Last Updated on October 3, 2025
Ever wondered how you can explore the incredible underground world of Western Australia without leaving a trace? You’re not alone. In my years of campervanning around WA, I’ve learned that our greatest adventures come with a responsibility to protect these amazing places.
These caves are breathtaking natural wonders, but they’re also super fragile ecosystems that need us to be mindful visitors. That’s why getting to know the essentials of sustainable tourism before you go is so important.
This guide is for anyone wanting to experience the magic of WA’s caves the right way. I’ll walk you through how to plan your trip, what to do when you’re there, and how you can help out even after you’ve left. Ready to become a cave guardian? Let’s get into it.
- Why It Matters: Even small actions can alter a cave’s delicate climate, introduce pollutants, or disturb unique wildlife.
- Plan Like a Pro: Match a cave to your group’s fitness level, from the accessible Mammoth Cave to the more adventurous Giants Cave.
- Pack Smart & Light: Bring reusable gear and safety essentials to minimise your footprint and stay safe.
- Leave No Trace: Always stick to the paths and never touch the formations—they’ve taken thousands of years to grow.
NgILGI Cave Tour | Yallingup Western Australia Near Margaret River
Planning and Preparation for Your Cave Visit
A little bit of planning makes all the difference for a safe and eco-friendly cave trip. Western Australia is dotted with all sorts of caves, from easy strolls perfect for the family to proper underground adventures that will get your heart pumping.
Choosing a cave that fits your plans helps keep you safe and protects these delicate spots for everyone else.
How to Choose the Right Cave
The Margaret River region alone has over 150 limestone caves hidden beneath the beautiful Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Picking the one that suits your group is the first step to a great day out.
For families or anyone needing easier access, Mammoth Cave is a fantastic option. The first chamber is wheelchair accessible, and the self-guided audio tour is full of fascinating stories about the megafauna fossils found there, like the 50,000-year-old jawbone of a giant wombat-like creature called a ‘zygomaturus’ still embedded in the wall!
If you love seeing stunning crystal formations, Jewel Cave is a must-see. It’s the biggest show cave in WA and features one of the longest “straw” stalactites in any tourist cave in Australia.
For a bit of fun and learning, Ngilgi Cave is always a winner. It offers a mix of guided and self-guided tours and even has a crawl tunnel for the kids to tackle. The temperature inside stays at a comfortable 20°C all year, making it a great choice no matter the weather.
If you’re after a bit more of a challenge, Giants Cave is perfect. You’ll be climbing ladders and squeezing through tight spots, so it’s great for adventurers but not so much for little ones. Or for a truly beautiful experience, check out Lake Cave, where you enter through a dramatic sinkhole into a cavern with a permanent lake reflecting the delicate crystals above.
Once you’ve picked your spot, it’s time to sort out the paperwork.
Booking and Permits
Many caves, especially those in national parks like Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, require you to have a permit. These are managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and they’re really important for a few reasons.
Permits help manage visitor numbers, which protects the caves from overuse, and the money from them goes straight back into conservation and maintaining the facilities. To be safe, I always recommend booking your tour or permit well in advance, especially during school holidays. You can usually book directly through the websites run by the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association.
“WCC has invested in this online permit system to make issuing permits a seamless and transparent process for our members and preserve visitors.” – Western Cave Conservancy
What to Pack Checklist
Packing the right gear is a simple way to reduce your impact and make sure you have a safe and comfortable time. Here’s my go-to list.
- Safety First:
- A helmet and a reliable headlamp with backup batteries are non-negotiable for any non-commercial tour.
- A basic first-aid kit and a map or GPS are also good ideas.
- Eco-Friendly Kit:
- Reusable water bottles and coffee cups are a must. My favourites are insulated stainless steel ones from brands like Frank Green or Hydroflask.
- Pack some reusable cutlery and containers to avoid single-use plastics.
- Solid shampoo and conditioner bars save space and plastic.
- Choose a reef-safe sunscreen, as what we wear on our skin can wash into waterways. Look for brands like Ocean Australia that don’t contain oxybenzone.
- What to Wear:
- Wear a couple of layers. It can get cool and damp underground, so moisture-wicking clothes are ideal.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for the uneven and sometimes slippery paths.
- Leave No Trace Gear:
- Always be prepared to pack out everything you pack in, including all your rubbish.
- For wild caving, you’ll need a bottle for urination and a bag for any solid waste to protect the delicate environment.
By investing in good quality gear, you’ll stay safe and reduce waste in the long run.
Off-Grid Travel Tips
Many of WA’s best caves are in pretty remote spots, which is where having the right setup comes in handy. For a truly sustainable trip, I love travelling in a vehicle from a company like OffGrid Campers WA.
Their solar-powered campers are built for this kind of travel, with great battery systems, plenty of water storage, and big fridges. They even come with Starlink internet, which is a lifesaver for staying connected when you’re out of range. Everything you need is already included, which makes for a comfortable and eco-friendly basecamp.
Responsible Cave Exploration Practices
The underground worlds of Western Australia are incredibly delicate. Even a small mistake can cause damage that lasts forever, so being mindful as you move through them is key to their preservation.
Stick to Marked Paths
It might seem obvious, but staying on the marked trails is the most important rule of caving. These paths are there to keep you safe and to protect the fragile cave floor and formations from foot traffic.
If you’re in a wild cave without clear markings, the best practice is to walk in a single file line to minimise your group’s impact. If you’re an experienced caver and spot a damaged area or missing markers, you can temporarily flag it with tape and report it to the DBCA to prevent more damage.
Respect Wildlife
Caves are not empty spaces; they are homes for all sorts of unique creatures, especially bats. These animals rely on the stable, dark environment of caves to roost, breed, and hibernate, and they are very sensitive to disturbances.
Never shine your light directly at bats or make loud noises. The goal is to be a silent observer. By giving them their space, you’re helping to protect these important populations and keep the cave’s ecosystem healthy.
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Conservation and Safety During Your Visit
When you step into one of Western Australia’s caves, you become a custodian of that place. Your actions have a direct impact on preserving these ancient wonders for everyone who comes after you.
Avoid Touching or Collecting
It can be tempting to reach out and touch the incredible formations, but the oils on our skin can stop their growth permanently. Stalactites and stalagmites grow at an incredibly slow rate, sometimes less than 10 centimetres every thousand years.
A single touch can undo centuries of nature’s work. It goes without saying that you should never take anything from a cave, not even a small rock. Everything inside is part of a fragile system, so teach any kids with you to look with their eyes, not their hands.
Practice Low-Impact Behaviour
Move through the cave quietly and deliberately. Loud noises can stress the wildlife, and sudden movements can cause accidental damage. It’s also best to avoid using a flash on your camera, as the bright light can disorient animals that are adapted to the dark.
If you need extra light, a red-filtered light is much less disruptive to wildlife. Another pro-tip is to wear clothing that doesn’t shed a lot of fibres, which helps prevent introducing foreign materials into the cave.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Many of WA’s show caves have been made accessible for everyone to enjoy. For example, Mammoth Cave has wheelchair access into its impressive first chamber, allowing visitors to see the fossils and formations up close.
If you or someone in your group has mobility needs, it’s a good idea to check the cave’s website or call ahead. The staff are always happy to provide information on pathways, handrails, and any assistance they can offer to make sure everyone has a great experience.
Post-Visit Actions to Support Conservation
Your role in protecting these amazing places doesn’t stop when you leave the cave. There are some simple but powerful things you can do to support cave conservation in Western Australia long after your visit.
Provide Feedback and Report Issues
If you see anything concerning during your visit, like damage to formations, rubbish, or unsafe infrastructure, make sure you report it. You can provide feedback directly to the tour operator or contact the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
The DBCA has a complaints and feedback process to handle these issues. When you make a report, try to include specific details like the date, time, and exact location. Visitor reports are genuinely helpful for managing and protecting these sites.
“Your feedback is invaluable to us and helps us improve our services.” – NSW Government
Spread Awareness of Responsible Practices
One of the best things you can do is share what you’ve learned about responsible caving. When you post your photos online, talk about the importance of staying on the paths and not touching anything.
A great example of this is the “Leave No Trace” campaign, which has been shown to be highly effective in reducing damage in parks. Focus your posts on the beauty of the show caves that are open to the public, and avoid sharing locations of any wild or sensitive caves to protect them from overuse.
By sharing tips for sustainable tourism, you can inspire your friends and followers to be thoughtful travellers too.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Your Cave Adventure
As you plan your trip to see WA’s incredible underground landscapes, remember that every choice matters. Responsible, sustainable tourism is the key to protecting these places for the future.
By sticking to paths, packing out what you bring in, and respecting wildlife, you play a direct role in preserving these delicate ecosystems. Take inspiration from groups like the Australian Speleological Federation, who advocate for the protection of caves across the country.
Your support for local, eco-conscious businesses also helps fund conservation efforts in the region. And if you want to do even more, consider donating to organisations like Cave Conservation Australia.
“We advocate for our underground cave environments, as we recognise the irreplaceable values our caves and karst landscapes hold.”
Your adventure is a chance to contribute positively. Share what you’ve learned, report any issues you see, and encourage others to travel thoughtfully. With your help, we can make sure Western Australia’s caves remain just as amazing for generations to come.
FAQs
How can I reduce my environmental impact when visiting caves in Western Australia?
To protect Western Australia’s beautiful cave ecosystems, there are a few simple things you can do. Always stay on the marked paths to avoid damaging fragile formations and habitats.
It’s also really important not to touch the cave walls or formations, as the natural oils from your skin can cause permanent damage. And remember to keep your voice down and avoid disturbing any wildlife you might see.
How can I choose a cave in Western Australia that suits my group’s abilities and interests?
Western Australia has a cave for every type of visitor. For a fully guided and breathtaking experience, Jewel Cave and Lake Cave are fantastic choices. If you’re after a bit more of a self-guided challenge, Giants Cave is perfect for the more adventurous.
Families with kids will love Mammoth Cave, as it’s easily accessible and offers a self-guided tour with lots of cool fossils to see. For more experienced cavers looking for a challenge, there are other sites available through caving clubs, like the Western Australian Speleological Group.
Why should I book permits in advance for cave visits in Western Australia, and how does this help with conservation?
Booking your permits in advance is a huge help for cave conservation in WA. It allows park management to control visitor numbers, which limits the wear and tear on these very fragile environments.
This careful management helps protect the unique habitats of cave-dwelling animals and ensures these natural wonders are preserved for many years to come. It also helps with safety planning and makes sure resources are used effectively, giving you a better and safer experience.
