Located adjacent to the Victorian border, the Naracoorte Caves in the south-eastern region of South Australia is one of the most popular and highly-visited tourist sites in the Mount Gambier region. Naracoorte Caves is also a World Heritage spot because of its two non-contiguous fossil sites.
The Naracoorte Caves are one of the many historic and geologically significant sites close to Mount Gambier. Stretched over 305 hectares of landscape, the Naracoorte Caves National Park includes caves, local flora and a series of coastal dune ridges located parallel to the South Australian coastline.
Naracoorte Caves National Park Attraction Prices, Map & Cafe, SA
The Naracoorte Caves are in the south-eastern section of the Limestone Coast. Those driving from the Victorian border can reach the caves by driving about 80 kilometres on the Princes Highway from Mount Gambier.
The Australian fossil mammal sites at Naracoorte Caves were inscribed on the list of World Heritage sites in 1994. These fossils are outstanding examples which represent the evolutionary history of the earth and its significant constant ecological evolution.
The Naracoorte Caves is also a popular attraction among visitors due to its numerous subterranean wonders. There are a total of 26 small and medium-sized caves located in the Naracoorte Caves National Park. Presently, some of the caves are specifically closed for scientific research in order to protect the caves and its fossils.
At the Naracoorte Caves, visitors can take a scenic cave tour or a fossil tour in order to view all the sites and to learn more about fossils in this historically significant area.
Are the Naracoorte caves open?
Hi Jackie,
It took me some digging around on the ParksSA website, but it does appear that things will be back to normal on June 6. Please see: https://www.naracoortecaves.sa.gov.au/plan-your-visit/covid-19-update
Until this weekend, only self-guided tours of the Wonambi Visitor Centre and Stick Tomato Cave are open, but that all changes on Saturday when the Naracoorte Café will reopen and guided tours will recommence.
Thanks
Michael
Hi,
looking at stopping at the Naracoorte Caves on the way through to Adelaide from Melbourne.
what sort of pricing am I looking at for 2 adults and 1 child?
Thanks
John
Hi John,
The prices for the Naracoorte Caves is really dependent on what caves you wish to visit (there are around 4 caves you can visit, made up of different tour types).
Perhaps the best of the caves is Alexandra Cave and the Victoria Fossil Cave.
In terms of prices, the Alexandra Cave is adult tickets at $23 and child tickets at $13.50. The Victoria Fossil Cave is adults at $34 and children at $16.50.
The Alexandra Cave tour runs for 30 mins, while the Victoria Fossil Cave tour lasts 1 hour. So it all depends on how long you have to spend in the area and also how the tours line up.
Check out the links i posted above and look inside the image galleries, as i took photos when i went on both tours and should give you an idea of what each has to offer.
You can book online at https://www.naracoortecaves.sa.gov.au/plan-your-visit/buy-tickets, or you can take your chances and book at the visitor centre – be warned though that tours do book out, so try to get there early if you choose this option.
Thanks
Michael
Has anyone stayed at the Naracoorte National Park, I need to know if it’s safe to do so
Hi Julie,
I personally haven’t stayed at the park, but reading through the Tripadvisor reviews, people had nothing but good things to say about their facilities.
Some of these reviews mentioned:
– “The campground is lovely with a clean well maintained amenities block”
-“We camped at the Campground, which was excellent, and walked to our first tour”
-“We all stayed in Wirreanda Bunkhouse (and Campground) which is the accommodation for the national park. I found the bunkhouse very homely and comfortable as did my friends”
-“The camping facilities were first rate. Large cement van pads with power for the seniors and individual bush sites – also with power – for the camper trailers plus loads of room for tents. The amenities were clean and the showers hot and there is even a limited laundry”
So based on those comments, i think it is safe to stay there and you will have an enjoyable time.
You can view more information about staying there and even booking by visiting https://www.naracoortecaves.sa.gov.au/plan-your-visit/camping-and-accommodation.
Thanks
Michael
Do you recommend seeing both the Naracoorte and Tantanoola caves or are they similar? Which one would be better to see do you think? Are they both suitable for all ages and abilities? Thanks.
Hi Amanda,
In my view, Tantanoola Caves are prettier, but relatively smaller. They will only take around 30 minutes to explore.
Naracoorte Caves has a more interesting history and has several caves. Also, you can view thousands of bats leaving the caves to feed at dusk.
Both are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Have a wonderful time in Mount Gambier!
Jess
Hello. We are group of 6 adults and 4 kids aged 2,5,11 and 14 years visiting caves. Can we get any group discount? Regards
Hi Aakash,
Depending on which caves you want to attend, the pricing is different. There are group discounts for 10 or more people, however these are separated into Adults and Child groups only. Also, group bookings need to be pre-booked. I have attached the link of pricing here.
I would recommend you contact Naracoorte Caves directly to get final pricing for the caves you intend to tour.
Regards,
Jess