Monday 27 October 2008

Tragedy in The Bungle Bungles


Although we didn't have the Oka at the time, we visited the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu) National Park for a second time in 2002.
One of the highlights of that visit was a half hour helicopter trip from Belburn Campsite over the rock formations. It was scary but exhilarating, since the chopper had no doors (to improve visibility!) and we were totally reliant on seat belts to keep us in place. But the views as we swooped amongst the valleys and peaks made for a wonderful experience.

 So we felt particularly sad when we read recently that one of the helicopters had crashed just after taking off, killing the pilot and 3 young women passengers. (see http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/helicopter-smash-kills-four/2008/09/15/1221330747956.html).

Having been there and done that brings the tragedy into sharper focus for us. It might have been the very chopper we had ridden in. Either way it is a tragedy for the 4 people killed and their families, and for the reputation of one of the most memorable parts of Australia.
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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous22 September 2009 at 15:04

    This happened not so long after we were there. We hadn't pre-booked a chopper flight, and when we got there, a group of tour buses had just pulled in and i was at the end of the queue so missed out. Although i was terrified when we took the Mitchell Falls chopper flight i was glad i went, and i would have done the Purnululu one if i could have got the booking, and still would despite this tragedy. We are in far more danger on the road getting there. Motherhen

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