Margaret River Caves
Forming over a million years ago the caves along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, Busselton to Augusta are one of the natural wonders of Australia’s Southwest.
Heading underground is an experience not to be missed when visiting the Margaret River Region and with over 100 caves dotted along the ridge the ones listed below are open to the public and some can be viewed on a guided tour and some at your own leisure.
Jewel Cave
Jewel cave is Western Australia’s largest tourism cave and if you only have time to visit one cave, then this is the one to see.
Hidden in the beautiful Boranup Karri forest the Jewel cave offers three huge chambers and one of the longest 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 one of the best caves to visit with small kids.
You will find an onsite café offering good lunch options, as well as kiosk and shop. Jewel cave is located at the southern end of Caves Road nearer to Augusta and combines well with a trip to the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse.
Guided tours run for 1 hr and are conducted throughout the day starting at 9.20am.
Lake Cave
The Lake Cave is a stunning crystal wonderland and one of the deepest caves in Margaret River Region. Highly recommended for children and adults and especially those new to the caving experience, Descending through the sinkhole into the cave is an experience not to be missed.
Looking back at the towering karri trees as you descend into the cave offer a glimpse back into a primal lost world before natures beauty is revealed as you enter one of the most stunning limestone caves in Western Australia.
Lake Cave is the only cave in the Margaret River area with a permanent lake which creates an incredible mirrored wonderland. The other outstanding feature of the cave is the suspended table formation that hangs over the lake.
Lake Cave is a relaxing 20-minute drive south of Margaret River, along the famous Caves road. Guided tours run for 1 hr and are conducted throughout the day starting at 9.20am.
Ngilgi Cave
The Ngilgi Cave is located off Caves Road between Dunsborough and Yallingup and provides a fascinating interplay of Aboriginal legend and nature.
Rich in Aboriginal history Ngilgi cave is named because of it’s 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. You can explore the cave on your own or go on a semi-guided or adventure tour.
There’s also the highly recommended Ngili Cultural Tour that explores the Aboriginal cultural significance of the cave and surrounding area.
It must be noted that adventure tours must be booked in advance
Mammoth Cave
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. Along with the 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 and pram friendly.