Charlene Carrington / Echidna Chasm – Purnululu (1A)

Purnululu (the Bungle Bungles) are to the East of Texas Downs, where my family comes from. The Bungles are just fantastic – from the mini bungles with the little round hills, to the top country where the big hills like Nyidbarriya can be seen from a long way. One of my favourite places in this part of the country is Echidna Chasm – there is a small track going through the gorge between two big hills just north of the Piccaninny (mini) Bungles. When you walk through the opening, there is a huge open area – big trees seem to grow out of the mountain side, with hardly any soil for them – just like they are pasted on the mountain – beautiful ferns, small creeks in the wet – it’s hard to explain, but there is something about this place. A different feeling. Almost like it’s not part of this earth. Some people say it makes their hair stand on end….but to me it is so peaceful. I have painted the entrance to the Chasm in Hot time – with the country looking all red with the heat and no grass around this part.