Tunnel Creek

Deep in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Tunnel Creek is a dramatic natural cave system carved through the Napier Range by an underground river. This 750-metre-long tunnel offers an adventurous, wet-footed exploration through ancient limestone, with Aboriginal rock art, stalactites, and a surprising colony of bats. It's a place that demands a torch, sturdy shoes, and a sense of wonder — well off the beaten track but utterly unforgettable.

Highlights & What to See

• Walking through the cave: Wade through cool water and navigate boulders as you follow the underground creek. The tunnel is dark and uneven, so bring a powerful headlamp and expect to get your feet wet.
• Aboriginal rock art and history: The cave was a hideout for Indigenous warrior Jandamarra in the 1890s. Look for ancient hand stencils and paintings on the cave walls, and a plaque commemorating his story.
• Bat colony and stalactites: Thousands of fruit bats roost in the tunnel's chambers. Their chittering echoes off the limestone formations, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
• Natural light at the far end: After emerging at the southern entrance, you're rewarded with a view of the surrounding spinifex plains and the remnant of a fossilised reef.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the return walk through the tunnel, plus extra time to explore the entrance area and read the interpretive signs. The cave is best visited early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and to enjoy softer light at the tunnel's ends. Combine it with nearby sites for a full day out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Windjana Gorge National Park — a spectacular limestone gorge with a permanent waterhole and freshwater crocodiles, 35 km north.
• Geikie Gorge National Park — another gorge carved by the Fitzroy River, with boat tours and abundant birdlife, a 2-hour drive west.
• Fitzroy Crossing — the nearest town for fuel, supplies, and accommodation, about 1.5 hours west.
• Halls Creek — a remote outback town with a fascinating gold-mining history, about 2 hours east.
• Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) — the iconic beehive-shaped domes, a 4WD adventure about 4 hours north-east.

Please check official sources for current details.