Echidna Chasm is a gorge that is located on the Western side of the Bungle Bungle Range within the Purnululu National Park. The Echidna Chasm walk is one of the best experience within the Bungle Bungle Range as it is quite accessible to most people as it is an easy to moderate walk. There are a few rocky sections as well as some sand but overall is only moderately difficult. The distance of the Echidna Chasm walk is approximately 2km and it 1-2 hours return should be allocated.
Echidna Chasm is very different to the other popular gorge, Cathedral Gorge WA as Echidna Chasm is a much higher and narrower gorge. In some places, the chasm is as narrow as 1-metre wide while in the same spot can rise around 200-metres into the sky. This tight space allows for only a small amount of sunlight to get through, therefore allowing you to walk through the chasm in the shade and out of the harsh warm rays.
There is spectacular Flora through-out the chasm as it creates its own mini-climate. There are amazing Livistonia Palms that scale the sides of gorges all the way up to the 200-metre mark. The cool air within the chasm allows more plant growth to occur as a little tropical oasis. This walk is awesome for photographers as the colours of the chasm walls and large boulders that lie along the gorge floor make great pictures.
The car park at Echidna provides guests with shaded picnic areas as well as toilets. From the car park, it is only a short walk to the Osmand Lookout where you get great views to the North West of the stunning Osmand Ranges and stretches of vast Kimberley landscape. This lookout gives you a good appreciation of the type of environment up this region and how harsh it may be.
The Echidna Chasm walk can be done both with a guide of self-guided. Guided tours can be arranged with Bungle Bungle Guided Tours that depart from the HeliSpirit Base at Bellburn Airstrip. If you are driving into Purnululu National Park you there are 2 different camping areas where you can stay that both have toilet facilities. If you would prefer something a bit more luxurious then a stay at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge is the go. With private cabins with ensuites, pool and a bar, the lodge is a perfect place to unwind after a big day of walking.
If you would like to experience a walk within Echidna Chasm, visit us or call 1800 899 029
Martin Wynn
Nguyen An Tra My
