The Tantanoola Caves are named after the town of Tantanoola. Known for its scenic beauty, the Tantanoola Caves are one of the most-visited destinations in South Australia. These caves are the only wheelchair accessed caves near Mount Gambier.
The Tantanoola Caves consist of a chamber of 30m width and 8m overall height. However, it is one of the smallest caves in South Australia that has numerous stunning speleothems (stalactite or stalagmite) and several helictites (a smaller type of stalactite).
Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park Attraction, Entry Price & Hours, SA
However, due to the effect of seawater on the rocks, the cliff was formed by repeated destruction of the rocks with the force of the waves. Gradually, this resulted in sea caves, cliffs and overhangs inside the Tantanoola Cave.
Now, the coast is very far from the cave as the sea retreated due to either the lowering of the sea level or the uplifting of the land. Even today, you will see some pebbles, seal bones and shells inside the cave that have been left behind by the sea.
Upon arrival at the caves, you will be accompanied by a guide into the cave who will introduce you to the history and geology of the caves. You are then free to stroll through the large cavern at your leisure and take photographs.
Tantanoola Caves also offers some beautiful picnic areas and play areas for kids.
Do we need to make a booking for 9 people?
Hi Mary-Anne,
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, there is actually a limit on the number of people that can undertake tours at any one time (the number itself isn’t stated on the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website).
Also, online bookings are not available at this time and it states to “book directly at the Tantanoola Caves Visitor Centre”, so it does sound like you can’t book ahead and the tours are on a first-come basis (although you might be able to book in person and go back later in the day).
I’d suggest giving them a call on (08) 8734 4153 or sending an email to [email protected] and find out what the maximum number is and ways they could possibly fit your group. Tours do run every 30 minutes, so it might be possible to split up the group while the others have a bite to eat or explore the park grounds.
Thanks
Michael
Are you open public holidays?
Hi James,
Reviewing the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website, it does state that “Tantanoola Caves is open for SA and VIC school holidays and all public holidays”.
The only public holiday that the caves are closed in is Christmas Day.
The opening hours for the caves between September to April are 7 days a week from 10am to 3pm.
Thanks
Michael
Assistance Dogs are not allowed to be restricted from anywhere. They cannot be banned from restaurants, theatres, shops etc without a major reason. It’s Federal Law.
Do you have to book ahead or can you just turn up without having booked? I see the morning session is from 10am-12pm. Do you have to turn up at 10am or can it be a bit later say 10.30am?
Hi Fiona,
From past experience, i never had to prebook the tour – i just turned up during their opening hours and just had to wait til the next time slot.
I checked their booking system (which is where you likely got this information from), and it is quite confusing as i don’t remember the tour taking more than 30 minutes.
I have however found information regarding tour times that seems to relfect that tours occur every 30 minutes from 10am -3pm (specifically 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 12noon, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm). Although this information is likely still current, take this as a guide as the information is dated as 2017.
If you have ample time, it may be worth driving past to secure a tour time and then return back later on.
Thanks
Michael
I am hoping to visit the Tantanoola Caves later on in the year 2018, with an elderly friend who has trouble climbing stairs. I see there is wheel-chair access, so I am assuming there are no stairs into the Cave? Could someone enlighten me… .. Thanks.
Hi Christine,
The Tantanoola Caves are the only single-chamber dolomite cave in Australia and features easy access pathways, suitable for wheelchair and pusher access. There are no stairs to descend into the cave.
Have a wonderful time in Mount Gambier!
Jess
Hi there: I would like to know if pet dogs are allowed in? Of course with leash on. Thanks. for she is a care dag
Hi Josephine,
Pets are not permitted within this park, so best to contact Tantanoola Caves directly to enquire whether the caves are suitable for someone with a disability and what arrangements can be made to admit a care dog.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, just wondering if there is adequate parking for caravans if we were to stop off on our travels??
Thanks,
LIsa
Hi Lisa,
There is ample parking space at the Tantanoola Caves, so you should have no issues parking your caravan whilst you explore the area.
Have a great time!
Jess
Hi Katerina,
Yes, the Tantanoola Caves are open on Sunday (New Years Day).
Have a great time!
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi,
Can i ask please if you are open also on Sundays?
Thank you
Are the caves open during the Christmas period? We are planning a trip 27-30 dec 2016
Hi June,
Yes, the caves are open daily 10am – 3pm but are closed Christmas Day.
If you are looking to book accommodation for your holiday, you can check the link here for some great Mount Gambier deals.
Enjoy your trip!
Regards,
Jess
Hi,
Are Tantanoola Caves and Naracoorte Caves are same?
I saw ticket price information is available for Tantanoola caves but no information is given for the other.
Thanks,
Bharat
Hi Bharat,
They are separate attractions:
1. Tantanoola
2. Naracoorte
Regards,
Jess
Do the tours leave on the hour or can you walk through on your own?
Hi Maree, thanks for your question.
Upon arrival, you will be accompanied by a guide into the cave who will introduce you to the history and geology of the caves. You are then free to stroll through the large cavern at your leisure and take photographs.
The last time I visited the caves, the guide took people through as they arrived (waiting only around 10 minutes to form a group).
Enjoy your day at the Tantanoola Caves!
Regards,
Jess