The entrance to the Dimalurru cavern is well guarded. To gain entry you will need to climb over rocks and squeeze through crevices. Just metres in from this hidden entrance, the outside light fades away, leaving you completely immersed in the subterranean world. Indeed, this walk cannot be navigated without the aid of torches.
As the cavern has been sculptured by the flow of Dimalurru’s waters, the trail itself is no different to any other riverbed, consisting of coarse sand and smooth, water polished pebbles. However, there are several permanent pools of water that need to be crossed. These range in depth and are influenced by the quantity of rain received in each preceding bulurru (monsoon time). The shallowest pools reach about mid-calf but the deepest can be waist or even chest high. But don’t panic, thousands walk this trail every year. The only thing you should prepare for is the shock of cold that comes with waters that remain hidden from the sun! Just remember to pick your clothing and shoes with water crossings in mind.
One thing that you will discover on the subterranean trail is the vast spectrum of life which thrives here deep beneath the balili (limestone). Jarramba (cherabin), mulurru (fork-tailed catfish), larri (bony bream), bunda (spangled perch) and walmarri (Australian rainbow fish) can all be seen flitting around the shallows. There are even a couple of gayi (freshwater crocodiles) that call Dimalurru home. But don’t worry, our gayi are incredibly shy and if you are fortunate enough to see one, just give it some space.
About halfway along the trail, a section of the cavern roof has fallen in, bringing a concentration of light to this section of the tunnel. It is near here that you will be able to see a colony of wunggurrunba (flying foxes) who shelter in the cavern each day. The wall behind the wunggurrunba glitters bright in the rich mineral waters that seep through the balili walls. These slow-moving droplets continually fossilise into a gallery of spectacular stalactites that are imperceptibly twisting their way to the tunnel floor. Watching above you can also notice the impressive root system of the biyinyji (rock fig) whose growth depends on their ability to penetrate the harsh balili in reach of the permanent waters below.
The full subterranean traverse of the Napier Range runs for just over 750m. Take the time during the crossing to allow your senses to fully engage with the wonder of this underground world. The tunnel comes out onto the gently flowing Dimalurru. If you rest up here awhile, you may be fortunate enough to catch sight of our resident wabada (water goanna) going about their daily hunt. The secret to Dimalurru and the subterranean trail is to take the time to pause and slow down. With our increasingly busy and over connected lives, Dimalurru’s underworld is a rare opportunity to sit and immerse yourself within our natural surrounds.
Please note that whilst a torch is necessary to navigate the Subterranean Trail, many of the animals found here are sensitive to the light. There are many species of bats taking shelter in the crevices of the cavern ceiling and roof. We request that you do not shine your torch directly on these or any other animals that you may come across in the tunnel.