1 Day Tunnel Creek Adventure
Travel east from Broome for a day, heading into Kimberley cattle country via the mighty Fitzroy River, the Derby Prison Tree and the start of the Gibb River Road. Discover the Napier Ranges, an ancient Devonian reef, and delve into the fascinating Tunnel Creek cave system. This day trip from Broome offers a delightful glimpse of Australia’s rugged West Kimberley region.
Highlights
Fitzroy River, Gibb River Road, Derby Prison Tree & Myalls Bore, Napier Ranges, Tunnel Creek
Tour Summary
Tour Code | 1DTC |
Fitness level | Moderate-Advanced |
Price | From $279 |
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Tour Details
| Tour Route | Broome-Broome |
| Vehicles | 4WD Vehicle |
| Fitness | Moderate-Advanced |
| Tour Code | 1DTC |
| Duration | 12 Hours |
| Tour Style | Broome Day Tour |
| Maximum Passengers | 24 (Minimum 6) |
| Price | 1DTC: Concession $279, Adult $299, Child (4-12yrs) $199 |
| Departs | MAY-OCT: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays |
| Meals | Morning & Afternoon Tea, Lunch |
| Private Charter | Available On Request |
| Validity | 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 Looking to travel next year? Click here... |
| Download Trip Notes | Not available for this trip. |
Departing Broome, we travel through a remote and beautiful landscape, while our guide shares stories of local history, people and the environment. Enjoy a morning tea break at Willare Roadhouse on the mighty Fitzroy River. Stretch your legs with a stroll across the Willare Bridge, which was recently inundated by the once-in-a-hundred-year flooding event.
As we reach the Gibb River Road, we visit Myalls Bore and the notorious Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’, a relic of some cultural sensitivity due to its rumored use as a prison for local Aboriginals during the era of Kimberley pioneers. Continue east towards the picturesque Napier Range: once a Devonian ocean reef, these mountains are over 350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants.
After lunch, we venture along the subterranean trail through Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), a 750-metre cathedral-like cave system in which we discover secret caves, stalactite rock formations and subterranean wildlife. Keep an eye out for giant monitor lizards and bats in particular: micro bats, fruit bats and the elusive ghost bat. It is here we also learn the legend of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal freedom fighter who used the tunnel as a hide-out in the late 1800’s. Note that it is important to respect any Aboriginal paintings you see, by not touching the art works.
As we return to the Gibb River Road, pause at the historical ruins of Lillimooloora Station to appreciate what life would have been like during early white settlement in the area. There is also a great photo opportunity at the picturesque Lennard River, before we reach the highway again.
Break for an optional dinner at Willare Roadhouse as we return to Broome, arriving at approximately 8pm.
*Please see the Important Notes section regarding the Subterranean Trail in Tunnel Creek
The 1 Day Tunnel Creek Adventure departs Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, from April to October.
Inclusions
- Experienced Guide
- Meals as specified
- National Park Fees
We operate our 4WD Broome Day Tours in custom-built, 21 or 27 seat 4WD trucks with a PA system and built-in storage (no risky trailers!). These comfortable, strong remote area vehicles allow our small groups extra space (including standing room), are fully air-conditioned and fitted with adjustable air-vents, reclinable seats, map pockets and footrests. It is important than when booking a 4WD outback adventure in the Kimberley, you understand that the roads we travel on can be heavily corrugated. Rest assured, these are the conditions for which our 4WD trucks are designed.
What to Bring
It is essential that you bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet – and we mean fully immersed in water! Ideally, wet shoes, sandals or old runners. Other recommendations include: your swimmers and a towel, a broad-brimmed hat with sun visor (broad brimmed being better for all round protection), personal water bottle, sunscreen and camera.
Notes
- Dinner is not included but can be purchased en route back to Broome – allow approximately $30pp
- This is a long day covering a large distance and though the destination is well worth the journey, be prepared for time watching the landscape go by.
- The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions refers to the Subterranean Trail through Tunnel Creek as a ‘Class 4 Trail – these are trails that are “in relatively undisturbed environments and are often rough with few, if any, modifications. A moderate to high level of fitness is required. You need to be prepared and self-reliant.”
Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park
Tunnel View Trail – (Class 2 – 400m return. 30 minutes) Take an easy stroll to the tunnel entrance to observe the patterns, textures, and colours in the limestone at the rock face.
Subterranean Trail – (Class 4 – 2km return. 1.5 hours) The adventurous can scramble over the rocks to take a sometimes chilly and occasionally deep wade through several permanent pools within the tunnel to the other side of the Napier Range. A torch and shoes are required to avoid hazards overhead and underfoot. Near the centre of the cave the roof has collapsed and is an excellent place to observe the colony of flying foxes that roost in the trees during the day.