WA’s best-kept secret: An ancient tunnel creek cave

Discover Western Australia’s oldest cave system.

There are many reasons to visit The Kimberley: The Bungle Bungles, Horizontal Falls and incredible helicopter rides over massive waterfalls, to name a small fraction. But a place that you probably haven’t heard about is Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek).

What is Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)?

About 350 million years ago, the Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) was underwater, forming part of an ocean reef system. These days, the water level has dropped, but not before carving a huge 750-metre limestone tunnel that gets up to 20 metres high and 15 metres wide in some parts. It’s Western Australia’s oldest known cave system.

Besides its ancient history and incredible natural beauty, this is also a place of significant Australian history. In 1897, it was used as a hideout by the famous/ infamous (depending on who you ask) Bunuba Indigenous leader and freedom fighter of the time, Jandamarra.

These caves were carved by water hundreds of millions of years ago. (Image: Tourism WA)

Why explore Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)?

Dimalurra travels from one side of the Napier Range to the other. And as beautiful as the range is from above, there’s an entirely different type of beauty below.

Wander through large caverns, with beams of sunlight leaking in from the world outside. Large stalactite formations hanging down from the roof add to the drama, as do mini-waterfalls along the tunnel wall. Also, keep an eye out for Indigenous rock art near both entrances of the tunnel.

Along the way, you’re likely to spot many different bat species and even freshwater crocodiles that call this cave home.

See the dramatic structures inside the cave. (Image: Tourism WA)

How to explore Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)

Napier Range and Dimalurru reside in the West Kimberley, about 2.5 hours (180 kilometres) east of Derby. Head out yourself and take part in a day of hiking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that can get wet, and bring a torch (a real one, your phone torch light won’t cut it) as the tunnel gets pitch black in places.

If you don’t want to go it alone, join day trips from Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Broome.

And, of course, check the Parks and Wildlife Service website for opening updates.

Hike it by yourself or join a day tour. (Image: Tourism WA)

Discover more to do in the Kimberleys while you’re there with this guide to 13 of our favourite experiences.