Ruqayyah Snyder
Tunnel Creek is a creek located within the grounds of Tunnel Creek National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The creek flows through a tunnel in the limestone of the Napier Range, which is part of a 350-million-year-old Devonian reef system. The tunnel, which is up to 20 metres high and 15 metres wide in some parts, was formed by water from the creek cutting through the reef over millions of years. Tunnel Creek is also known for its cultural significance to the local Bunuba people and its history as the hideout of the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra in the 1890s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Kimberley region of Western Australia, 1,845 kilometres northeast of Perth and 390 kilometres east of Broome |
| Park | Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park |
| Creek | Part of an ancient barrier reef that developed during the Devonian Period |
| Tunnel | Approximately 750 metres long, 15 metres wide, and up to 12-20 metres high |
| Formation | Naturally formed over millions of years by fast-flowing wet-season water |
| Attractions | Aboriginal rock paintings, speleothems, stalactites, stalagmites, bat species, olive pythons, freshwater crocodiles |
| History | Hideout of the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra, who was killed outside its entrance in 1897 |
| Accessibility | Accessible via unsealed roads; day-use area with limited facilities; four-wheel-drive required; inaccessible during the wet season |
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What You'll Learn
Tunnel Creek National Park
Dimalurru Tunnel Creek National Park, also known as Tunnel Creek National Park, is a national park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, 1,845 kilometres (1,146 miles) northeast of Perth and 390 kilometres (240 miles) east of Broome. The park covers an area of 91 hectares (220 acres) and is located in the Napier Range. It is part of the Balili (Devonian Reef) Conservation Park and is recognised as a site of cultural significance for the local Bunuba people, who are the traditional owners of the land.
The main attraction of the park is the Tunnel Creek cave system, which is Western Australia's oldest, having formed around 350 million years ago during the Devonian Period. The tunnel, carved by fast-flowing water over millions of years, is approximately 750 metres (2,460 feet) long and up to 20 metres high and 15 metres wide in some parts. Visitors can walk through the tunnel, which goes from one side of the Napier Range to the other, and wade through several permanent pools. The tunnel features large stalactite and stalagmite rock formations, and the roof has collapsed in some parts, allowing sunlight to arc through and create a sense of mystery.
The Tunnel Creek cave is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including at least five species of bats, olive pythons, and freshwater crocodiles. It is also known for its Aboriginal rock paintings and speleothems that decorate the walls. The cave was once used as a hideout by the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra, also known as Pigeon, in the late 19th century. He was killed outside the cave's entrance in 1897 by police troopers.
Today, Tunnel Creek National Park is a popular destination for visitors seeking a bit of adventure. The park offers a 2-kilometre return walk through the tunnel, which requires a powerful torch, old sneakers or reef shoes, and bathers, as the water can be knee-high or even waist-deep in places. The trail can be rocky and uneven, so sure-footedness is recommended. The park is accessible only via unsealed roads and is open for day use only during the dry season. Facilities are limited to toilets, picnic tables, and an information shelter with interpretive signage detailing the story of Jandamarra.
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Devonian Period reef system
Tunnel Creek in Western Australia is part of an ancient barrier reef that formed during the Devonian Period. This reef system, known as the Devonian "Great Barrier Reef", developed around 350 to 380 million years ago when the area southeast of Derby was covered by a tropical sea. Unlike modern reefs, which are primarily built by corals, the Devonian reef was constructed mainly by algae and a group of now-extinct lime-secreting organisms.
The Tunnel Creek National Park, located in the Napier Ranges, is home to Western Australia's oldest cave system. The tunnel itself is 750 metres long, 15 metres wide, and up to 12 metres high. It was created by a creek that cut through the limestone range, forming part of the ancient Devonian reef. Visitors can walk through the tunnel, wading through permanent pools, and observe the impressive stalactites and colonies of bats that reside within.
The Devonian reef, now exposed, has revealed spectacular landforms in the Kimberley region. The limestone ranges, formed from the ancient barrier reef, tower over the surrounding plains, reminiscent of how the reef would have risen above the Devonian seafloor. The Geikie Gorge, carved by the Fitzroy River, showcases the intersection of the Devonian reef with modern-day waterways.
The Tunnel Creek National Park holds cultural significance as the hideout of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal leader, in the late 19th century. It also boasts Aboriginal paintings and cave art. The park is part of the Balili Conservation Park, jointly managed by the Bunuba Dawangarri traditional owners and the Western Australian government.
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Aboriginal history
Tunnel Creek National Park, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is renowned for its ancient cave system and the rich Aboriginal history associated with it. The park, situated on the grounds of Mt Barnett Station, boasts a 750-metre-long tunnel carved by a creek through the Napier Range. This tunnel, up to 20 metres high and 15 metres wide, is part of an ancient barrier reef that dates back 350 million years to the Devonian Period.
The Tunnel Creek area holds significant cultural importance for the local Bunuba people. It is famously known as the hideout of the Aboriginal warrior and Bunuba leader, Jandamarra, during the late 19th century. Jandamarra, also known as Pigeon, was an influential figure who played a pivotal role in the resistance against colonial settlers in the Kimberley region. He utilised the Tunnel Creek cave system's intricate network to evade capture by the police for several years. Unfortunately, his life came to a tragic end in 1897 when he was killed outside the entrance to the caves by an Aboriginal tracker working with the police.
The caves of Tunnel Creek bear witness to the artistic expressions of the Aboriginal people through the presence of ancient rock paintings adorning the walls. These paintings offer a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the indigenous communities that once inhabited the region. The rock art, along with the speleothems found in the caves, stand as a testament to the deep-rooted history of the Aboriginal people in the area.
Today, visitors can embark on a 2-kilometre return walk through the tunnel, exploring the natural wonders and learning about the area's indigenous significance. The park offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Aboriginal history of the land and pay respect to the traditional owners, the Bunuba people. The walk takes visitors through the Napier Range, showcasing stunning geological formations, including stalactites and the remnants of the ancient reef system.
The Tunnel Creek National Park is a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the Aboriginal people of Western Australia. The story of Jandamarra and the Aboriginal rock paintings found within the caves highlight the enduring legacy of the indigenous communities that have called this region home for millennia. Visitors are encouraged to explore this fascinating chapter in Australia's history and immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural significance of Tunnel Creek.
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Wildlife
Tunnel Creek National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of bats and crocodiles. The park, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is a nature lover's paradise, offering a unique mix of adventure and history.
The most notable wildlife in Tunnel Creek are the freshwater crocodiles. While saltwater crocodiles have not been reported in the area, it is important to remain cautious as their presence cannot be ruled out entirely. The park's website emphasizes the importance of being "Crocwise," urging visitors to heed warning signs and avoid swimming, canoeing, or boating in certain areas. The smaller and less aggressive freshwater crocodiles can be spotted in the tunnel, adding a thrilling element to the exploration of this ancient cave system.
The tunnel is also home to a variety of bat species, including the yellow-lipped cave bat, or Vespadelus douglasorum, which was first collected at this location. The bats add to the mysterious ambiance of the cavern, with their silhouettes visible against the sunlight streaming into the cave.
In addition to the bats and crocodiles, Tunnel Creek is also a haven for other wildlife species. The area is part of an ancient barrier reef that dates back to the Devonian Period, and the surrounding Napier Range contributes to its ecological diversity. The park's website encourages visitors to explore the Atlas of Living Australia to discover the full range of species recorded in the area.
The park is also significant for its Aboriginal history, having served as the hideout of the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra in the late 19th century. Visitors are advised to respect any Aboriginal paintings they may come across during their exploration of the park. Overall, Tunnel Creek National Park offers a wealth of natural and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for those seeking adventure and a deeper connection to the land.
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Visiting the park
Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, 1,845 kilometres northeast of Perth and 390 kilometres east of Broome. The park is accessible via unsealed roads, approximately 35 kilometres southeast of Windjana Gorge National Park or 90 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing. It is important to note that the park is a day-use area only, with limited facilities including toilets, picnic tables, and an information shelter. No overnight camping is permitted.
To experience the cave, it is recommended to bring a reliable torch, wear old sneakers or reef shoes, and be prepared to get wet as the water can be knee-high or higher in some places. There are permanent pools along the 750-metre tunnel that visitors need to wade through, and the water can be waist-deep in certain sections. The tunnel is up to 20 metres high and 15 metres wide in some parts, with large stalactite rock formations hanging from the roof.
The Tunnel Creek National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including at least five species of bats, olive pythons, and freshwater crocodiles. It is important to be cautious of crocodiles and heed all warning signs. If you are unsure, do not swim or canoe in the waters. The park is also a site of cultural significance for the local Bunuba people, and visitors can learn about the spiritual importance of the area and the legend of Jandamarra by joining a guided tour with a local Aboriginal guide.
The 2-kilometre return walk through the tunnel is a popular attraction, offering a bit of adventure as it takes you through a naturally formed tunnel carved by fast-flowing water over millions of years. The walk can be challenging due to the rocky and uneven surfaces, so sure-footedness is required. There is also excellent interpretive signage near the entrance of Tunnel Creek, providing detailed information about the history of the park and the exploits of Jandamarra.
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Frequently asked questions
Tunnel Creek is a creek located within the grounds of Tunnel Creek National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Tunnel Creek is a popular walk, taking visitors through a 750-metre tunnel that has been naturally formed over millions of years by fast-flowing wet-season waters. The tunnel is up to 20 metres high and 15 metres wide in some parts. Visitors will need to wade through pools that can be knee-high or higher, so it is recommended that you bring old sneakers or reef shoes, a powerful torch, and bathers.
Tunnel Creek is part of an ancient barrier reef that developed during the Devonian Period, around 350 million years ago. The area is of cultural significance to the local Bunuba people, as it was the hideout of the Aboriginal leader, Jandamarra (also known as Pigeon), who was killed outside the entrance of the cave in 1897.
Tunnel Creek is home to a variety of wildlife, including at least five species of bats, olive pythons, and freshwater crocodiles.
