Tunnel View Trail

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park

Length

0.4 km

TERRAIN

Take an easy stroll to the tunnel entrance to observe the patterns, textures, and colours in the limestone at the rock face.

LEVEL

Class 2

OPENING TIMES

The opening of Dimalurru is determined by weather and road access. It is typically open around May - November depending on conditions. Park entry fees apply

ACCESSIBLE

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) is located 110km NW of Fitzroy Crossing via unsealed roads. You need a four-wheel-drive to access the park, which is generally inaccessible during the wet season.

Take a moment to savour the ancient geology of this significant place

The Dimalurru Tunnel View Trail is a mostly shaded walk that runs 400m from the carpark to the tunnel entrance. The sandy path cuts close into the balili (limestone), allowing an intimate study of the colours and grains that mark this ancient reef. The 350-million-year-old Devonian Reef formed a 100km long barrier off the Kimberley coast.

Today the reef stretches from Kununurra to Derby but only a short section of this complex reef system is exposed. A 350km section of reef, known as the Canning Basin Rim, has been pushed up and uncovered through thousands of years of tectonic and landmass movement. It is the Canning Basin Rim that forms the Balili Conservation Park, as well as the rock formations seen at Danggu and Bandilngan National Parks.

Take a pause along the Dimalurru Tunnel View Trail to reflect and admire the towering balili above. Breathe in the antiquity of our landscape that stretches so far back in the planet’s history. To give you some kind of measure of the age of the Devonian Reef, consider that we are actually closer in time to the Age of the Dinosaurs, than the dinosaurs are to this being a living reef.

Temperatures in Dimalurru can easily exceed 40C and it is recommended that you walk during the cooler times of the day. Carry adequate water - at least 1L of water per person for each hour walking. Hats, long sleeves and sunscreen are strongly advised, along with sturdy footwear.