
2. Lake Cave
Location: Caves Rd, Margaret River WA
Margaret River isn’t all water, wildlife and wine; it’s also home to one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Western Australia. Join a guided tour of the Lake Cave to go deep beneath the surface to view the tranquil lake inside a cave. If you’ve made the trip to Margaret River then Lake Cave should be near the top of any travel itinerary.the likes of which is only really matched by a similar offering in New South Wales.
We’re of course referring to the region’s amazing limestone cave networks, the visual pinnacle of which is the stunning Lake Cave located amongst a pristine nature reserve around 20 minutes’ drive to the south of Margaret River town on the aptly-named Caves Road.
While it’s far from the largest cave in the region, it’s arguably the most beautiful. Entry to the cave is gained via a relatively long descent down a flight of 350 stairs leading into the heart of the massive doline, which is a sight into and of itself.
While it’s a somewhat intimidating initial approach to the attraction, the reward after making the trip down is well worth the effort.
What is found within after entering the cave is simply an example of nature at its most pure, beautiful self – a massive number of stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years from dripping, mineral-rich water.
Man-made lighting is used to full effect here, with both neutral tones and other vivid colours illuminating the cave walls to give it a surreal touch.
Lake Cave derives its name from its constant body of water which provides a mirror-like surface for the lighting to reflect off, amplified by its one true gem, its floating suspended table formation, which is one of only two of its kind in the world.
Throughout your exploration of the cave, your guide will provide an enlightening and entertaining narrative on how this and other similar caves came to be, with history on Lake Cave itself as well as the technical formation of the rock formations outlined in detail.
Guides accompany visitors for safety reasons as much as to provide information, as it’s a fairly strenuous trip and the presence of water can make incidents and rare but possible factor; however their degree of experience and friendly, reassuring nature is more than enough to allay any fears one may have.
While it’s only a single room rather than a massive, winding network, the guides are experts at making the whole tour interesting. t’s a peaceful and somewhat alien landscape that’s best visited outside of the school holidays if possible, as the noise from rowdy children can shatter the mood somewhat.
There’s also a decent amount of quality facilities set up around the cave such as toilets and a cafe that makes extending the experience and relaxing amongst the lovely surrounds a possibility, too.
If you’re prepared to put in the effort and push past plenty of stairs, you’ll come away with an experience of one of Australia’s most spectacular show caves – and given the rarity of such a perfect natural formation, if you’ve made the trip to Margaret River then Lake Cave should be near the top of any travel itinerary. Just think of the required investment of exercise as a healthy bonus!