Trail Fast Facts

Echidna Chasm Trail is a 2km, grade 4 hike in Purnululu National Park, Western Australia. This hike typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Length: 2km

Duration: 1 hr

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: Echidna Chasm Carpark

End: Echidna Chasm Carpark

Location: Purnululu National Park

State: Western Australia

Nearby town: Halls Creek

From state capital: 2,893km

Latitude: -17.32330789

Longitude: 128.4124825909688

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Warning

Even in the winter months, it can be incredibly hot, so take ample drinking water.

The Echidna Chasm trail is 2 kilometres return from the carpark and has steep-sided gorge walls up to 200 metres high and barely a metre wide in places. It features prehistoric Livistona palms and gorge walls exhibiting extraordinary colours.

Echidna Chasm is one of the highlights of the World Heritage Site of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park. The narrow gorge is located 19km north of the visitor's centre. The walk trail is short but has rocky sections that require some moderate climbing.

The trail features gorge walls that rise 200 metres with sections as narrow as one metre. It can be a bit disconcerting looking up and seeing large fallen boulders lodged tight between the walls. Tall Livistona palms provide a spectacular setting near the gorge entrance.

Deep within the gorge, it can be a photographer's delight with the ever-changing light. During the middle of the day, sunlight penetrates into the gorge creating incredible golden hues.

The park is open only between April and December (weather permitting). Check with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kununurra office on 08 9168 4200 for the current weather forecast and road conditions before entering the park.

Find more info about this hike at Trails WA

Track Grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Trail features

Map and GPX file

Echidna Chasm Trail Walk (2km)

Total distance: 2029 m
Max elevation: 491 m
Min elevation: 303 m
Total climbing: 192 m
Total descent: -192 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Echidna Chasm Trail Walk (2km)

Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250 km south of Kununurra, to the track's end at the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (April 1 to December 31), and only by four-wheel-drive (4WD) high clearance vehicles and off-road trailers. Safely navigating it takes approximately three hours. From the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre.

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About the region

The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is one of the most striking geological landmarks in Western Australia, offering a remote wilderness experience. Purnululu attracts visitors for a whole range of reasons; the sheer grandeur of the sandstone massif, watching it change to a golden colour late in the day, walking through some of the marvellous gorges and for the really well-prepared, a walk along Piccaninny Creek for an overnight camping experience.

Other walks include the Echidna Chasm Trail, Mini Palms Walk, the walk to Kungkalanayi Lookout, Cathedral Gorge, the Domes Walk, Homestead Gorge, Piccaninny Creek Lookout, Whip Snake Gorge and the Northern Escarpment Walk.

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Looking for things to do in Purnululu National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Echidna Chasm Trail Walk (2km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Warning

Hike Overview

Track Grade

Trail features

Map and GPX file

Echidna Chasm Trail Walk (2km)