Have you heard of Geikie Gorge, Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek? These are yet more of the natural wonders to be found in the Kimbereley region of Western Australia?
From the time we entered the Kimberley, we kept hearing about Geikie Gorge, Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek. We had never heard of these places before. Other retirees enjoying travel kept saying how beautiful these areas were and highly recommended we visit.
After all we had heard about Geikie Gorge, Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek there was no way we were going to miss out on visiting them. We were very keen to enjoy more Kimberley wilderness adventures. We decided to do day trips from our base in Fitzroy Crossing.
About Fitzroy Crossing
Fitzroy Crossing, in Western Australia, is known as the heart of the Kimberley. It is situated on the Great Northern Highway and is:
- 392 km from Broome
- 252 km from Derby
- 288 km from Halls Creek
Population approximately 1,500 (in town)
Please note – Alcohol restrictions apply in Fitzroy Crossing.
Day 1
We were fortunate to be invited to go fishing. Day 1 saw us fishing for Barramundi on the banks of the Fitzroy River. Sadly no luck. Later that afternoon we did the Geikie Gorge sunset tour.
Geikie Gorge National Park
Everyone we talked to highly recommended the sunset tour of Geikie Gorge. We were so very pleased we did.
Geikie Gorge is located 20 km form Fitzroy Crossing, on a sealed road. Entry into this National Park is free.
The Geikie Gorge has been created by the flood waters of the Fitzroy River.
Guided boat tours are available between April and November. Cost – Adult $45.00 and concession $32.00 (June 2017). We enjoyed an informative commentary as we travelled on an open air boat along the Gorge.
Stunning 30 metre, multicoloured, limestone cliffs rise above the river.
The late afternoon sunlight on the gorge walls, the reflections on water, and the strange limestone eroded shapes along the Gorge walls were simply breathtaking. In our opinion, Geikie Gorge is one of the most stunning we have visited.
There are also walking trails with scenic views of the east wall of the Gorge.
Day 2 we travelled 300 km (return to Fitzroy Crossing) to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek. After turning off the Great Northern Road it was dirt all the way. The dirt road was in good condition. We drove over a couple of easy water crossings. The road conditions can vary and the road is listed as 4WD. Access to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek is also available via the Gibb River Road.
Day 2
We travelled to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek.
Windjana Gorge National Park
We knew we had a big day trip ahead with the distance we needed to drive and the walking we would do. We decided to visit Windjana Gorge first, as we knew we would get wet when we walked through Tunnel Creek.
Windjana Gorge is part of the 375,000,000 year old Devonian reef system. This land is so very ancient. We enjoyed a 7km return walk, by the Lennard River.
Windjana Gorge walls are 100 metres high in places.
For us, the highlight of our time at Windjana Gorge was seeing all the Freshwater Crocodiles. They were everywhere; on the banks of the river, lying on rocks, and in the many deep freshwater pools.
Park entrance fees apply. You need to purchase a day pass or a holiday / annual all parks pass . Camping facilities are available – fees apply.
Tunnel Creek National Park
Tunnel Creek is located 112 km from Fitzroy Crossing and 35 km from Windjana Gorge.
Tunnel Creek is one of Western Australia’s oldest cave systems. It is also part of the ancient Devonian Reef. Basically, it is a 750m long underground tunnel, with a creek running through it.
Others had recommended we take a torch and wear shoes. The tunnel is quite dark in sections. Natural light filters through in some open spaces. At times we needed to wade through fresh water pools in the creek. In one section the water was up to the top of our legs.
Apologies for the poor quality photos of Tunnel Creek. We were not game to carry our camera in the dark and through the water. So we took an iPhone to capture these images. Hope the images give you an idea of what to experience in Tunnel Creek
In the tunnel we saw stalactites, natural rock formations, bats, and a very small waterfall. At the end of the tunnel we found an natural arch opening out into the countryside.
Many families were enjoying the walk through Tunnel Creek with us. As you can imagine, Tunnel Creek was a big hit with the children. The big kids had lots of fun too.
No entry fee. No camping.
Where to eat in Fitzroy Crossing
We were very fortunate to be invited out for a meal by retirees we met at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park. These people have a daughter working in Fitzroy Crossing and she recommended we eat at the Crossing Inn. The Crossing Inn is the oldest pub in the Kimberley Region. It is located in the Old Town section, a short drive from Fitzroy Crossing. As usual, local knowledge is the best. We were not disappointed. The food was great.
We also heard very good reviews about the food available at the Fitroy River Lodge.
Accommodation in Fitzroy Crossing
- Fitzroy River Lodge Accommodation – options include studios, motel rooms, safari tents, units and camping ground. This is where we stayed in our caravan. This was a great place to stay.
- Crossing Inn
- Tarunda Caravan Park
Other tourist attractions available in the Fitzroy Crossing area:
- Local Aboriginal Guided Tag-a -long tours
- Foot Bridge
- Pioneer Cemetery
- Art Studios
- Mimbi Caves
There is no hesitation on our behalf to recommend a visit to Geikie Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge. Fitzroy Crossing was a great place to base ourselves. Geikie Gorge is simply stunning to see on a sunset cruise. Tunnel Creek was a unique and fun experience. And Windjana Gorge,with all the freshwater crocodiles, was a true spectacle.
Have you heard of Geikie Gorge, Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek before? For us they were unknown treasures of the Kimberley. Would you be interested in visiting? Love to hear your thoughts about this post. Please leave a comment.
Safe and happy travels
From Estelle and Greg – Retirees Enjoying Travel
❤️ Awesome photos ❤️
Thanks so much Daphne. Hard to go wrong with such truly awesome scenery