Sunday 27th July

Today we set off for our Bungle Bungle visit. After a quick ride out to the airport and around the town, I returned to the caravan park and commenced packing up. Meanwhile, Prue was preparing our evening that was to complete its preparation in the wonderful Dreampot.

We managed to leave Kununurra at about 1000. The drive to day would be around 300 kms with the last 53 kms of four wheel drive standard. The first quick stop we made was just after the T section junction where the Victoria Highway joins onto the Great Northern Highway that goes up to Wyndham or down to the south and which is the way we were going. Checked around the tyres and all around the whole rig.

A bit further on we stopped at the small Doon Doon Roadhouse, owned by the local aborigines. It was very inviting as there were lovely flower beds and they were attempting to get grass growing in the developing caravan park. In a few years it will look very good. We had a drink and rest there. The day was really warming up by now but nice.

A while later it was our lunch stop. We stopped at Warnum (or Turkey Creek) and had something to eat and drink. We chatted to some other people that had just come out of the Bungle Bungle so we had up to date information on the road.

So off we set again. Eventually the big road sign appeared with Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle). Prue opened the gate from the highway to go in. This gate is here as the first 35 or so kms is on Mabel Downs Station and basically private land.

The road in was gravel, rocks, bull dust, corrugations and several creek crossings with about 350 mm of water. Overall, I think I have travelled on similar shire roads around various states. The road was suitable for about 25 to 35 km/hour and little bits a bit slower. WE passed about 16 vehicles coming out on our way in.

Part the way along, I noticed that the rear tailgate had jarred open. It had let in a bit of dust and I did lose a spirit level and a welding glove. We could have lost chairs but they had remained tightly in the back.

Eventually, we arrived at the entrance to the Park Visitors Centre. We hopped out and to our shock we had severe damage to the Mazda Bravo. On closer inspection, I found the chassis had bent, on both sides, just over the rear drive axle. The loading board, at the top, and the cabin were separated by about 150 mm. So making a V shape gap.

We found the Ranger as the centre had closed for the day. He was so helpful and guided us to a secure park, near his cottage. He then gave us the Park phone to make necessary phone calls to such organisations as NRMA and to our insurance company. We must have been on the phone for more than one hour getting it partly sorted. Finally we received a case number and were asked to ring again in the morning as they would have things a bit sorted by then, especially as there is a two hour time difference between here and the east coast.

Finally, we set up the Karavan and soon had a beautiful dinner washed down by a bottle and a half of our favourite red wine! The problems faded away for the rest of the night.