Overview
The best way to explore the caves is to book a guided tour at Lake, Jewel, or Ngilgi Cave, or take a self-guided audio tour at Mammoth Cave. If you prefer to travel on your own, all caves are easily reached by car, with onsite parking and frequent tour times throughout the day.
Travel logistics
The best way to explore the caves is to book a guided tour at Lake, Jewel, or Ngilgi Cave, or take a self-guided audio tour at Mammoth Cave. If you prefer to travel on your own, all caves are easily reached by car, with onsite parking and frequent tour times throughout the day.
Handy tips
Set beneath towering karri forest, this cavern reveals ancient megafauna fossils embedded in its limestone walls. Walk the boardwalks at your own pace as the chambers open into dramatic underground spaces.
Descend through a sunken forest into a serene chamber where an underground lake mirrors delicate crystal formations. Its rare “Suspended Table” formation makes it one of the region’s most photographed caves.
The largest show cave in the region, Jewel Cave stuns with vast chambers filled with shimmering crystals. Guided tours highlight record-breaking straw stalactites and the cave’s remarkable natural history.
Rich in Aboriginal legend, Ngilgi features colourful chambers glowing with stalactites and flowstone. Visitors can explore at their own pace or venture deeper on guided adventure tours.
A breathtaking karri forest with towering 60-meter trees creating a cathedral-like canopy. Ideal for scenic drives, photo stops, and peaceful walks.
A stunning white-sand beach famous for its friendly wild stingrays that glide along the shoreline. Perfect for swimming, wildlife encounters, and sunset views.
A grand estate known for elegant architecture, manicured gardens, and premium wines. Enjoy structured tastings or long, relaxed vineyard lunches.
A wildlife sanctuary dedicated to birds of prey, including powerful eagles and owls. Daily flight displays offer close-up encounters with these majestic birds.
The Margaret River cave network sits along Caves Road between Yallingup and Augusta in Western Australia’s southwest. Home to Ngilgi Cave, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave, and Jewel Cave, this region features some of the state’s most spectacular limestone show caves and forest scenery. The caves are located 15–50 minutes from Margaret River town, and around 3 hours’ drive from Perth.
Address: Caves Road, Margaret River Region, WA (exact location varies by cave). Find on Map.
While the caves themselves don’t have onsite restaurants, the surrounding towns offer a variety of cafés, bakeries, and eateries. Here are some you can try after your visit.
A lively pub‑style tavern known for hearty Australian fare, local https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/a92245780f6e12533edcab139af2d25e-Lobster.jpg, and a large wine list.
Famous for freshly baked pies, pastries, and coffee — perfect for a quick bite.
An upscale winery restaurant offering seasonal dishes paired with award-winning wines.
Casual beachfront café serving fresh seafood, burgers, and breakfast with ocean views.
Elegant dining at a world-famous winery, with contemporary Australian cuisine and fine wine pairings.
Iconic winery restaurant offering farm-to-table dishes in a scenic vineyard setting.
Local market selling crafts, handmade goods, and homewares from regional artisans. A lively spot for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Must buy:Must buy:Must buy: Handmade jewelry, local jams, artisan soaps
Saturday morning market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and regional specialties. Ideal for edible souvenirs and picnic supplies.
Must buy: Cheese, seasonal fruit, fresh bread
Boutique showcasing regional arts, crafts, homewares, and handmade gifts. A quiet, creative alternative to busier shops in town.
Must buy: Handmade pottery, leather goods, decorative crafts
General-store style boutique offering homeware, souvenirs, and beach accessories. Ideal for practical items and keepsakes.
Must buy: Sun hats, kitchenware, local souvenirs
Most caves are open daily from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry around 4:00 PM. Hours may vary seasonally or on public holidays.
Entry fees vary by cave, typically AUD 15–35 per adult, with discounts for children and families. Some adventure tours or guided experiences cost more.
A typical visit to a single cave takes 45–90 minutes, including walking and photos. To explore multiple caves in a day, allow 4–6 hours.
Yes! Most caves have well-maintained paths and are family-friendly. Adventure caves like Moondyne are recommended for older kids or teens due to climbing and crawling.
Yes, all major caves have free onsite parking for cars and small buses. Arrive early during peak periods to secure a spot.
Photography is generally allowed in show caves, but flash may be restricted in some areas to protect delicate formations. Check cave-specific rules.
Yes, many caves offer guided tours, including historical, geological, or adventure-style tours. Guided options are recommended for deeper exploration and learning about Aboriginal heritage.
Caves like Mammoth and Lake Cave have boardwalks suitable for limited mobility, but some adventure caves are not wheelchair accessible. Check each cave’s accessibility before visiting.
Mammoth Cave is the easiest and most accessible, while Jewel Cave offers the most dramatic formations for those wanting a wow-factor.
Cave temperatures stay around 10–15°C (50–60°F) year-round. Bring a light jacket.
No, to preserve the cave environment. Eating is allowed in outdoor picnic areas near the entrances.
Pets are not permitted in the caves, but they are allowed in surrounding forest areas on a leash.