1 Day Windjana Gorge – Tunnel Creek Adventure

tOUR hIGHLIGHTS

Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Boab 'Prison Tree', Napier Range, Fitzroy River

Overview

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 bush tucker, followed by an afternoon in the fascinating Tunnel Creek cave system. A swim in the waterhole is a highlight of the day. This day trip from Broome offers a glimpse of Australia’s Kimberley region.

Itinerary

Departing Broome at 7:00am, we head east towards the Kimberley gorges. As we travel through the remote and beautiful landscape, 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 the notorious Derby 'Boab Prison Tree', a significant historical site of the West Kimberley. This tree, believed to be over 1500 years old and measuring almost 15 metres in girth, is a relic of some cultural sensitivity due to its use as a prison for local Aboriginals during the era of Kimberley pioneers.

Before long we hit the infamous 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 the 3.5km geological wonder of Windjana Gorge. Beneath gorge walls rising 90m, we search for freshwater crocodiles, local birdlife and Indigenous bush tucker.

After a picnic lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre cave system carved through the Napier Range, in which we discover stalactites, secret caves and a large variety of 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. A refreshing swim in an idyllic waterhole is a highlight of the day.

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. On the return journey down the Gibb River Road, the Napier Range provides an ambient backdrop to this remote Kimberley cattle country. We stop en route for an optional dinner (own expense), then after dark, relax and enjoy a movie before arriving back in Broome at approximately 10.30pm.

Further Information

Departures

This trip departs on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays and is subject to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 travellers.

Vehicles

This is a 4WD adventure and is operated with a comfortable 21 seat 4WD vehicle. All vehicles have air conditioning, reclinable seats, PA systems and DVD players.

Meals

This tour includes Morning and Afternoon Tea + lunch

Important Notes

Departures are all subject to weather conditions and road closures – this is usually only a concern for April & October / November departures.

Tunnel Creek involves some climbing over rocks and wading through water by torchlight so a reasonable level of mobility is necessary to participate.

Dinner is not included but can be purchased enroute back to Broome. Allow approx. $20pp