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Calgardup Cave
In 1878, Grace Bussell, daughter of one of the first European settlers
in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste region, came across Calgardup Cave. Tim
Connelly, an early cave enthusiast and explorer, together with Fred
Bussell, examined the cave in 1898.
In 1995, the Department of Conservation and Land Management installed
new steps and boardwalks inside the cave in order to protect it and
prevent further degradation. The cave goes to a depth of 27 metres and
the boardwalk forks into two branches, each about 150 metres long.
The lake at the bottom of the right hand section displays magical
reflections of the stalactites suspended above, giving the illusion of
great depth in the water (which is actually only a few centimetres
deep!). The water in the lake is a deep tea colour due to tannins
picked up on the surface from vegetation.
The stream system that excavated the cave out of the limestone about
150,000 years ago is still active, and gurgles and trickles its way
through the cave all year round, feeding the lake, and carrying
nutrients to the many tiny cave creatures which inhabit the water.
These little animals can sometimes be spotted in the water by
torchlight. They are thriving now that their sensitively balanced
environment is being so carefully protected.
Another special feature of Calgardup is the sight of tree roots, mainly
from the red gum (marri) trees growing overhead, dangling down and even
trailing into the water. The tree roots are an important source of
nutrients and habitat to some of the life found in the cave.
Calgardup Cave is ideal for families and provides an opportunity to see
a cave naturally, without the intrusion of powerful lighting.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where is it?
Calgardup Cave is located on Caves Road, some twelve minutes south of
Margaret River and three minutes north of Conto's Road turn off .
What to do:
There are no guided tours so you are free to
explore as long as you like (average time taken to traverse the length
of the cave is 45 minutes).
Opening Times:
Calgardup Cave is open from 9am to 4.15pm daily
Costs:
Adults $15.00, Children (6-15 years of age) $8.00.
Family entry (2 adults, 2 children) $40.00.
Concession $10.00.
Torches and
helmets are included in the entry fee.
Best season:
All year round
Nearest DEC office:
Calgardup Cave is also the site for the
National Park Information Centre. It has a large supply of walking
maps, and information on camping sites, sites of natural, cultural and
historical interest and other activites and information available to
the public in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
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