Into the darkness - Tunnel Creek

From the Windjana Gorge campground its about a 32km drive down to the Tunnel Creek National Park. We were told to wear our swimmers and take good torches which sounded very exciting so we were all looking forward to this experience.


The 750m tunnel has been carved through the Napier range. It was fun scrambling over the boulders at the entrance and entering the dark tunnel that had water running into it.  Its not claustrophobic  as its very wide but you definitely need torches as it gets pitch dark. We spent about 2 hours in the tunnel while others came and went. The kids were studying everything. Ben had his head down most of the time, fascinated by what lived in the darkness under the water we were wading through...at times above my waist.

Hannah was looking up in search of a bat which she found after climbing through a narrow crevice and up into a mini cave!

Hannah also loved pointing out the pretty stalactites hanging from the ceiling in all shapes and sizes with water droplets dripping on our heads.  There was even an amazing looking stalactite waterfall in one section.

Suddenly you see a little light (that you think) is at the end of the tunnel, however it is actually light coming through a whole in the tunnel ceiling. It creates a beautiful reflection of the inside of the tunnel in the water.


We loved tunnel creek it was definitely a fun and unique experience. 

Freshwater Crocs along the Windjana Gorge walk

The Windjana Gorge campground had a great view looking out at the Napier range walls. The gorge walk started from our camp and was about 1km into the first big waterhole with a wide beach where the Freshwater Crocs (Freshies) bask in the sun.  They are obviously so used to the tourists, not batting an eyelid as you walk right past them. Of course Ben got up close and personal, sitting not too far away studying the ancient creatures. 

The Gorge is surrounded by walls up to 100m high. These are a part of the ancient reef system that was created in the Devonian period over 300million years ago when the whole area was an ocean. Only three quarters of the gorge walk was open. They are still working on opening the rest after the flood damage. So we got to the end and turned back, but the best part and most scenic is actually in the beginning.

                 View from our campsite                                            Hungry Hannah's Breakfast

                                                       Yes teachers we are doing our school work!