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The caves in Australia are magnificent and wonderful creations of nature that are waiting to be uncovered. These underground caves feature beautiful formations which narrate the story of millions of years of geological history. Stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers can be found in the caves of Australia. These caves have something for every adventurer, starting from ancient limestone formations to enormous lava tubes. Aboriginal artefacts, rare wildlife, and splendid crystals make perfect places for caves loving adventurers.
Discover These 10 Magnificent Caves In Australia
The caves in Australia are a splendid piece of geological structure. Here are 10 of the most amazing caves you must visit:
1. Jenolan Caves, New South Wales
Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons
Jenolan Caves is among the oldest surviving caves in the world. The intricate limestone formations, along which the stunning underground rivers and pools flow, are jaw dropping. There are ten show caves open to visitors. Each cave is beautifully carved with its own majestic formations. Adding to the breathtaking view of abandoned deep caves is the stylish blue waters of the River Styx. Tours range from easy walks to adventurous crawls through tight spaces.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Nearby Attractions: Blue Mountains National Park, Three Sisters, Scenic World
2. Buchan Caves, Victoria
Photo: Shinzztv / Wikimedia Commons
Buchan Caves is one of the most impressive caves in Victoria, Australia. It is stunning to see the limestone rocks carved over millions of years, which are always packed with visitors. Floating on pools of colourful calcite, the bright mineral reflects the stunning stalagmites. These towering formations rise toward the cave ceiling, creating a breathtaking view. The lights in the cave make the scene mesmerizing. Buchan Caves Reserve is an impressive enclosure that allows camping and soothing bushwalks.
Best Time To Visit: October – April
Nearby Attractions: Snowy River National Park, Lakes Entrance, Ninety Mile Beach
3. Naracoorte Caves, South Australia
Photo: Karora / Wikimedia Commons
Naracoorte Caves is a renowned site for paleontological discoveries. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. The caves in Victoria Australia Fossil Cave houses an impressive fossil collection. You can see recreations of ancient marsupial lions and giant kangaroos. The Bat Cave is home to a large breeding colony of bent-wing bats. In addition, The Wonambi Fossil Centre offers educational displays to its visitors. Captivating history and nature combine in these caves, making this location a one of a kind vacation spot.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Nearby Attractions: Coonawarra Wine Region, Bool Lagoon, Tantanoola Caves
4. Niggly Cave, Tasmania
Photo: Artem Zhukov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Niggly Cave is the deepest cave in Australia. It is famous for its immense beauty and complicated structure featuring numerous levels and chambers. It is located in the Junee-Florentine karst region. This cave is for experienced cavers only. Its vertical drops require specialized equipment and training. Scientific research continues to uncover new sections. The journey to the bottom takes multiple days for experienced cavers. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature throughout the year.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Nearby Attractions: Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls, Lake Dobson
5. Yarrangobilly Caves, New South Wales
Photo: Steve Bittinger / Wikimedia Commons
Yarrangobilly Caves host some limestone caves in Australia. They are situated in the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park. The caves lie in a 440 million year old limestone belt with six show caves of varying difficulty levels open to the public. The surrounding thermal pool stays at 27°C throughout the year. Crystal clear underground streams flow through parts of South Glory Cave, which has some of the largest chambers in the system. Other notable features include rare black and grey flow stones contained in the Jersey Cave.
Best Time To Visit: December – February
Nearby Attractions: Kosciuszko National Park, Selwyn Snowfields, Tumut River
6. Wellington Caves, New South Wales
Photo: Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons
Wellington Caves are well known for the stunning Cathedral Cave. This cave features a massive stalagmite called “Altar Rock” standing at 15 meters tall. These caves were where Australia’s first megafauna fossils were discovered. Phosphate Mine allows for a different type of cave exploration. These caves are an essential part of Australian paleontology. Guided tours explain both geological and historical facts. A souvenir shop and a café is located within the complex for tourists. The Wellington Caves Holiday Complex offers accommodation for tourists.
Best Time To Visit: September – May
Nearby Attractions: Western Plains Zoo, Burrendong Dam, Lake Burrendong Arboretum
7. Lake Cave, Western Australia
Photo: Iktoh / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Cave is a part of the Margaret River cave system. It is notable for having a permanent lake which reflects the formations above. The most prominent feature of the cave is the suspended table formation. Access to the cave is via a collapsed doline which one must descend through. The cave is exquisitely lit to exhibit the delicate formations during the tour. One of the most predominant limestone caves in Australia, it is surrounded by a karri forest which increases the natural beauty of the site.
Best Time To Visit: September – May
Nearby Attractions: Margaret River Wineries, Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave
8. Hastings Caves State Reserve, Tasmania
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Hastings Caves contains Newdegate Cave which is one of the most spectacular dolomite caves. It is the only dolomite cave in Australia that is open for tourists. The temperature within the caves is always 9°C. In contrast to the caves, the thermal springs pool in the reserve is invitingly warm. The forest that surrounds the caves is unspoilt and teeming with wildlife. Each chamber in the cave includes terrific collections of columns and stalactites. The guides on the tour share the history of the area’s distinctive geology.
Best Time To Visit: October – April
Nearby Attractions: Tahune Airwalk, Hartz Mountains National Park, Ida Bay Railway
9. Gunns Plain Cave, Tasmania
Photo: Ksenia Kudelkina / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The underground Gunns Plains Cave in Tasmania is an amazing sight to behold. It was discovered in 1906 when a hunter’s dog unexpectedly fell through a hole in the ground. Its formations are adorned by dazzling vertical stalactites and stalagmites. Moreover, the crystal filled “Ribbon Room” is unlike anything you have ever seen. This cave has refreshing temperatures throughout the year, and it opens south to a stunning rural dairy farm area. In terms of convenience, the cave is quite convenient because there are guard rails and footpaths.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Nearby Attractions: Leven Canyon, Preston Falls, Wings Wildlife Park
10. Undara Lava Tubes, Queensland
Photo: Jane Farquhar / Wikimedia Commons
Undara Lava Tubes are different from the limestone caves in Australia. Formed from volcanic activity, these lava tubes are 190,000 years old, making them some of the oldest in the world. Undara, along with being one of the oldest, is also one of the longest and largest lava tubes to exist. Certain sections are known to reach a length of several kilometers long and are incredibly difficult for the average person to transverse. Because of the specific climate these tubes create, a specialized ecosystem thrives within these bounds. The tubes maintain a more stable temperature than the external environment.
Best Time To Visit: April – October
Nearby Attractions: Mount Surprise, Innot Hot Springs, The Savannahlander Train
The caves in Australia are perfect for tapping into the underground world as they combine beautiful and scientific aesthetics. Their nature is multifaceted and varied as some are easy for the common man to explore while others require experience in caving. These caves are not just holes in the ground but archaeological museums. Plan your journey with TripXL and explore the underground mysteries of Australia.
Cover Photo: Shinzztv / Wikimedia Commons
