Purnululu #3 and Departure Day

What a day! Packed with action. In the end, we conclude that such a program should actually be spread over 3 days. Not because we would have more time for activities, but because you can't possibly absorb so many impressions.

Since it got chilly early last night, we went to bed early. Accordingly, we got up early today. This way, we could prepare comfortably as we were scheduled to be at the airfield for our helicopter flight at 7:40 AM.

Just after 8 AM, we take off. The aircraft is tiny, fitting just 4 people (including the pilot). The sides are completely open, with only a windshield at the front. This gives you the feeling of being even closer to nature. For Birgit, who sits next to the pilot, this is quite thrilling. Especially when he makes steep turns with a zigzag flight over the gorges, she fears she might fall out. Probably no one has ever held onto this seat so tightly. In half an hour, we fly over the entire mountainous part of the park. From up here, it becomes clear what a sea of beehives this is and how it has developed. I’m having a blast and cheering to myself. Despite our down jackets and ski underwear, we end up quite cold. No wonder, at 15 degrees and 200 km/h! Such a flight is a wonderful experience and a great addition to the hikes, but it's no substitute! On foot, you experience this park most intensely.

After breakfast, we head into the northern Purnululu. It looks completely different, no beehives, but still very beautiful. Comparable to Kata Tjuta.

First, we visit the Echidna Chasm, the Cathedral Gorge being the second top attraction of the park. It is a gorge that becomes narrower and narrower. At the end, you barely fit through the vertically rising rock walls. We are there at solar noon, as only then do the sun rays shine onto the floor of the rock crevice for a few minutes. Many want to see this spectacle and stand ready with their monster cameras and tripods. We queue politely and wait for the perfect moment. But to be honest, it isn’t any more perfect than the ones before or after it. Next time, we would come at a different time, as the Chasm is impressive regardless. I particularly like the entrance with its brightly orange, jagged rock walls on either side and tropical palms along the roadside. As exciting as it is in the narrow part of the chasm, you are glad to arrive outside again unscathed. Everywhere, fallen rocks are precariously above you, and you hope that no earthquake shifts the walls.

After a small snack, we continue to the “Mini Palms Gorge.” Even the path to the gorge is wonderful. The warm light of the late afternoon sun adds to our delight. Here, you don’t want to leave at all. In the gorge itself, it’s hardly surprising that small palms are growing. The path is entertaining again, filled with numerous little obstacles. At the end of the gorge, there are steel stairs and viewing platforms. We believe this is to protect the young palms from hiking boots. Due to the late hour, we have the gorge and the way back completely to ourselves. It’s so peaceful here; everything around us is bathed in warm tones, feeling so cozy. Wonderful moments of bliss in the Australian outback. You completely forget the dangers lurking around you.

After a freezing night (8 degrees when we leave the campsite at sunrise), we head back to Kununurra to prepare for the coming days on the Gibb River Road. Mainly to restock supplies so we can be self-sufficient for up to 12 days. But since we are already here, we treat ourselves to some delicious raspberry muffins at the bakery.