Echidna Chasm Trail is a 2km, grade 4 hike located in Purnululu National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 1 hour to complete.
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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 491 m
Min elevation: 303 m
Total climbing: 192 m
Total descent: -192 m
Trail location
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Getting there
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.
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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.