Mirima

Mirima National Park is a small but spectacularly scenic protected area on the outskirts of Kununurra in the East Kimberley, often called 'the mini Bungle Bungles' for its extraordinary beehive-shaped sandstone domes. The park's 2,060 hectares contain ancient red and orange sandstone formations — known as 'the Hidden Valley' — that soar above the surrounding plains and provide an accessible introduction to the Kimberley's remarkable geological heritage. The sandstone formations are 360 million years old, formed from ancient river sediments that have been sculpted by erosion into the dramatic formations visible today. The park is easily accessible from Kununurra and makes an excellent day walk or sunset destination, particularly striking in the golden late afternoon light.

Mirima's sandstone formations provide habitat for specialised fauna adapted to the rocky environment. Black-flanked rock wallabies (Petrogale lateralis) navigate the steep sandstone faces with ease. Common tree snakes and northern brown tree snakes inhabit the gorge vegetation. Northern blue-tongued skinks and various agamid dragon species are common. Short-eared rock wallabies rest in shaded gorge niches. Birdwatching in the gorges reveals chestnut-quilled rock pigeons — a Kimberley endemic found only in rocky country. Fairy martins and swallows nest in the protected cliff faces. The adjacent Ord River irrigation area supports waterbirds that also use Mirima's water sources.

The sandstone gorges of Mirima support a surprisingly diverse flora adapted to the seasonally wet and dry conditions. Native figs (Ficus species) anchor themselves to the sandstone with extensive root systems. Kapok trees (Cochlospermum fraseri) erupt in spectacular yellow flowers at the end of the dry season, signalling the approaching wet. Paperbarks and woollybutt eucalypts grow in the more sheltered gorge floors. Spinifex (Triodia species) covers the more exposed sandstone surfaces. The diversity of micro-habitats within the gorge system supports plant communities quite different from the surrounding lowland savanna.

Mirima's sandstone formations are approximately 360 million years old — Devonian in age — composed of ancient river and delta sediments that were deposited, buried, lithified, and then exhumed by erosion. The distinctive beehive shape of the domes results from the intersection of two sets of vertical fractures (joints) in the sandstone, which allows water to preferentially attack corners and edges, gradually rounding each block into the dome form. The red-orange colour reflects iron oxide in the sandstone. The formations are similar in age and origin to the Bungle Bungle Range at Purnululu National Park, making Mirima a geologically related but smaller accessible alternative.

Kununurra and Mirima experience the extreme tropical monsoon climate of the East Kimberley. The wet season (November–April) brings intense rainfall, humidity, and flooding. The park is accessible year-round but the dry season (May–October) is the only practical time for most visitors. Dry season temperatures range from pleasant winter days (22–30°C) to hot pre-wet conditions (35–40°C). Evenings in June–July can be cool (12–15°C). The park is most spectacular in the late dry season when golden grass and the setting sun illuminate the sandstone formations.

Mirima is the traditional country of the Miriuwung and Gajerrong peoples, who have maintained connections to the gorge landscape for thousands of years. The sandstone formations hold deep cultural significance — the gorges are embedded in traditional stories, ceremony, and law. Rock paintings within the park document thousands of years of cultural expression. The name 'Mirima' is the Miriuwung word for 'this country'. European settlement of Kununurra began in the 1960s with construction of the Ord River Dam, which created Lake Argyle and transformed the region's hydrology.

Mirima National Park was gazetted to protect the extraordinary sandstone formations on the outskirts of Kununurra. The park's proximity to the town makes it easily accessible and it receives high visitor numbers relative to its size. Management involves collaboration with Miriuwung Gajerrong Traditional Owners, who have strong interest in co-management and cultural heritage protection within the park. The park complements the Purnululu National Park experience, providing an accessible introduction to Kimberley sandstone geology for visitors who cannot reach the more remote World Heritage site.

The Hidden Valley walk through the sandstone gorge system is the park's main attraction — a 1.7 km loop trail through striking orange sandstone formations. The walk is best in the late afternoon when the formations glow in golden light. Rock wallaby spotting at dusk. Chestnut-quilled rock pigeon observation in the gorges. Sunrise and sunset photography of the formation-filled skyline.

Mirima National Park is 3 km from Kununurra town centre on a sealed road. Carparking, toilets, and picnic facilities. Kununurra provides full visitor services. Parks entry fees apply. Open year-round, but best visited May–October. The short walk makes it accessible for all fitness levels.

Managing the high visitor numbers that come with proximity to Kununurra, protecting rock art sites from vandalism and vegetation damage, and controlling invasive weeds (particularly rubber vine and mimosa weed in the gorges) are the primary challenges. The park's Miriuwung Gajerrong cultural heritage is actively protected through joint management arrangements. Climate change-driven changes in monsoonal rainfall patterns may affect the vegetation dynamics within the gorge system.