Trail Fast Facts
The Mini Palms Gorge Trail is a 4.5km, grade 4 return hike in Purnululu National Park, Western Australia. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Warning
Temperatures within the park and on the walk trails can reach 40°C (104°F) and radiant heat can increase the temperature to over 50°C (122°F).€¯ As a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person, even in the winter months.
Hike Overview
The Mini Palms Gorge Trail is 4.4km return from the Bloodwood carpark. There are steep slopes, narrow edges and large boulders to climb over, under or squeeze between. Climb the stairs to reach two viewing platforms which are surrounded by Livistona palms.
Taking the trail into Mini Palms Gorge is one of the best ways of experiencing the sheer scale of the Bungle Bungle escarpment. The first bit of the trail follows a stony creek bed and it can get quite hot.
For an added adventure the path takes you scrambling around and over huge fallen boulders. These boulders are made up of a conglomerate of smaller rocks cemented together by hardened mud of millennia. Ever present are towering gorge walls glowing red and tall elegant Livistona palms.
This trail is a constant feast of scenic and geological highlights. The trail ends at a high point overlooking an amphitheatre enclosed by majestic walls of rock. The viewing platform is as far as you go, as walking along the gorge floor is off-limits to the public. Trampling feet can damage tiny palms that somehow survive floods that pound through here in the wet season.
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 446 m
Min elevation: 280 m
Total climbing: 204 m
Total descent: -203 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
The Bloodwoods is one of the starting points for Mini Palms Trail, Homestead Valley Trail, and the southern end of the Escarpment Trail. There are toilets, shaded picnic areas and the Bloodwoods Lookout. Bloodwoods parking area is 19km from the visitor centre. The Bloodwoods car park is located within the Purnululu National Park, approximately 230km (3 hours) south of Kununurra and 2,890km (30 hours) north of Perth.
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, the road T-junctions at Gorge Road from where you can head either into the northern section, anchored by Echidna Chasm, or the southern section, with Piccaninny and Cathedral gorges.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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 Gorge Trail, the walk to Kungkalanayi Lookout, Cathedral Gorge, the Domes Walk, Homestead Valley Trail, Piccaninny Creek Lookout, Whip Snake Gorge and the Northern Escarpment Trail.
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Let someone know
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.
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.Â
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.
Weather
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.