Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 491m
Min elevation: 303m
Total Ascent: 192m
Hike overview
The Echidna Chasm trail is 2 kilometres return from the carpark and has steep-sided gorge walls up to 200 metres high and barely a metre wide in places. It features prehistoric Livistona palms and gorge walls exhibiting extraordinary colours.
Echidna Chasm is one of the highlights of the World Heritage Site of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park. The narrow gorge is located 19km north of the visitor's centre. The walk trail is short but has rocky sections that require some moderate climbing.
The trail features gorge walls that rise 200 metres with sections as narrow as one metre. It can be a bit disconcerting looking up and seeing large fallen boulders lodged tight between the walls. Tall Livistona palms provide a spectacular setting near the gorge entrance.
Deep within the gorge, it can be a photographer's delight with the ever-changing light. During the middle of the day, sunlight penetrates into the gorge creating incredible golden hues.
The park is open only between April and December (weather permitting). Check with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kununurra office on 08 9168 4200 for the current weather forecast and road conditions before entering the park.
Gallery
Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!
Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 491 m
Min elevation: 303 m
Total climbing: 192 m
Total descent: -192 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Purnululu National Park.
Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250 km south of Kununurra, to the track’s end at the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (April 1 to December 31), and only by four-wheel-drive (4WD) high clearance vehicles and off-road trailers. Safely navigating it takes approximately three hours. From the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre.
Closest towns to this walk: Balgo, Billiluna, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra, Marble Bar, Turkey Creek, Warmun, Wyndham
About the region
The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is one of the most striking geological landmarks in Western Australia, offering a remote wilderness experience. Purnululu attracts visitors for a whole range of reasons; the sheer grandeur of the sandstone massif, watching it change to a golden colour late in the day, walking through some of the marvellous gorges and for the really well-prepared, a walk along Piccaninny Creek for an overnight camping experience.
Other walks include the Echidna Chasm Trail, Mini Palms Walk, the walk to Kungkalanayi Lookout, Cathedral Gorge, the Domes Walk, Homestead Gorge, Piccaninny Creek Lookout, Whip Snake Gorge and the Northern Escarpment Walk.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Purnululu National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.