1 Day Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek Adventure
Travel east from Broome for a day, heading into Kimberley cattle country via the Derby Prison Tree and the Gibb River Road. Spend the morning in the outback oasis of Windjana Gorge searching for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bushtucker, followed by an afternoon exploring the fascinating Tunnel Creek cave system. This day trip from Broome offers a delightful glimpse of Australia’s beautiful Kimberley region.
Highlights
Gibb River Road, Derby Prison Tree & Myalls Bore, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek
Tour Summary
Tour Code | 1DWT |
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 | 1DWT |
| Duration | 15 Hours |
| Tour Style | Broome Day Tour |
| Maximum Passengers | 24 (Minimum 2, JUN-AUG), otherwise Minimum 6 |
| Price | 1DWT: Concession $279, Adult $299, Child (4-12yrs) $199 |
| Departs | MAY-OCT: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays *Guaranteed Departures in June, July & August |
| Meals | Morning & Afternoon Tea, Lunch |
| Private Charter | Available On Request |
| Validity | 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 |
| 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 and visit Myalls Bore and the notorious Derby ‘Boab Prison Tree’, a relic of some cultural sensitivity due to its use as a prison for local Aboriginals during the era of Kimberley pioneers.
Join the Gibb River Road and travel towards the picturesque Napier Range. Once a Devonian reef, these mountains are over 350 million years old and home to a diverse array of animals and plants. The perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty of an outback oasis is Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and indigenous bushtucker.
After a picnic lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system in which we discover secret caves and subterranean wildlife.* 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. As sunset approaches, we visit the historical ruins of Lillimooloora Station to appreciate what life would have been like during early white settlement in the area. There is time for an optional dinner (own expense) en route back to Broome.
*Please see the Important Notes section regarding the Subterranean Trail in Tunnel Creek
The 1 Day Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek Adventure departs Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, from April to October.
Throughout June, July & August, departures are Guaranteed with a minimum of only 2 travellers, while departures in April, May, September & October require a minimum of 6 travellers to proceed.
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.