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Piccaninny Gorge Trek, Purnululu NP

Part of Purnululu National Park network

Bush Walk
Trail difficulty

This trail exceeds trail classification. It has no facilities or directional signage and natural hazards should be expected. 

Trail difficulty

Provides an opportunity for highly experienced hikers with specialised outdoors skills to navigate off-trail in challenging natural and wilderness areas.

There is no defined trail and no infrastructure is provided, including route marking. For management or safety purposes a trailhead sign may be provided. Experienced hikers will need to carry maps and/or navigation aids, and natural hazards should be expected. Safety and navigation could be affected by storms and flooding, extreme weather or aridity and vegetation density.

  • Length 20km
  • Est. time Multiple day
  • Return
Today

29°C

30°

29°

Part of Purnululu National Park network

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Piccaninny Gorge Trek takes you along Piccaninny Creek bed, amongst the unique beehive domes, and deep into tall, narrow gorges.

This trek must be completed as an overnight hike, at a minimum of two days walking. It is 20km return to The Elbow, but if exploring all the Fingers (side gorges) it can be a 40km+ return hike. You must be self-sufficient and have a high level of fitness and navigational skills. There are no facilities, designated camping areas or directional signage and natural hazards should be expected. 

Visitor numbers are capped on this trail so online bookings are essential and can be made via Purnululu National Park Reservations. 

You are also required to register at the Purnululu Visitor Centre on arrival to the park and must carry a registered PLB. This trail requires a lot of preparation and can be dangerous for those who are not prepared. Further information on this walk is available at Explore Parks WA.

Please note: Piccaninny Gorge Trek is open seasonally between May to September, pending weather conditions.

Purnululu National Park is only accessible by high clearance 4WD only. Due to the remote nature of the park, make sure to read through the visitor safety of the park before visiting. 

Kununurra Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9168 4200

Purnululu Visitor Centre

(08) 9168 7300

National Parks

Other Links

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Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Minimum of two days

Length

Minimum 20km return, can be 40km+ if exploring all the side gorges

Fees

Park entry and camping fees apply.

Trail Access

Purnululu National Park is 304km south of Kununurra. The last 53km of is on Spring Creek Track which is accessible via high clearance 4WD only. The park is also accessible via air.

Trail Start

Piccaninny Creek carpark, Purnululu National Park, 230km (3 hours) south of Kununurra, which is 3200km (30 hours) north of Perth.

Get directions

Trail End

When to go

May to August; the dry season in the Kimberley.

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Exceeds classification

Provides an opportunity for highly experienced hikers with specialised outdoors skills to navigate off-trail in challenging natural and wilderness areas.

There is no defined trail and no infrastructure is provided, including route marking. For management or safety purposes a trailhead sign may be provided. Experienced hikers will need to carry maps and/or navigation aids, and natural hazards should be expected. Safety and navigation could be affected by storms and flooding, extreme weather or aridity and vegetation density.

Additional information

This trail exceeds trail classification. It has no facilities or directional signage and natural hazards should be expected. 

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Be prepared for hot weather conditions as temperatures can reach over 40°C and radiant heat can increase to over 50°C. 

Prohibited items

No pets 

No drones

Safety

Safety: Be prepared for a remote experience. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB) or satellite phone. There is NO PHONE service driving into the park. 

See Group D items on Trail Tips page. Roads may be closed after heavy rain, check conditions before travelling.

Facilities

This trail is for experienced hikers only. There are no facilities or directional signage along the trail.

  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
More tips for being Trail Ready

Today Apr 22, 10:54pm

29°C

Feels like 33°C

Max 30°

Min 29°

Precipitation: 0%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 2.32km/h W

8-day forecast

Wed

30°

29°

Thu

30°

29°

Fri

30°

29°

Sat

30°

29°

Sun

31°

29°

Mon

29°

28°

Tue

30°

28°

Wed

29°

28°

Weather data provided by:

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