Bungle Bungle Scenic Flight & Cathedral Gorge Walk from Kununurra

Summary

Fly over Lake Argyle then walk beneath the striped domes of Purnululu

You’ll fly from Kununurra over Lake Argyle before landing at Purnululu for a guided walk among the striped domes and into Cathedral Gorge. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade while your guide shares stories about this World Heritage area. The day ends with another scenic flight — and maybe some red dust on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the plane’s shadow skimmed over Lake Argyle — almost like it was tracing every ripple. The windows fogged a little from my breath (I kept leaning closer), and our pilot pointed out tiny dots below that were boats, which looked more like toys from up here. It’s strange how quiet it gets above all that blue water. When we landed near the Bungle Bungle Range, the heat hit me in a wave — but not in a bad way. More like someone opening an oven door full of wild smells: eucalyptus, dust, something sweet I couldn’t place.

Our guide, Tom — sunburned arms, easy grin — met us with cold water and a 4WD that rattled just enough to remind you this wasn’t city touring. He told stories about how people used to think these domes were impossible to cross. The walk started easy along Piccaninny Creek, with those beehive-shaped domes rising up on both sides. I tried to count the stripes but gave up pretty fast. At one point Tom stopped us because he’d spotted a wallaby (I saw its ears at least). There’s this echo when you laugh inside Cathedral Gorge — I didn’t expect that part. Lunch tasted better than it should have in that shade; maybe it was just relief after the sun or maybe sandwiches really are better out here.

The flight back took us over the Argyle Diamond Mine. Pink diamonds are rarer than I thought — Tom had explained earlier but honestly I was still thinking about that echo in the gorge. My legs were tired but in a good way, and when we landed back in Kununurra I realized my shoes were coated in red dust. Still haven’t washed them off yet. Something about wanting to keep a bit of it with me, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic flight and Bungle Bungle walk

• Check in at Aviair terminal
• Fly over Lake Argyle
• Land at Bungle Bungle Range
• Meet guide and board 4WD
• Drive to walk start
• Walk 3km to Cathedral Gorge
• Enjoy picnic lunch in shade
• Observe local wildlife and flora
• Return by 4WD to airstrip
• Fly home over Argyle Diamond Mine

Top questions

How long is the Bungle Bungle scenic flight tour?

The tour includes flights plus ground time for walking; allow most of a day for the full experience.

Is lunch included during the Cathedral Gorge walk?

Yes, you’ll get a picnic lunch packed in a cooler bag to carry on your walk.

Do they pick up from hotels in Kununurra?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

How difficult is the walk at Bungle Bungle Range?

The walk is moderate and covers about 3km; some fitness is needed.

What will we see on the scenic flight?

You’ll fly over Lake Argyle, Ord River, Bungle Bungle Range, and see the Argyle Diamond Mine from above.

Is there commentary during the tour?

Yes, your guide provides live commentary both on board and during the walk.

Are National Park fees included?

Yes, all entry fees are covered as part of your day trip booking.

Can children join this tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during flights.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Kununurra, all National Park entry fees covered, guided commentary throughout both flights and walks, air-conditioned 4WD transfers within Purnululu, plus a picnic lunch carried in your own cooler bag to enjoy inside Cathedral Gorge before flying home again.