Tunnel Creek and the Gibb is done!

Another early start on the road in order to secure a spot at the Lennard River free camp by 9:30am. As Windjana Gorge was closed for the season, due to a salt-water crocodile inhabiting the gorge, we were informed spots might be tight to be able to camp near Leopold Downs Road, to access Tunnel Creek. As we pulled in several vans were vacating, so we were lucky enough to get a great spot for the night – with firewood! Yay.

A quick set up, unhitch and change into our cossies and we were on the road, with our head torches, for the 55kms on the dirt for Tunnel Creek. The road was in very good condition and we arrived just after 11:30am.

For 10 years the Bunuba people prevented the colonisation of squatters occupying their lands through hit and run attacks on sheep and stockman’s huts. Tunnel Creek was the site where Jandamarra, a young Bunuba man, took refuge in 1894, hiding from police, as he had shot and killed Police Constable Bill Richardson eased Aboriginal prisoners and shared weapons amongst them. Eventually police caught up with Jandamarra and shot him near Tunnel Creek.

After reading of the historical events and the informative boards around the area’s geology, we climbed over giant boulders to enter the creek and the darkness. Due to the recent big wet the water flowing through the tunnel, which is usually waist high at this time of year, was well over our heads, requiring swimming in the dark with only a head torch for guidance. It didn’t help when amongst the bat calls, a fresh water crocodiles beady red eyes were spotted and loud hissing filled the cavern, I was rather freaked, while Sippy thought it was all very exciting. We had been warned that the water was icy cold, but we didn’t find this to be the case – in fact we enjoyed the coolness as it was 32 degrees outside.

We made it to the end, into the daylight and found the Aboriginal art site on the left. It was then back into tunnel, through the water, past the little croc (still there) and safely out the other side for a towel down and a lovely picnic lunch.

Back at Lennard River that afternoon, we strolled up to the bridge and marvelled at all the debris that had been washed down during the wet season, high up on the banks on both sides. We were very wary not to go close to the waters edge due to recent salt water croc sightings in the area. The day prior a 4m salty was on show evidently.

That evening we celebrated, having conquered the infamous Gibb River Road, with car, van and all tyres intact! We had a lovely big campfire, made damper and went to bed a little sad as this part of the adventure was over, but extremely blessed and happy that we got to live Sippy’s dream.