Margaret River Caves
The Margaret River Caves are a stunning sight to behold. These caves are located in the southwest region of Australia, near the town of Margaret River. They have been attracting tourists for over two centuries. The caves themselves are made up of limestone that has formed naturally from millennia-old ocean deposits.
Inside these expansive chambers is an array of stalagmites, pillars, columns, and other formations created by water seeping through fissures in the rock floor. Visitors can see this natural beauty with either a guided tour or self-guided exploration – there is something for everyone at Margaret River.
How Many Caves are in Margaret River?
There are more than 50 caves in Margaret River, but only seven are accessible to the public. No special equipment is required to explore a cave, just a strong head for heights, good shoes, and a torch.
Which is the Biggest Cave in Margaret River?
The biggest cave is Jewel Cave Augusta, which features eight entrances. It is open to the public, however it does have regular tours. The cave is not only the biggest in Margaret River, but it also has a unique mineral deposit. This makes Jewel Cave Augusta one of Western Australia’s most prolific caves.
Types of Accommodation at Margaret River Caves
Forest Rise is ideally situated close to all caves when you’re looking for accommodation in Margaret River. For those who love camping and outdoor activities, there are plenty of campgrounds available across the region. There are also several holiday rentals and villas available if you would prefer to enjoy your own space.
Whichever type of accommodation you choose, you will find that the region provides many opportunities for some truly unforgettable experiences.
Activities Available at Margaret River Caves
The Margaret River Caves are a series of limestone caves that humans have used for thousands of years. The first occupants were nomadic people from the Swan River and Kalbarri regions. They used these caves for shelter, storage of food, and water supplies. Not until 1891, when the first European settler, William Chalmers, made his home in Yallingup, were those permanent settlements.
The caves are now used for a variety of activities. One can go;
- Spelunking (caving)
- Whale Watching
- Horse-shoeing
- Abseiling
- Wine tasting
- Museum Visit
The Western Australian Tourism Commission has created an interactive map of all the activities available at the caves.
Spelunking
Spelunking is caving or exploring the caves with torches. A guide is available for this activity, and you can do it at any time of day as there are tours run twice daily. The tour includes an exciting history of the caves as well as many spectacular views! There are also tours run at night for the more adventurous type of tourist who wants to experience spelunking under the cover of darkness.
Whale Watching Tours
You can combine whale watching with Abseiling or Spelunking tours. The Whales come into the bay of caves to breed and calve during the winter season. They are curious creatures, often coming up close to the boat to look at the tourists.
Horse-shoeing Tour
You can combine this activity with the Spelunking or Abseiling tours. This activity is only available in the summer months (October – April). The horses are shod with shoes to protect their feet from the sharp limestone rocks.
Abseiling
This is an activity that you can combine with the Spelunking or Horse-shoeing tours. It is a means of descending cliffs and rock faces using ropes and other equipment to control the descent. This activity is available for people over the age of 14, and you need to be fit as it can involve climbing up many meters with your equipment before you descend.
Wine Tasting
The Margaret River region is home to some of the world’s best wines. With over 20 wineries nearby, many offer daily wine tasting! There are over 200 wineries in the area alone, and it is a must-do when visiting the area.
You can try wines from over 40 local wineries on a day tour through the scenic countryside. The bus will drop you off at four different wineries where you can try some of the best wines Australia has to offer. You will even be given a wine glass and belt for your souvenir photo, so there is no need to worry about bringing your own!
Museum Visit
You can visit the museum located at the Visitors Centre, which is also the start of most cave tours.
The museum has an extensive reference library and showcases some objects found in caves by explorers, scientists, or cavers. You can also see a replica of the most famous caves in Western Australia; Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave, which you will see on tour.
- Lake Cave is one of Australia’s most beautiful caves and is decorated with calcite formations (stalactites, stalagmites, helictites).
- Mammoth Cave is one of the most impressive caves in Australia. It has a very long passage that can be explored by boat.
There are more than 30 caves in the area, forming a chain from east to west. You can find them all on the map at the visitors’ centre.
Why Visit Margaret Caves
A trip to Western Australia is enough reason for anyone willing to learn the rich history of the caves and try your hand at caving. Add some of the best caves in Margaret River, and you have an unbeatable combination.
It is also an opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy nature. The caves are situated in a beautiful location. You will get to see the unique wildlife that is native to this country.
Caving can be a lot of fun. There are different types of caves, including the sea cave and fissure systems, that you can explore. This is a chance to discover a different side of Australia, and it is one that you will enjoy thoroughly.
How Do You Choose Which Margaret River Cave to Visit
It can be overwhelming when you first visit a cave in the Margaret River region, as there are so many options. Some caves have walking trails, and some include kayaking, while others have specific tours. It all depends on what you want from your trip to the cave and the amount of time you can spend there.
Every cave has different characteristics, and some can be dangerous depending on the conditions of that day (please always follow your guide). With all of these factors to consider, here are a few factors to help narrow your choices.
- Cost – The amount of money you have will be a factor in which caves you choose to visit. Some tours are costly, while others cost almost nothing (and may not even include kayaking!).
- Distance – If you are travelling for hours to get here, you will choose a relatively close cave to Margaret River. You may have already made the trip, so you don’t lose that time. Alternatively, if you only have a short time, you can choose a cave close to where you are staying.
- Level of Difficulty – There are caves for all types of people, from the physically fit to those who don’t work out. Some have long walked or tight squeezes, so you will want to choose a cave that you can manage.
- Tour Length – How much time do you have? It all depends on your preference! Some caves include kayaking, so they will take longer to visit. Other caves have only a short walk and can be done in an hour or less, while some tours include camping overnight.
- What to Wear – You must wear appropriate clothing in a cave. Closed-in shoes are essential for walking through the caves, and you will want to make sure they are waterproof. Some of the rocks can be very slippery, so you must stay safe. A warm jacket and a raincoat are also essential, as the weather can change very quickly in this region of Australia.
Important Tips
- Make sure you check out all of the caves in this region and see which one is right for you.
- Always listen to tour guides when they are explaining safety and other important information.
- It can be dangerous to try and go by yourself, so always follow the rules of the tour group.
Are Margaret River Caves Worth all the Hype?
River Caves are a major attraction in the Margaret River Region. If you are thinking about visiting them, you may ask yourself, are they worth it? The answer is yes!
You can visit many caves, including Lake Cave, Ngilgi Cave, Mammoth Cave, and Jewel Cave. There are also several tours that you can do, including the Lake Cave Tour, which is an easy walk through the cave and will take around 35 minutes. If you are feeling up for it, the Mammoth Cave Tour is also a more advanced and strenuous 45-minute walk through the cave.
The Jewel Cave Tour is another popular tour, but anyone in good health can do it. It is not strenuous or intense, but it can be slightly claustrophobic for some people, so you have to be okay with a small amount of darkness and tight spaces.
The tours prices are at reasonable rates per person, depending on what tour you choose.
Visiting the caves is just one of the many activities you can do when visiting the Margaret River region, and one we definitely recommend. Reach out to us or book your stay today and see them for yourself.