Bungle Bungle named 175th Anniversary Icon

30/11/04
One of the most spectacular landforms on earth - the Bungle Bungle range in Purnululu National Park - has been named a Western Australian Heritage Icon.
Premier Geoff Gallop said the range was selected in recognition of its key indigenous heritage, as well as environmental and geological importance to WA.
"Purnululu National Park is the traditional home of the 'river people' whose languages included Kija, Jaru, Malngin and Miriuwung," Dr Gallop said.
"The Bungle Bungle range proved to be a significant resource for the local people - with animals and local plant life plentiful during the wet season.
"It also has important cultural and spiritual significance - which is reflected in the Bungle Bungle's rich Aboriginal art and many burial sites.
"Today, the traditional owners make a significant and ongoing contribution to the management of the park."
The Premier said the fascinating geological formation obviously also held key significance.
"Rising about 200m to 300m above the surrounding plains - the range's beehive shaped sandstone towers were created by erosion estimated to have occurred in the past 20 million years," he said.
"Of course, adding to its visual impact are also the Bungle Bungle's orange and black banding, which in part has been formed by moisture seeping through the rock surface.
"It is extraordinary then, despite its breathtaking appearance, that until the mid-1980s, the wider non-indigenous community was not aware of its existence.
"Of course, the range has now become a significant drawcard for tourists to our State's North-West - as well as a visual icon for WA tourism and promotion."
The Bungle Bungle joins a list of other important WA icons named this year - the Swan River, Fremantle Harbour, Kings Park, Albany Anzac Dawn Service, Rottnest Island, Broome Pearls, Ningaloo, the Western Derby, the Royal Show, and Kalgoorlie Gold.
Premier's office: 9222 9475