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Tunnel Creek National Park

National Park

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 essentials

Address: Tunnel Creek National Park, Kimberley, Western Australia
Website: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
Hours: Open sunrise-sunset (seasonal closures possible)
Admission: Park entry free; tour fees for guided options vary

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.
When to Go

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.

Dry season
May-September · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
The Kimberley dry season is the safest and most pleasant time to visit: trails dry, flies lessen and roads are more passable.
Shoulder season
April, October · 22-33°C (72-91°F)
Fewer tourists than peak dry season but weather can be hot; check road conditions after rains.

Weather & Climate near Tunnel Creek National Park#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 31 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
47°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 24° - 36° 37° 217 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.5 m/s 3.0 extreme 12.9h
February Good 24° - 35° 35° 200 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.2 m/s 3.0 extreme 12.6h
March Very Good 23° - 35° 34° 123 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
April Excellent 20° - 36° 29° 25 mm mostly sunny 54% 1.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.6h
May Ideal 17° - 33° 25° 17 mm clear 40% 1.9 m/s 1.6 very high 11.2h
June Ideal 14° - 31° 22° 5 mm clear 35% 2.2 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
July Ideal 12° - 31° 22° 5 mm clear 30% 2.0 m/s 1.4 high 11.1h
August Ideal 14° - 33° 23° 1 mm clear 26% 2.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
September Ideal 18° - 36° 27° 4 mm clear 28% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
October Excellent 22° - 38° 30° 12 mm mostly sunny 33% 2.4 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.4h
November Excellent 24° - 39° 32° 34 mm mostly sunny 39% 2.7 m/s 2.9 extreme 12.8h
December Good 25° - 38° 35° 73 mm partly cloudy 57% 2.5 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.0h
Getting There & Around

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.