Are you looking for the Best Cave to Visit in Margaret River?
If you’re looking for a quick fix of natural beauty, there is no better place than the caves in Margaret River. From deep dark pits to wide open spaces with internal lakes and spectacular views; each cave has something unique about it that will take your breath away.
If seeing all six show caves is too much then we are here to help you choose which one to visit, so that no matter which you end up seeing, it’ll be an awe-inspiring experience!
Formed over a million years ago, the caves near Margaret River, from Busselton to Augusta, are one of the natural wonders of Australia's South West. There are actually more than 100 limestone caves all up that we know about, but only six are open to the public, some with guided tours, others are self-guided tours.
There's no other stretch of caves like this in Western Australia!
There are plenty of things to see and do in the Margaret River region, but if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience then I recommend exploring these caves. These are the best caves in Margaret River. The whole family will leave with memories that they'll cherish forever after their adventure down under (Get it? Down under?)
DISCLOSURE
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Best Caves In Margaret River
Which Is The Best Cave To See In Margaret River?
The best cave to see in Margaret River is Jewel Cave, in my opinion. However, if you only have time to see one Margaret River cave and mobility or accessibility isn’t an issue, then go to one closest to where you are staying; if you're in Busselton/Dunsborough/Yallingup, go to Ngilgi Cave, if you're in Margaret River, go to Lake Cave, and if you're in Augusta, try Jewel Cave. If there are accessibility needs, family requirements, or time issues, that can also dictate which cave you select.
1. Jewel Cave Margaret River
Hidden in the beautiful Boranup Karri forest, Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia offering three massive chambers and one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in Australia.
With over 40 percent of the cave developed for tourism, it offers an easy walk cave and is one of the best caves to visit with small kids.
You will also find an onsite café offering coffee, light lunches, and refreshments, as well as a shop. Jewel Cave is located at the southern end of Caves Road, ten minutes north of Augusta, and combines well with a trip to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
If you’re looking for cave tours in Margaret River, Jewel Cave has you covered. Fully guided tours run for 1 hour and are conducted throughout the day starting every half hour from 9.30 am, and it’s advised to buy your tickets to your Fully Guided Tour in advance.
2. Lake Cave Margaret River
Margaret River Lake Cave is a stunning crystal wonderland and one of the deepest caves in the Margaret River Region. Entry to Lake Cave is from the floor of a sunken forest, surrounded by towering Karri trees, and is highly recommended for adults and children alike.
Lake Cave is the most 'actively dripping' cave in the Margaret River Region, and the only cave with a permanent lake on the inside which creates an incredible mirrored wonderland. Marvel at the unique 'suspended table' formation, which weighs several tonnes and seems to defy gravity as it hovers above the clear lake water.
Lake Cave is a relaxing 20-minute drive south of Margaret River, along the famous Caves road. Guided tours run for 1 hour and are conducted throughout the day starting at 9.20 am, book tickets here.
3. Ngilgi Cave Margaret River
Ngilgi Cave is located off Caves Road between Dunsborough and Yallingup and is rich in history, being Western Australia's first tourist attraction.
Ngilgi cave is named because of its association with an Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine).
The cave offers a stunning display of stalactite, stalagmite, helictite, and shawl formations plus an interpretive area detailing the cave’s rich history. Hour-long semi-guided tours depart every half-hour from 9.30 am, and you can book tickets here.
4. Mammoth Cave Margaret River
Mammoth Cave is for those who like to explore caves at their leisure. This self-guided cave offers the perfect opportunity to go it alone in safety.
Headphones are available which provide an informative insight into the history and features of the cave.
Wandering through Mammoth Cave conjures thoughts of this being the perfect home for a caveman. With natural light playing on the formations and an array of angles going off in all directions it is not hard to imagine this once being a liveable place.
Mammoth Cave also contains a fossil from Australia’s megafauna so make sure you don’t miss checking this out. There is also a lovely boardwalk through the forest on the way out.
Mammoth Cave is 20 minutes south of Margaret River township and the most accessible, with the first chamber being wheelchair friendly (but no prams or strollers). Bookings are recommended and tickets are available here.
5. Giants Cave Margaret River
Giants Cave is a true adventure experience as it involves climbing, crawling, and maneuvering through vertical ladder climbs, rock scrambles, tight spots, gigantic chambers, a natural cave floor and constructed walkways for more than 500m in this 86m deep cave. This is a medium-level adventure and not suitable for children under 6, and you must wear fully enclosed footwear.
Giants Cave is not lit, and you are provided with helmets, headlamps, and torches before you enter. Some people find this cave physically challenging, so if you are claustrophobic or suffer mobility issues, other caves may be better for you to visit.
This one takes about an hour to go through and opening hours for Giants Cave are non-standard, so please check current opening times and entry prices here before making the drive.
6. Calgardup Cave Margaret River
Calgardup is a really fun self-guided cave in Margaret River that you can tour at your own pace. You're provided with a torch, helmet, and head-lamp and can explore the cave on your own without a guide (while keeping to the boardwalk and steps) It's easily accessible for all ages, with handrails on all boardwalks and stairs. Calgardup Cave is 27m deep and full of colorful crystals, stalactites and stalagmites, and walls of flowstone.
Calgardup is probably one of the least visited caves, which makes it generally pretty quiet and not as 'touristy' as the others. You don't need to book in advance to see Calgardup Cave, but for up-to-date ticket prices and opening hours, click right here.
Our friends over at the Margaret River Motel made this YouTube video of their experience of Calgardup Cave too, you can watch it here.
FAQ
What Is The Best Cave To See In Margaret River?
The best cave to visit in Margaret River is Jewel Cave. It is the biggest show cave in Western Australia, and has three massive chambers, making it the best cave to visit with small children. You can buy tickets here.
Which Is The Biggest Cave In Margaret River?
Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia with one of the longest straw stalactites and eight entrances. Fully guided tours run for one hour and are conducted throughout the day starting every half hour from 9.30 am You can buy tickets here.
What Is Special About Jewel Cave?
Jewel Cave is special because is the biggest show cave in Western Australia, offering three massive chambers and one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in Australia. Fully guided tours run for one hour and are conducted throughout the day starting every half hour from 9.30 am You can buy tickets here.
Can You Go Into Mammoth Cave Without A Tour?
Yes, you can visit Mammoth Cave without a tour. This self-guided cave offers the perfect opportunity to go it alone in safety. Check opening hours and it’s recommended you buy a ticket here before making the journey out there.
How Many Caves Are In Margaret River?
There are six caves in total to visit in Margaret River. Giants and Calgardup Caves are operated by DPAW and the remaining four are operated by the MRBTA.
How Many Steps Does Lake Cave Have?
Lake Cave has 325 steps down, and 325 steps back up again! This contrasts with Ngilgi Cave, which has 350 steps, and Jewel Cave with 250 steps.
How Long Does The Ngilgi Cave Tour Take?
The Ngilgi Cave Tour takes approximately one hour. It is semi-guided, which means the guide gives you an introductory talk while you’re being led down into the first chamber, which after that you are free to explore on your own.
How Do You Pronounce Ngilgi Cave?
Ngilgi Cave is pronounced ‘Neel-gee’ and is named because of its association with an Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine).
More Information
Hopefully, we’ve created a comprehensive list of caves you can visit while you’re in Margaret River, but if not, we’ve compiled this shortlist of tools you can purchase to help you have a cave experience at home or cement your children's learning!
- This is a fun kit that our own kids have used and enjoyed before! It’s a National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit, and it contains 15 fossils that your children can excavate. The kit includes a chisel, brush, and magnifying glass and I can confirm it keeps the kids occupied while they’re actually learning something - does it get any better than that? Highly recommend this kit!
- As the mum of small boys, I can also confirm that these Small Pocket Binoculars make an excellent gift to extend your children's learning while visiting the Margaret River Region. Let them use these binoculars to get up and close to the geology of the caves, and then use them above ground to spot birds and other wildlife!
- If you’re looking for a way to expand your child's learning that relates to visiting caves, try out this book Geology Lab For Kids, a family-friendly guide about geology, crystals, fossils, geysers, and volcanoes with 52 fun experiments that you can try out home. If your kid loves geology, then they will LOVE learning how to sort rocks and make crystals, all with pretty simple ingredients you can find at home.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading all this, you have found a cave in Margaret River that you want to explore! Caving in Margaret River is a great all-weather activity, and also a great history lesson while you're at it! There's a cave suitable for all ages and ability levels - tell us below, which is your favorite cave?
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