Release of Purnululu National Park guidebook

27/10/97

The spectacular Bungle Bungle Range, scenic attractions and geological studies of Western Australia's Purnululu National Park, are featured in a full-colour 83 page guidebook released today in Kununurra.

The Bungle Bungle Range is famous for its spectacular beehive-shaped towers of banded sandstone and its deep gorges.

The guidebook was launched today by Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes in Kununurra. The Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Senator Warwick Parer, endorsed the book's release.

The book has been produced by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO) in collaboration with the Geological Survey of WA (GSWA) and the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM).

Featuring the photography of Ian Oswald-Jacobs, the publication describes the rocks, landforms, plants, animals, Aboriginal cultures, and exploits of the explorers, prospectors, and pastoralists in this spectacular part of Australia.

"The park has become one of Australia's premier scenic attractions, rivalling other famous symbols of outback Australia, such as Urulu and Katja Tjuta, and is currently being promoted by the Coalition Government for World Heritage Listing," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Part of the mystique of the Purnululu region is until the early 1980s, it was known only to the local Aboriginal people and a few pastoralists, stockman and others. Only after widespread media promotion in 1983 was this 'hidden jewel' of the East Kimberley uncovered.

"The park's remarkable geological features are now recognised world-wide as a symbol of Western Australia," she said.

The guidebook has been written for the non-specialist and explains many features of geological interest along the main access tracks and all the walking trails in the park.

"The guidebook is both an essential reference and a colourful souvenir for all those fortunate enough to explore the park on the ground or from the air," Senator Parer said.

"The descriptions of the walking trails are complemented by specially drawn coloured maps and also by corresponding scale colour aerial and ground photographs. Coloured maps and drawings are also featured in the book."

Suggested itineraries for visits lasting from one day to several days are included. Since over 75 per cent of all visitors see Purnululu National Park from the air, some of the prominent features to be seen along flight paths to the park (Lake Argyle, Argyle diamond mine, Osmond Range, McIntosh layered intrusion, Ord River) are also described.

"The park has captured the imagination of the tourism industry and visitors, but it is our Government's duty to nurture and protect these masterpieces for future generations," Mrs Edwardes said.

Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, East Kimberley, Western Australia: A guide to the rocks, landforms, plants animals and human impact by Dean Hoatson and others, retails for $19.95 and is available from AGSO Sales Centre, GPO Box 378 Canberra ACT, and also from CALM and GWSA sales centres in WA, and various tourism centres throughout Australia.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 08 9421 7777 (Minister Edwardes)

Dr Dean Hoatson on 02 6249 9593 (AGSO)