Temperatures within the park and on the walk trails can reach 40°C (104°F) and radiant heat can increase the temperature to over 50°C (122°F).€¯ As a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person, even in the winter months.
The Mini Palms Gorge Trail is 4.4km return from the Bloodwood carpark. There are steep slopes, narrow edges and large boulders to climb over, under or squeeze between. Climb the stairs to reach two viewing platforms which are surrounded by Livistona palms.
Taking the trail into Mini Palms Gorge is one of the best ways of experiencing the sheer scale of the Bungle Bungle escarpment. The first bit of the trail follows a stony creek bed and it can get quite hot.
For an added adventure the path takes you scrambling around and over huge fallen boulders. These boulders are made up of a conglomerate of smaller rocks cemented together by hardened mud of millennia. Ever present are towering gorge walls glowing red and tall elegant Livistona palms.
This trail is a constant feast of scenic and geological highlights. The trail ends at a high point overlooking an amphitheatre enclosed by majestic walls of rock. The viewing platform is as far as you go, as walking along the gorge floor is off-limits to the public. Trampling feet can damage tiny palms that somehow survive floods that pound through here in the wet season.
Total distance: 4122 m
Max elevation: 446 m
Min elevation: 280 m
Total climbing: 204 m
Total descent: -203 m
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The Bloodwoods is one of the starting points for Mini Palms Trail, Homestead Valley Trail, and the southern end of the Escarpment Trail. There are toilets, shaded picnic areas and the Bloodwoods Lookout. Bloodwoods parking area is 19km from the visitor centre. The Bloodwoods car park is located within the Purnululu National Park, approximately 230km (3 hours) south of Kununurra and 2,890km (30 hours) north of Perth.
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, the road T-junctions at Gorge Road from where you can head either into the northern section, anchored by Echidna Chasm, or the southern section, with Piccaninny and Cathedral gorges.
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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.
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 Gorge Trail, the walk to Kungkalanayi Lookout, Cathedral Gorge, the Domes Walk, Homestead Valley Trail, Piccaninny Creek Lookout, Whip Snake Gorge and the Northern Escarpment Trail.
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.
Looking for things to do in Purnululu National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
