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Buchan Caves
Reserve
Near the township of Buchan, lies a
honeycomb of caves full of spectacular limestone formations. Buchan
Caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone
rock. The formations are created by rain water seeping through cracks
and dissolving some of the limestone. As each droplet comes through
the roof it deposits calcite which crystallises in a small ring. In
time, stalactites are formed on the roof of the cave, and stalagmites
build up from droplets which fall to the floor.
The Reserve was established to cater
to the needs of the thousands of visitors who visit the caves each
year.
Things to Do
- Spend time in the Visitor
Information and Interpretation Centre and learn more about our
natural and cultural heritage.
- Visit the caves. Guided tours are
conducted daily in Royal Cave and Fairy Cave. Both caves are lit and
have concrete pathways. Royal Cave features beautiful calcite-rimmed
pools; Fairy Cave features elaborate stalactites and stalagmites.
- Special cave tours (some of which
involve donning a helmet and light) for small groups are offered
during the school holidays and amy be organised by prior
arrangement.
- Walk the Spring Creek Track (90
minutes return) or try the shorter walks in the area.
- Swim in the pool fed by a natural
spring.
Facilities
- The Reserve has a swimming pool,
playground, walking tracks, picnic ground, toilets, and Visitor
Information and Interpretation Centre. Light snacks and refreshments
are available at the Visitor Centre.
- There are 49 powered and many more
unpowered campsites. Booking is required at Christmas and Easter
school holiday periods.
- Fully self-contained units are also
available and bookings are required all year round.
- Guided cave tours operate regularly
every day except Christmas Day.
- Guided cave tours may be booked in
advance for large groups organised by schools or coach companies.
- Motel and cabin accommodation is
available in Buchan.
Heritage
The caves were reserved in 1887,
though largely by accident - they were on land set aside for stock
camping. The government commissioned an exploration soon afterwards
and reserved the land to protect the caves.
In 1907, Frank Moon discovered the
Fairy Cave which was opened to the public later that year. Royal Cave
was discovered in 1910 by Frederick Wilson and after an entrance
tunnel was excavated, it was opened to visitors in 1913. The Caves
Reserve was set out and planted mostly in the late 1930s.
Fauna
Buchan Caves Reserve is home to many
native animals including the Eastern Grey Kangaroo. More than 60
species of birds have been sighted in the reserve.
Vegetation
Hundreds of deciduous trees and native
trees have been planted in the Buchan Caves Reserve.
Looking After
the Park
- Pets are not allowed in the
Reserve.
How to Get
There
Buchan Caves Reserve is 360 km from
Melbourne, north of Lakes Entrance (Melway ref: 529 D3). From
Bairnsdale, drive to Bruthen and take the Buchan Road.
For further information go to Parks
Victoria web site.
Buchan Caves Reserve |
