Caves

Victoria is home to a number of interesting caves, some of which can be easily explored. There are many coastal limestone caves along sections of the Great Ocean Road near the 12 Apostles, volcanic caves within the vast basalt plains of western Victoria, and in East Gippsland is an extensive network of limestone caves at Buchan.

Buchan Caves

Buchan Caves are located near the town of Buchan, around 55 kilometres north of Lakes Entrance. There are two limestone caves here which offer guided tours daily - Royal Cave and Fairy Cave. Tour participants can explore the cave pools rimmed with calcite and view spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. The area is cool and comfortable to visit, and the caves withhold a constant 17 degrees all year round. The surrounding Buchan Caves Reserve features a picnic area with deciduous trees, a kiosk and a visitors centre. Lyrebirds and kangaroos are regular visitors to the reserve and several walks can be undertaken from here.

www.parks.vic.gov.au

Byaduk Caves

The Byaduk Caves are located within the Mount Napier State Park. These caves are lava tubes, formed by flowing molten lava. The upper part of the lava solidifies while, underneath, the molten lava flows away, leaving the tubes. While these are the most extensive lava caves in Australia, only the Harmans 1 cave is open to the public.

www.visitgreaterhamilton.com.au

Princess Margaret Rose Cave

(Note: currently closed for redevelopment) Princess Margaret Rose Cave is located near the Glenelg River, just a few kilometres from the South Australian border. There are regular guided tours allowing visitors to examine actively growing stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and other spectacular limestone formations, some of which are over 700,000 years old. It is the only cave that is suitable for general public access in the Lower Glenelg National Park. There is an interpretive centre, auditorium, kiosk and camping grounds.

www.parks.vic.gov.au