Naracoorte Caves, South Australia - A Journey into Ancient Worlds on the Limestone Coast

Wander * Explore * Discover
Feb 13, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Naracoorte Caves, South Australia - A Journey into Ancient Worlds on the Limestone Coast

The Naracoorte Caves in South Australia are one of the world’s most significant fossil sites and a proudly listed UNESCO World Heritage Area. Located in the Naracoorte Caves National Park on the Limestone Coast, this remarkable destination offers a rare glimpse into ancient ecosystems preserved beneath the earth’s surface.

The national park is home to 28 limestone caves, with four caves open to the public through a mix of self-guided, guided and adventure caving tours. Together, they reveal extraordinary geological formations and an unparalleled fossil record that spans hundreds of thousands of years.

Visitor Centre and Park Facilities

A visit to Naracoorte Caves begins at the Visitor Centre, where informative displays introduce the park’s geology, fossil discoveries and the megafauna that once roamed Australia. It’s a great place to get your bearings before heading underground.

Nearby, families will enjoy the Wonambi Fossil Centre and the Fossil Hunters Playground, while nature lovers can stretch their legs on the Rooftop Loop Walk, which winds through native bushland above the caves.

Facilities at the park include:

Cave Café
Barbecues and picnic tables
Toilets
Camping ground
Large car park suitable for motorhomes, caravans and buses

Cave Tours We Visited

During our visit, we explored Alexandra Cave, Stick-Tomato Cave and the Wonambi Fossil Centre, each offering a very different experience of the underground world.

Other popular tours include Victoria Fossil Cave and the Blanche Cave Bat Tour, which can be booked separately.

Alexandra Cave

The Alexandra Cave tour is a guided experience lasting around 30 minutes and is one of the most visually impressive caves in the park. As you move through three beautifully lit chambers, you’ll see an incredible display of stalactites, stalagmites and towering columns. The knowledgeable guide explains how the caves were formed over millions of years and shares insights into the region’s geology and natural history. Alexandra Cave is well suited to first-time cave visitors and those wanting a relaxed but fascinating introduction to Naracoorte’s underground landscapes.

Stick-Tomato Cave

Stick-Tomato Cave is explored on a self-guided tour, allowing you to wander at your own pace through two large chambers filled with robust limestone formations.

The first chamber is softly illuminated by natural light filtering in from above, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The second chamber is darker and more dramatic, with automated lighting revealing stalactites, columns and shadowy rock formations that give the cave a mysterious feel. This cave is a great option if you enjoy taking your time and exploring independently.

Wonambi Fossil Centre

The Wonambi Fossil Centre brings Naracoorte’s global significance to life above ground. Named after the Wonambi naracoortensis, a giant prehistoric snake, the centre recreates a time when Australia was home to enormous megafauna.

Palaeontologists have been studying fossils from the Naracoorte Caves for more than 40 years, identifying over 130 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Interactive displays and life-sized reconstructions help visitors understand how animals fell into the caves and became preserved as fossils. It’s an engaging and educational experience for all ages and adds important context to the cave tours.

Other Caves and Experiences

Beyond the caves we explored, visitors can also book:

Victoria Fossil Cave, a guided tour showcasing fossil deposits in situ
Blanche Cave Bat Tour, a seasonal guided experience where you can witness bats emerging from the cave at dusk

These tours offer deeper insight into the park’s scientific importance and living ecosystems.

Why Naracoorte Caves Are Worth Visiting

Naracoorte Caves are far more than just limestone caverns — they are a window into Australia’s deep past. From stunning underground formations to one of the world’s richest fossil records, the park offers a unique blend of geology, science and natural beauty.

Whether you’re exploring caves, learning about megafauna or enjoying the peaceful bushland above ground, Naracoorte Caves are a must-visit destination on the Limestone Coast and one of South Australia’s most fascinating natural attractions.