Australia Travel with AusEmade: Caves, Karst, Speleology

Camooweal Caves National Park
• A large cave system that is growing larger each year with the soluble dolomite being continually eroded by the flooding during the wet season. The largest cave is the Great Nowranie 290 metres long and 70 metres high it is also one of the easiest to access.

Chillagoe Caves
• In an area characterised by volcanic activity it is surprising to find limestone caves, however the limestone in the area is the result of an unusual uplift of sediments (that include coral) which were deposited in the ocean off the edge of the Australian continent about 400 million years ago. As the sea level rose, the continental shelf moved east and then, about 360 million years ago the sediments were compressed and uplifted.

Over 600 caves have been documented in the Chillagoe region, with the largest system claimed to contain over 6.5 km of passage. Every cave is different and names such as ‘The Cathedral Cave, or ‘The Piano Cave’, often give clues to what may be found within.

More information on the geology of the area can be found in the publication ‘Rocks and Landscapes of the Chillagoe District’ which is available from the Parks and Wildlife Service office in Chillagoe
Ph: 07 4094 7163.

Undara Experience
• Undara Volcanic National Park,
Savannah Way via MOUNT SURPRISE QLD 4871
• Ph: 07 4097 1411 • Freecall: 1800 990 992 •

• Winner of the 2003 Australian Tourism Awards is located 275 km SW of Cairns. Stay in beautifully restored last century railway carriages, budget bunkhouse, permanent above ground tents, or Outback camping and caravan sites. Tour Undara Lava Tubes. Excellent amenities and resort facilities.

Visit their website for full accommodation details and book online.