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Victoria
Fossil Cave • Originally opened to the public in 1869, it wasn’t
until 1969 when with the discovery of the fossils remains, did the cave
and the region take on scientific international significance. With
fossil remains spanning several ice ages, the cave contains evidence of
the impact of both climatic changes and mankind, with mammal remains
dating to at least 350,000 years to the present time. The existing silt
deposit contain the remains of many tens of thousands of Pleistocene
that are slowing be rediscovered today. The one hour tour departs from
the Victoria Fossil Cave car park, which is a 1.5 km drive south-east
from the Wonambi Fossil Centre. The tour itself, descends 30 steps into
a beautifully decorated chamber and then winds through 250 metres of
passages and chambers to a large fossil deposit. About half of your tour
is spent at the fossil bed display area before making your way out of
the cave up a 150 metre passage, some of which is steeply sloping. This
tour best displays Naracoorte Caves World Heritage values.
Alexandra Cave • This half hour guided tour departs from the
front of the Wonambi Fossil Centre and takes you through three chambers
of Alexandra Cave. There are 25 steps into the cave and 35 steps to
exit. The cave has natural earth floors and exceptional cave
decorations. The tour is ideal for families with small children and
provides many photographic opportunities.
Bat
Tour • There are currently five infra-red cameras installed in the
Bat Cave relaying images of the southern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus
schreibersii) to the Bat Cave Teleview
Centre. This allows for comfortable viewing of the bats daily
activities without disturbing them.The one hour tour also includes a
stroll through Blanche Cave. Night tours, to witness the exodus of bats
from the cave, are conducted during holiday periods, except in the
winter break.
Blanche
Cave • The first cave to be discovered in 1845 and formerly called
the Big Cave until 1886, is
included as part of the Bat tour. The cave itself is close to the
surface, with many karst opening allowing light to enter the cave. It
continues to be still used for social gathering and events.
Cathedral Cave • The Cathedral Cave tour descends into an enormous,
naturally lit chamber via 12 metres of ladder. Discover the history,
fossils and cave decorations as you explore the dark passages of the
cave by torchlight. Other than solid footwear, no crawling or special
equipment is required.
Wet Cave • This is an easy self-guided walk through the Wet
Cave. It has automated lighting system, allowing you to do the walk at
your own pace. There are dripping spelothems, as well as a stream
running through it. Entry to this cave comes with the purchase of
tickets for the Alexandra Cave tour or the Wonambi Fossil Centre.
Adventure
Caving • The Adventure caving tours are designed for beginners who
have a sense of fun and adventure. For family groups, Stick-Tomato
Cave is the most suitable, as the tunnels are larger and the
squeezes optional. Blackberry Cave involves smaller passages,
rocky squeezes as well as several optional exercises. Overalls, helmets
and kneepads are supplied. Safe caving techniques and cave protection
issues are discussed prior to the start of each tour. Tours are
conducted by experienced staff and are available during holiday times
and by prior bookings.Extended adventure tours explore the depths of
Fox Cave or Starburst Chamber in Victoria Fossil Cave.
Your guide will show you exceptional cave decorations and fossils, and
reinforce caving etiquette and safe caving practices. A novice tour must
be completed prior to joining one of the extended tours. |
Victoria Fossil Cave fossil chamber.
©
Naracoorte Caves NP
In the bat nursery
© AusEmade PL 2003
Holding preserved Southern Bent-winged Bat in the Bat Cave Teleview.
© AusEmade PL 2003
Cathedral Cave
©
Naracoorte Caves NP |
