• Spare belts, hoses, fuses and fluids

Communication & Navigation

• UHF radio
• Satellite communicator (Starlink, PLB, Garmin InReach or similar)
• Offline maps downloaded (Hema, WikiCamps or similar)
• Paper maps as backup

Camping & Comfort

• Fridge/freezer running efficiently
• Gas bottles full
• First aid kit (well-stocked and in-date)
• Insect repellent and fly net
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, shade shelter
• Plenty of beer and wine

The Bigger Picture

This 8-day loop is one piece of a much larger puzzle.

The Kimberley is vast with over 420,000 square kilometres of ancient ranges, wild rivers and red dirt tracks. You could spend months out here and still only scratch the surface.

If you’re planning a bigger Kimberley adventure, this Bungle Bungles and Duncan Road loop fits well as part of a wider East Kimberley itinerary. Combine it with:

• Lake Argyle & the Ord River: cruise, kayak or camp on the shores of Australia’s largest man-made lake
• El Questro Wilderness Park: gorges, hot springs and station-stay camping
• Wyndham & the Five Rivers Lookout: crocodile country with big views
• The Gibb River Road: the iconic Kimberley crossing (best suited for later in the dry season when river levels drop)

We have 14- and 8-day itineraries for the Gibb River Road.

If you will be travelling to other parts of WA you may like to see our overview of the state: WA Road Trip Guide.

Doing the Loop In Reverse?

Doing the loop in reverse, or perhaps you are driving from the east? Simply flip this itinerary. Start with Day 8 (Kununurra or the Victoria Highway/Duncan Road intersection to Behn River) and work your way back to Day 1. Just remember to flip your ‘Halls Creek Resupply’ logic: you’ll be stocking up for Purnululu after the Duncan Road, not before.

The distance from Kununurra to the intersection is 56km.

Wrapping Up

Eight days. Around 970 kilometres, of which 400 kilometres are unsealed. Zero phone signal. And some of the most spectacular, untouched country Australia has to offer.

This loop isn’t for everyone and that’s exactly the point. The 53km access track into Purnululu keeps the big rigs out. The 440km of no-services wilderness on Duncan Road filters out the unprepared. What’s left is pure Kimberley: ancient landscapes, pioneering history and campsites where the only sounds are birdsong and your own thoughts.

If you have a capable 4WD, a compact trailer or hybrid caravan and the self-sufficiency to go off-grid for a week, this one belongs on your list.

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