Adventuring Through The Kimberley's Untamed Beauty
Day 12: Echoes of the Past: Exploring Tunnels and Waterfalls in The Kimberley
Delving into the mystical Tunnel Creek and the majestic Revolver Falls, uncovering the Kimberley's hidden gems with Liam.
Beneath the Surface, Beyond the Horizon
Today was a day of contrasts, venturing into the heart of the Kimberley's ancient landscapes. From the depths of a mysterious tunnel echoing with stories of the past, to the vast, open beauty of cascading waterfalls, the experiences were as diverse as the land itself. Liam and I set out with a sense of anticipation, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within these natural wonders. It's days like these that remind me why I love photography – capturing not just the sights, but the very essence of a place.
Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Wild Mango Cafe in Fitzroy Crossing. The promise of a long day exploring fueled our appetites, and we savored every bite of the fresh, modern cafe cuisine. I opted for the Breakfast Bruschetta, while Liam chose the classic Breakfast Burger. With our stomachs full and our spirits high, we set off towards our first destination: Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park.
Explore Dimalurru National Park, a natural treasure in Western Australia featuring stunning geological formations and rich Aboriginal heritage.
The drive to Dimalurru was an adventure in itself, the rugged terrain demanding all the attention of our 4WD. As we bumped along the unsealed roads, the landscape unfolded before us, a tapestry of ochre earth, hardy shrubs, and the occasional boab tree standing sentinel against the horizon. The Kimberley's vastness is something you have to experience to truly appreciate; it's a humbling reminder of nature's power and scale. I couldn't help but think of my childhood in Nyborg, Denmark, a world away from this untamed wilderness. It's funny how life takes you on unexpected journeys, leading you to places you never dreamed of.
Arriving at Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park, we were immediately struck by the imposing presence of the Napier Range. This ancient limestone formation, part of a 350-million-year-old Devonian reef system, holds within it a tunnel carved by the relentless flow of water over countless millennia. As we prepared to enter the tunnel, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement. I made sure we had our torches ready, and Liam double-checked our camera gear. We had been warned to wear sneakers and be prepared to get wet, and I was glad I'd listened.
Stepping into the mouth of the tunnel was like entering another world. The air was cool and damp, and the only light came from our torches, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The silence was profound, broken only by the sound of dripping water and our own footsteps echoing through the cavern. As we ventured deeper, the tunnel narrowed, and we found ourselves wading through pools of water, sometimes up to our knees.
The formations inside the tunnel were incredible – stalactites hanging from the ceiling like frozen waterfalls, and stalagmites rising from the ground like ancient monuments. We spotted several species of bats clinging to the walls, their eyes glinting in the torchlight. It was a truly surreal experience, walking through this subterranean world, knowing that we were following in the footsteps of countless others who had sought shelter and refuge within these walls.
To walk through Tunnel Creek is to step back in time, to feel the weight of history and the power of nature all around you.
Dimalurru is more than just a geological wonder; it's a place of deep cultural significance for the local Bunuba people. It was used as a hideout by the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra in the late 19th century, who led a resistance movement against colonial authorities. Knowing this added another layer of depth to our experience, a reminder of the complex history of this land and the struggles of its original inhabitants.
Emerging from the other side of the tunnel, we were greeted by the blinding light of the Kimberley sun. It was a strange sensation, stepping back into the present after having spent so long immersed in the past. As we walked back through the tunnel to the entrance, I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for having had the opportunity to witness such a unique and special place.
After our adventure at Tunnel Creek, we hit the road again, this time heading towards Lake Argyle in search of Revolver Falls.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Revolver Falls in Lake Argyle, a serene escape into nature's wonders, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The landscape changed dramatically as we drove, the rugged ranges giving way to vast open plains and shimmering waterways. The Kimberley is a land of contrasts, and it never ceases to amaze me how quickly the scenery can transform from one extreme to another.
Lunch was a bit of an adventure in itself. We had planned to grab a bite at Kimberley Coastal Camp, but soon realized it was more of an exclusive, fly-in type of place. It is accessible only by air, and caters to a maximum of just 16 guests. So, we ended up having a picnic lunch by the side of the road, enjoying the stunning views and the solitude of the Kimberley wilderness. It wasn't quite the gourmet meal we had anticipated, but it was delicious nonetheless.
Finally, we arrived at the turnoff for Revolver Falls. The falls are located on a remote edge of Lake Argyle. I was excited to see Western Australia's largest single drop waterfall. The drive to the falls was challenging, but the stunning scenery made it worthwhile. The wet season has transformed the landscape into a green paradise.
As we stood before Revolver Falls, I was struck by its raw, untamed beauty. The water cascaded down the red and purple-hued clifftops, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of sound and motion. The falls plunge 130 meters, and are best viewed from the air. The sheer force of the water was awe-inspiring, a testament to the power of nature to shape and sculpt the landscape. I set up my camera and began to capture the scene, trying to convey the sense of wonder and majesty that I felt in that moment.
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the area around Revolver Falls, hiking through the lush vegetation and soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. The Kimberley is a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature on a profound level. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we reluctantly packed up our gear and began the drive back to Fitzroy Crossing.
For dinner, we decided to try Kelly's Bar & Grill.
Discover Kelly's Bar & Grill: A Culinary Gem in Kununurra Offering Local Flavors and Inviting Atmosphere.
We were both starving after a long day of exploring. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. I opted for the grilled barramundi, while Liam chose the steak. We savored every bite, relishing the flavors of the Kimberley and reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared throughout the day.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunities I've been given to explore this amazing part of the world. The Kimberley is a place that gets under your skin, that challenges you and inspires you in equal measure. It's a place where you can discover not only the beauty of nature, but also the depths of your own soul.
Tomorrow, we're off to explore Kings Cascade and King George Falls. I can't wait to see what wonders await us on the next leg of our Kimberley adventure!
Join us as we explore The Kimberley's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, capturing its essence through photography and adventure.
Meet this Featured Explorer
-
Occupation: Freelance Photographer specializing in landscape and adventure photography
-
Country: Canada
-
Age: 33
Hej! I'm Mette, a freelance photographer and travel blogger originally from Denmark, now based in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. My journey began in the charming town of Nyborg, where my love for nature first took root. Together with my husband, Liam, I traverse the globe, capturing the essence of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures through my lens. I'm passionate about sustainable travel, uncovering hidden gems, and sharing stories that inspire others to explore our incredible planet responsibly. Join me as I share my adventures, practical tips, and reflections on the world around us!
- Sustainability
- Nordic Noir literature
- Glacier National Park
- Wildlife conservation
- Scandinavian design
Find Similar Travel Diaries
Explore locations from this diary
-
Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park
Explore Dimalurru National Park, a natural treasure in Western Australia featuring stunning geological formations and rich Aboriginal heritage.
-
Revolver Falls
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Revolver Falls in Lake Argyle, a serene escape into nature's wonders, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
-
Wild Mango Cafe
Discover Wild Mango Cafe: A delightful culinary gem in Kununurra offering fresh breakfasts, lunch options, and exceptional coffee.
-
Kimberley Coastal Camp
Experience luxury amidst nature at Kimberley Coastal Camp - your gateway to Western Australia's breathtaking landscapes.
-
Kelly's Bar & Grill
Discover Kelly's Bar & Grill: A Culinary Gem in Kununurra Offering Local Flavors and Inviting Atmosphere.
-
The Sandalwood Shop
Explore the enchanting Sandalwood Shop in Kununurra for unique gifts, health products, and exquisite perfumes infused with Australian sandalwood.