Broome: Fly to Bungles: Best Day Trek with Aboriginal guides

Traveling to Western Australia offers many extraordinary sights, but few experiences match the awe of visiting the Purnululu National Park and its famous Bungle Bungle Range. While pictures can give you a hint of its unique beauty, a guided tour led by Aboriginal custodians elevates the experience into something truly memorable. This tour combines a scenic flight, culture, and guided walks, providing a well-rounded exploration of one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.

What intrigues us most about this trip are the aerial views of the bee-hive shaped towers, the opportunity to learn about traditional land stories, and the chance to sample bush foods and medicines. We also appreciate that the guides are local Aboriginal custodians, offering authentic insights and stories that you simply can’t get from a standard tour.

However, potential travelers should consider the full-day commitment—it’s an early start with a 2+ hour flight each way, which might be tiring for some. Still, for those with a curiosity for nature, culture, and adventure, this tour offers incredible value packed into a single day. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic flights, cultural storytelling, and exploring stunning geological formations.

Key Points

• Majestic Views: Experience breathtaking aerial views of the Bungle Bungle Range and surrounding landscapes.
• Cultural Connection: Guides are Aboriginal custodians who share stories, traditions, and land significance.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided walks include storytelling, sand drawings, and bush botanicals.
• Full-Day Adventure: Combines scenic flight, guided exploration, and culture.
• Excellent Value: Includes meals, beverages, and a personal small-group experience.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Perfect for those interested in natural wonders and indigenous culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out from Broome

The adventure kicks off at Broome International Airport, where you’ll be picked up from your accommodation roughly 30 minutes before departure. This small-group experience, limited to just 12 participants, makes for a more intimate and personalized journey. After a brief check-in at the airport, you ascend into a plane for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes of scenic flight time.

The flight itself is a highlight—offering sweeping panoramic views of the Kimberley region, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the rugged landscape, rivers, and the iconic Beehive-shaped towers. The pilots provide commentary along the way, sharing interesting facts about the geology and landscape, which we found added a lot to the experience. One reviewer mentioned that the pilot’s commentary was engaging and answered questions, making the flight both informative and entertaining.

Landing at Purnululu and the Guided Tour

Upon arrival, the group is greeted by Aboriginal guides from the Gija and Jaru nations, who lead the walking part of the day. Their knowledge and storytelling make the experience truly special—these guides are custodians of the land, and their stories give deeper context to the landscape. One reviewer noted that Bec provided an excellent guided tour, telling stories about her people and guiding guests through the Cathedral Gorge with expertise.

The tour includes stops at key highlights:
– Cathedral Gorge: Known for its impressive rock formations and a sacred site where traditional singing and sand drawings are performed. The gorge’s acoustics are incredible, and the stories shared add depth to the visual spectacle.
– Piccaninny Lookout: From here, you get sweeping views of the Bungle Bungle Range, with its orange and grey striped towers reaching up to 250 meters high.
– Botanical Walk: A walk dedicated to learning about bush foods and medicines, with guides explaining how indigenous peoples have used native plants for generations.

Cultural Insights and Bush Botanicals

A major feature of this tour is the culture. The guides perform a Muntha Welcome to Country ceremony and share stories about their land, its significance, and the meaning behind the formations. We loved the way these stories connect the landscape to traditional beliefs and practices, making the environment come alive with meaning.

The Bush Botanicals walk is another highlight—here, you’ll learn about native plants used for food and medicine. It offers an authentic taste of indigenous knowledge, making the landscape not just a visual spectacle but also a living cultural story.

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Food, Drinks, and Relaxing Moments

The tour includes a delicious lunch in the Cathedral Gorge, with options that are well-rated by previous guests. One reviewer specifically mentioned the tasty damper with bush honey, a simple yet authentic dish that ties the experience to local traditions. Afternoon tea is also provided, with options for tea, coffee, water, and even some alcoholic beverages, making the day feel like a celebration of both nature and culture.

Return Flight and Reflection

After a full day of exploring, it’s back onto the plane for the approximately 2-hour flight. The scenic return offers another chance to relax and take in the views. The experience concludes at Broome Airport, where a transfer back to your accommodation is provided.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

• Authentic Aboriginal Guides: Their stories and land knowledge add immense depth that we found highly engaging.
• Spectacular Aerial Views: The flight offers a perspective of the Bungle Bungles that ground-based visits simply can’t match.
• Cultural and Natural Blend: The combination of geology, flora, fauna, and indigenous culture makes for a well-rounded experience.
• Small Group Size: With limited participants, the tour feels personalized and intimate, ideal for asking questions and soaking in the stories.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: The day flows smoothly from flight to guided walk, with plenty of time at each stop for photos, questions, and reflection.
• Quality Meals and Refreshments: The inclusion of local bush foods and beverages enhances the cultural authenticity and overall value.

Practical Considerations

While this tour offers outstanding value, it is a full-day commitment starting early in the morning. The flight duration may be tiring for some, but the views and stories make it worthwhile. Be sure to bring comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and a camera—plus biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to stay comfortable on the walks.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts who enjoy scenic flights and immersive storytelling. It suits travelers who value authentic indigenous perspectives and want to learn about the land from its traditional custodians. If you’re looking for a unique day trip that combines natural beauty with cultural richness, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially suitable for people who don’t mind an early start and appreciate small-group settings that foster genuine engagement.

Final Summary

This tour offers a rare blend of natural spectacle and cultural storytelling, making it a standout way to experience the iconic Bungle Bungle Range. The scenic flight provides stunning overhead views, while local Aboriginal guides enrich your understanding with authentic stories, traditional songs, and demonstrations. The guided walks in the park reveal hidden gems like Cathedral Gorge and the Piccaninny Lookout, along with insights into indigenous bush foods and medicines.

Given the comprehensive itinerary, expert guides, and inclusion of meals and drinks, the value here is excellent—especially considering the remote location and the exclusivity of a small-group experience. It’s a perfect choice for those who want more than just sightseeing and truly wish to connect with the land and its people.

While the day is long, the memories you’ll create—seeing one of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes from both above and on the ground—are unforgettable. This tour is best for curious, open-minded travelers eager to explore Australia’s natural wonders and indigenous heritage in one immersive adventure.

FAQ Section

How long is the flight from Broome to Purnululu?
The flight lasts approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes each way, giving you plenty of time for stunning aerial views of the landscape.

What is included in the tour?
The package includes a scenic flight, guided walks led by Aboriginal custodians, cultural storytelling, a tasty lunch in Cathedral Gorge, afternoon tea, and beverages including alcohol options.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a daypack, closed-toe shoes, and biodegradable insect repellent for the walks.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 12 participants, offering a more intimate and engaging experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small group size and nature of the activities suggest it could be suitable for older children comfortable with walking and flying.

Are meals and drinks vegetarian-friendly?
The description mentions a tasty lunch and afternoon tea but does not specify dietary options. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is there any special cultural etiquette I should be aware of?
Yes, the guides perform a Welcome to Country ceremony and share stories about their land, so it’s respectful to listen attentively and follow their guidance during the cultural activities.

To sum it up, this tour provides a comprehensive, authentic glimpse into the Bungle Bungle Range, blending breathtaking scenery with rich cultural storytelling. It’s an experience that will resonate long after your trip—ideal for those eager to connect with the land and its indigenous stories in a truly memorable way.

You can check availability for your dates here: