Above ground, Margaret River dazzles with vineyards and coastline. But beneath your feet lies an entirely different world — hundreds of ancient limestone caves formed over millions of years.
Millions of Years in the Making
The region sits on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, a spine of limestone riddled with more than 100 known caves. Over hundreds of thousands of years, slowly dripping, mineral-rich water has built stalactites, stalagmites, shawls, helictites and delicate crystal formations into otherworldly underground cathedrals — each drop adding a fraction of a millimetre. It’s a landscape still quietly forming beneath the vineyards today.
The Show Caves
Several caves are open to visitors, each with its own character. Lake Cave holds a permanent underground lake reflecting an extraordinary “suspended table” formation of crystal; Mammoth Cave is famous for its ancient fossils and easy self-guided boardwalks; and Jewel Cave, near Augusta, is the largest show cave in the region, with some of the longest straw stalactites in the world. Ngilgi Cave near Yallingup adds another dramatic option to the north.
A Cool Contrast
Stepping into a cave on a warm day is magical — cool, quiet and humbling. It’s the perfect counterpoint to a sunlit day of wine tasting, and a welcome break for the senses. Deep underground the temperature holds steady while the world above bakes, and the silence is broken only by the slow drip of water still building the formations grain by grain.
Fossils and History
Some caves preserve fossils of long-extinct megafauna — giant kangaroos, the marsupial lion and the rhino-sized Zygomaturus — offering a rare window into prehistoric Australia. Mammoth Cave takes its name from these ancient bones. Your guide brings the geology and history to life as you walk the boardwalks.
What to Expect on a Visit
Caves hold a steady, cool temperature year-round, so bring a light layer even in summer. Paths can be damp, so closed, grippy shoes are wise. Most show caves have boardwalks and steps rather than tight crawls, so they suit most fitness levels — and the drop in temperature is a blissful contrast to a warm day among the vines. Caves are just one part of the wider experience — see what else awaits in our guide to food, caves and coast.
Experience it yourself on our signature tour. Our small-group 3-day Margaret River wine tour from Perth includes six wineries, cave and wildflower tours, cheese tastings, meals and accommodation — all from just $850 per person. Call 1300 456 788 or enquire online to book today.
