Tunnel Creek National Park
National Park Park centered on limestone cave with cultural significance
In Western Australia’s Kimberley, Tunnel Creek National Park preserves a roughly 750‑metre tunnel cut through the Napier Range. Visitors walk the underground creek, encounter bats and freshwater crocodiles, and learn about Aboriginal heritage linked to the tunnel.
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Tunnel Creek National Park is a protected area in the Kimberley region of Western Australia that conserves a distinctive cave system and surrounding sandstone ranges. The park is best known for its underground creek tunnel carved through limestone.
The principal attraction is a walk through the Tunnel Creek cave - an underground water-carved tunnel of roughly 750 metres where visitors wade along the creek and pass under low rock ceilings. The surface landscape includes rugged ranges and associated walking tracks for short hikes and wildlife viewing.
The cave is part of the Napier Range karst system and carries a perennial creek. It has known cultural significance to local Aboriginal people and was used historically as a hideout by the Bunuba leader Jandamarra in the late 19th century. The area is managed for both natural and cultural values.
The park lies in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia within the Napier Range. It is in remote country of the West Kimberley and is accessed via outback roads from regional service towns.
- Cave access: The cave passage is about 750 metres long and requires wading through standing or flowing water; waterproof footwear and a reliable torch are essential.
What to See #
- Tunnel Creek (cave): The Tunnel Creek cave itself is a roughly 750-metre limestone tunnel carved by a perennial creek; visitors walk through the tunnel along ankle- to waist-deep water in places.
How to Get to Tunnel Creek National Park #
Tunnel Creek National Park is in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, roughly 130 km south of Derby. Access is by sealed and unsealed roads; a high-clearance 4WD may be required depending on conditions. Regional tours depart from Derby and Broome and include return transport and guiding.
Tips for Visiting Tunnel Creek National Park #
- Buy or download a detailed walking map from the Parks and Wildlife Service before setting off - signage in the Kimberley can be basic.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch for the Tunnel Creek section; the tunnel is wet and will require wading in places.
- Respect Indigenous cultural sites: the park is on Bunuba country; local tour operators offer guided visits that explain the area's Dreaming stories.
- Start early to avoid midday heat; many guided trips depart from Broome or Derby and include transport.
Best Time to Visit Tunnel Creek National Park #
Best visited in the Kimberley dry season (May-September) when roads and the tunnel are safest; guided visits from regional centres are recommended.
Weather & Climate near Tunnel Creek National Park #
Tunnel Creek National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in November) and warm winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 39°C. Moderate rainfall (716 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 37°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (217 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 29°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 33°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is the hottest month with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 35°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
