P is for PURNULULU
Today’s travel excursion takes us over the Territory’s western border to the Kimberley region of Western Australia and Purnululu National Park, more commonly known as the Bungle Bungles. Accessible by a rough 4WD track this site is justifiably famous for its amazing rock formations and wilderness. When my daughter and I drove in some years ago, there were a number of casualties along the road –camper trailers with wrecked axles, cars with flat tyres etc.
There is no resort there so you take in your own gear and take out your rubbish. If you don’t have a 4WD this wonderful site is inaccessible and you’re left with a small aircraft or helicopter flight as your only option. We chose to do that as well, making it my one and only helicopter flight, and what a great one it was! I’ll let the photos show you just how spectacular it is.
As well as the rock formations there are “hidden” waterholes providing shelter and serenity for the country’s original inhabitants, and its more recent visitors.
Those who have an interest in geology might be interested in a quick read here. It’s worth remembering that despite the relative youth of the nation of Australia, its Indigenous people have been here for over 50,000 years surviving in an often very unforgiving landscape.
Why Visit: To see a truly unusual natural feature and for a wilderness, rough camping experience. This is a seasonal location and can’t be visited in the summer months (the Wet Season).
FYI: There are a couple of maps on my A to Z planning post which will help you to pinpoint where today’s tourist spot is situated.
TODAY’S AUSSIE-ISMS
Prawn: don’t be difficult/silly or a pratt eg “don’t come the raw prawn with me”.
Pakapoo ticket*: an indecipherable bit of writing.
Pav: short for pavlova, that delicious Aussie/Kiwi meringue dessert
Plonk: cheap wine or alcohol
Pommy: an Englishman (apologies to my northern hemisphere mates!)
Possie: a position/place: somewhere good to sit or eat or camp etc (we got a good possie where we could see the stage at the Xmas carols)
Prang: a car accident (not a major crash) “the kids pranged the car again”.
Why not check in tomorrow to see where Q will take us?
Tropical Territory & Travel 
What am amazing place, unspoilt how it should be. Got a few words there I did not know today.
Glad to surprise you Bill 😉 Yes it is truly an amazing place.
I know it’s not an Aussie-ism but “P” makes me think of Potato Salad and the Aussie BBQ rules (I think I saw an email going around on this once)…the owner of the house is the ‘tong master’ and is in charge, the women bring the potato salad..etc etc!!
Another great post and more inspiration for Aussie travel ideas!
You’re right Kellie that it may not be an Aussie-ism but it’s definitely Aussie culture…along with the men hanging around together, beer in hand, and the women elsewhere. If you’re travelling to the north you really MUST add Purnululu to your list.
Thank YOU! You’ve taken me someplace I’ve heard about – But never seen in person – OR been shown by a person until now. Thanks for the extra links – I had NO Idea . . . Now I’m so impressed. I’m tickled to have discovered your AtoZ link . . .
Happy Day!
-g-
Glad you enjoyed the post Maggid 🙂
The striations on those formation are incredible. 🙂
Purnululu really is a remarkable place and the helicopter flight really is a must to get a sense of scale, C B.
More great rock photos 🙂
I’m learning so much about Australia thanks to you and the A to Z. Great shot on that last one with the years and years of wearing away of the rocks.
Thanks Pete, hope I’m tempting a few people with the joys of Oz.
Kellie, Hi. About the tong master – this will be the alpha male, whether he is the house owner or not. Being comfortable enough with me not tot feel the need to compete for the tongs, I ask myself “Why stand around in the blazing sun and BBQ smoke drinking hot beer?” and go and talk to the women in the kitchen instead.
You are so right and we’re thinking of our extended family’s alpha male (at the BBQ or in the kitchen). You do like to push the cultural boundaries 😉