Just a short drive from the renowned vineyards and surf spots, the Margaret River caves are one of the top activities in the area. From the massive chambers of Jewel Cave to the ancient fossils in Mammoth Cave, there’s a lot to see underground in this region, so don’t miss out!
I’ve headed down to Margaret River more times than I can count, and each trip isn’t complete without a visit to its fascinating caves – they always add something special to the trip. Plus, the Margaret River caves are very kid friendly, so if you’re looking for things to do that’ll keep the whole family entertained, these should be at the top of your list.
But where do you start? Here’s my guide to the top caves to visit in Margaret River!
Best Margaret River Caves to Visit
Ngilgi Cave
Ngilgi Cave is just a short drive from Yallingup and around 40km north of Margaret River town. Ngilgi Cave was originally known as Yallingup Cave when it opened to tourists at the turn of the 20th century. However, it was later renamed to honour the Aboriginal heritage and stories associated with the site. Legend has it, this was the ancient battleground for Ngilgi, a good spirit, against the evil Wolgine.
The full visitor experience is called the “Ngilgi Cave ancient lands experience” and it’s packed with cool interactive installations that tell you all about the area’s cultural history, its unique plants and animals, and how the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge came to be. It’s like a mini adventure before you even get to the cave!
Stepping inside Ngilgi Cave feels like walking into an ancient underground world. The vast chambers and gravity-defying stalactites give it a raw, untouched feel that’s simply breathtaking. I remember on my first visit I was totally amazed by the natural beauty and scale of it all… even if I was a little bit claustrophobic.
While you’re free to explore at your own pace, there’s also a knowledgeable guide in the main chamber, ready to answer any questions you might have. It’s cool inside, a nice break from the Australian sun, and the paths are well-maintained, though there are a few spots where you’ll need to watch your step.
Lake Cave
You’ll find Lake Cave around 17km south of Margaret River and it’s an absolute must-see thanks to its own underground lake that mirrors the intricate formations above. The real showstopper here is the “Suspended Table”, a delicate limestone crystal that dangles just above the water, catching the light in a way that’s downright stunning.
Be prepared for a bit of a trek down (and back up!) a good number of stairs – it’s one of the deepest caves around, but the payoff is huge. Guided tours run at various points throughout the day and the guides are top-notch. They really know their stuff on everything from the unique formations, to the cave’s history, to the surrounding ecosystem. The tours do fill up quickly, though, so make sure you book in advance!
For the best vibe, try to visit when it’s quieter, on weekdays, in winter, and at opening or closing time. The hush, broken only by the occasional water drip, really makes the place feel otherworldly. Oh, and don’t forget to wear comfy shoes and pack a jacket – it gets pretty chilly down there.
Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave is a quick 5-minute drive north from Lake Cave, making it easy to hit both on your Margaret River caves day trip. This colossal cave is a feast for the eyes with its huge chambers and stunning rock formations, but a visit here is also a journey back in time. That’s because it’s home to over 10,000 fossils, including a 50,000-year-old “zygomaturus” jawbone right on the cave wall!
You’ll enter Mammoth Cave via a sloping boardwalk through lush bushland, and then get to explore the cave by yourself with the help of an audio guide. This makes it easy to explore at your own pace while soaking up all the details about the extinct Australian Megafauna that once roamed these caverns.
One of the unique features here is the partial open-air section of the cave that lets natural sunlight flood in, making the inside feel less claustrophobic than some other caves. That’s why it’s my favourite of all the caves in Margaret River, and even in Western Australia!
After exploring the cave’s depths, you’ll exit via a trail of marri and karri forest, the perfect way to wrap up your trip and an unmissable photo stop.
Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave is around 45 kilometres south of Margaret River town and takes the crown when it comes to caves in the Margaret River region. It’s the largest show cave in Western Australia, and seemingly every corner dazzles with crystalline decorations that seem like they’re straight out of another world!
One of the most stunning sights in Jewel Cave is its colossal stalagmites and delicate helictites – tiny, gravity-defying formations that twist and turn in all directions. It’s clear that a lot of thought was put into the cave’s lighting to enhance its natural beauty and make the formations glisten as if they were alive.
Guided one-hour tours are the way to go to explore Jewel Cave. You’ll hear all the tales of the cave’s history, including how the now-extinct Tasmanian Tigers used to fall into the cave whilst prowling the land. To accompany your visit, there’s also an interpretive area which highlights the most impressive features of the cave, as well as the conservation and preservation efforts.
Calgardup Cave
Calgardup Cave is one of the closest caves to Margaret River town, located around 13 kilometres southwest of it. I’d also say that this is the most unique cave experience in Western Australia.
You see, visiting this cave isn’t about following the crowd. Instead, you’ll grab a helmet and a torch, and you’re off to wander through mysterious underground paths all on your own. It’s less touristy here, so you really feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special.
Just because the cave is less commercialised than others in the area, it doesn’t mean it’s less set up for a safe visit – all boardwalks and stairs have handrails, and it’s accessible for all ages. There’s also a bunch of seating scattered throughout the cave where you can rest up or soak up the sights.
Planning Your Visit
The main tip I have is to plan your route in advance and pick just a few of the many caves near Margaret River to visit on your trip. It’s not necessary to visit all of them in one go – it’ll start to feel repetitive.
I’d suggest starting with one or two caves for your first trip and then branch out to the others on your future visits to Margaret River (because, if you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to resist returning time and time again!).
Unfortunately, there are no free caves in Margaret River, but if you pick just a couple it can still be a budget-friendly day out. Especially when it comes to the caves that offer guided tours only, it’s super important to book your place in advance to avoid disappointment.
Oh, and be sure to wear closed-toed shoes with some grip!
Exploring Margaret River Caves
And that wraps up our tour of the best caves in Margaret River! Each one offers its own unique experience, from self-guided visits to fascinating guided tours, and each has its own story. Even as a claustrophobic person, I can’t deny how cool the caves in Margaret River are. So, if you can handle the cramped spaces for an hour or so, it’s more than worth the trip!
Take your pick of the caves, but remember – visiting just one or two can be more rewarding than trying to squeeze in every single one. Wear comfortable shoes, book ahead to secure your spot, and enjoy the journey!
