Fitzroy Crossing
Situated in the heart of some of the best pastoral country in Australia with other industry interests including Tourism and Mining. The town is approximately 114 metres above sea level and is surrounded by vast flood plains of the Fitzroy River. From May to October days are warm and dry and nights are cool whilst from December to March, in most years, tropical storms transform the surrounding countryside into a waving sea of green.
Located on the river bank just out of reach of major flood waters, the old town began where there was a suitable place to ford the river. Still standing in the old town is the original causeway crossing, the former post office an avenue of Boab trees and a footbridge across the Brooking Creek linking the old town with the Inn and the original cemetery. 18km's from the town on a sealed road is the magnificent Geikie Gorge National Park, the gorge was carved by the Fitzroy River through an ancient limestone reef. The tranquil waters abound with fish, and birds are attracted to its tree lined banks. During the dry season boat cruises are operated by the Department of Environment & Conversation daily.
Geikie Gorge National Park
The gorge was named after British geologist, Sir Archibald Geike in 1883.
The traditional owners, the Bunuba, call the gorge Darngku. Stories of how the park was created in the 'Dreaming' can be heard on a boat tour giving visitors an Aboriginal perspective of the park and its plants and animals.
The gorge features steep walls where the river has cut through the Geike Range, exposing a fine section of the Devonian Reef. It is 14 kilometres long, divided into two sections of approximately equal length with several atoll-type reefs in the Copley Valley area.
The 30 metre high walls are bleached white by sun and water to a height of about 10 to 12 metres above normal river level and fossils embedded in the limestone may be seen. Most of the gorge in its southern part is cut through back-reef limestone while to the north the river slices through marginal slope deposits which contain some conspicuous bivalve shells. The contact between steeply inclined marginal-slope deposits and horizontally bedded reef and back-reef deposits are well illustrated.
Other features of the gorge are the colours, reflections, freshwater crocodiles, fish and freshwater stingrays which add to the park's fascinating landforms. You may swim off the sandbank, but care is needed and there are two walking tracks. Wildlife abounds, including freshwater crocodiles which are not generally considered to be a threat to humans if left undisturbed.
Because of their significance both banks of the river have been declared a sanctuary. The only permitted area for walking runs along the west bank from the southern boundary of the park to the beginning of the west wall of the gorge.
Things To Do & See- Bushwalking
- Rock Climbing
- Sightseeing
- Walking
The road is sealed all the way from Fitzroy Crossing. It is suitable for conventional vehicles, trailers and caravans.
The ranger is based in the park from April to November operating boat tours. With permission, private boats are allowed on the waters only after the last tour returns at 4.00pm.
Facilities include boat ramp, information, barbecues, picnic, showers, drinking water, toilets including for the disabled. No pets allowed. The gorge is a day use only area so camping is not allowed.
Getting There
Access by Car: Sealed road - access to all vehicles.
Open Times: 0630 to 1830 Daily. Entry restricted during the wet season (December to March) when the Fitzroy river floods.
General Facilities Available: BBQ Facilities, Carpark, Picnic Area, Public Toilet, Sheltered Area.
Disabled Access: There is access for disabled people.
No pets are allowed in National Parks.
Tunnel Creek National Park
Tunnel Creek National Park is located in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia and is approximately 91 hectares. It is 115 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing, 180 kilometres from Derby and 30 kilometres south-east of Windjana Gorge and is accessible by unsealed road.
Tunnel Creek National Park is home to Western Australia's oldest cave system which is famous as a hideout used late last century by an Aboriginal leader known as Jandamarra, often referred to as 'Pigeon'. He was killed outside its entrance in 1897.
Tunnel Creek flows through a water worn tunnel beneath the limestone of the Napier Range. You can walk 750 metres through the tunnel to the other side of Napier Range, wading through several permanent pools and watching for bats and the stalactites that descend from the roof in many places. Freshwater crocodiles are occasionally found in the pools. Take a torch, wear sneakers and be prepared to get wet and possibly cold.
Vegetation in the park consists of Boab and paper bark trees and sand and water goanna, wallaby, bats, herons and owls can be seen.
Things To Do & See- Caving
- Sightseeing
- Walking
- Swimming is possible in the water hole at the far end of the tunnel
- Rock climbing in the park is not recommended
The best time to visit the park is from May to October.
For further information contact the Ranger in Charge, Geikie Gorge National Park, PO Box 37, Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia 6765 or the West Kimberley District Office of Conservation and Land Management on phone (08) 9192 1036.
Getting There
Access by Car: Two wheel drive seasonal and four wheel drive.
Open Times: Daily from May to October
General Facilities Available: Carpark, Public Toilet, Shaded Area.
No dogs allowed
Windjana George National Park
Windjana Gorge National park is one of the Kimberley's stunning gorges. See the striking glory of a 350 million year old Devonian period reef rising majestically above the surrounding plains. The walls of Windjana Gorge rise abruptly from the wide alluvial floodplain of the Lennard river, reaching about 100 metres high in some places. The three and a half kilometre long gorge cuts through the limestone of the Napier Range.
The Lennard River runs through the gorge in wet weather, but during the dry season it forms pools surrounded by trees and shrubs.
The gorge is rich in vegetation and wildlife.
Access by Car: 145 kilometres from Derby and 150 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing
Things To Do & See- Birdwatching
- Bushwalking
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Walking
A three and a half kilometre easy walking trail winds through the gorge, displaying primeval life forms fossilised within the gorge walls and an array of local flora and fauna.
Getting There
Access by Car: Unsealed road. Two wheel drive access is seasonal.
General Facilities Available: Carpark, Picnic Area, Public Toilet.
No pets allowed. | 
