Discover the mystical Mammoth Cave & beyond

Hidden beneath the picturesque landscapes of Margaret River lies an ancient, subterranean world waiting to be explored.

In this journey through time and nature, we will delve into the depths of Mammoth Cave and its neighbouring wonders, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave.

These underground chambers are not merely geological formations but portals to a realm teeming with history, beauty, and the remnants of long-extinct creatures.

Join us as we embark on a mesmerizing adventure, guided by the whispers of the earth itself.

Mammoth Cave: A Self-Guided Odyssey

Mammoth Cave, nestled just a short drive south of Margaret River in Western Australia, stands as a testament to the Earth’s profound history.

It beckons with its unique allure, thanks in part to its audio self-guiding system. This innovative approach allows visitors to immerse themselves in the cavern’s captivating mysteries at their own pace.

But what lies beneath the surface of Mammoth Cave is a treasure trove of prehistoric secrets.

Lake Cave: A Pristine Subterranean Paradise

Directly below Cave Works, Lake Cave awaits, a pristine chamber hidden deep within the Earth’s embrace.

Upon descending the staircase, a tranquil lake that mirrors delicate formations of breathtaking beauty greets visitors.

Towering karri trees loom overhead, evoking the primeval splendour of a lost world.

Lake Cave emerges as one of Western Australia’s most enchanting natural wonders, a serene sanctuary beneath the earth’s surface.

Jewel Cave: Nature’s Grand Masterpiece

Jewel Cave stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur, challenging the very laws of scale.

As visitors venture into its lofty chambers, a spectacle of intricate decorations and sheer magnitude unfolds before their eyes.

Within its depths, one can marvel at one of the world’s longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave.

Nature’s artistic prowess is on full display in Jewel Cave, a majestic underground realm that dwarfs all who enter.

Giant Trees: Guardians of the Subterranean Realm

The journey beneath Margaret River’s surface is not complete without acknowledging the guardians of this subterranean realm—karri and marri trees.

These towering giants dominate the surrounding forest, creating an enchanting backdrop for the caves.

Karri trees, reaching up to 90 meters in height, stretch across the landscape in a breathtaking display.

Their smooth, multi-coloured bark shifts with maturity, while white blossoms in spring add a touch of ethereal beauty to the forest.

Marri trees, belonging to the “bloodwood” group, contribute their unique essence to the ecosystem.

Their resin, oozing from rough, fibrous bark, plays a vital role, especially during late summer.

Local vignerons depend on marri flowering to divert birds away from their ripening grapes, making these trees an unexpected saviour for winemakers.

Mammoth Stream: Nature’s Sculptor

Mammoth Stream, a seemingly unassuming waterway, played a pivotal role in creating Mammoth Cave’s stunning underground expanse.

Collecting drainage from the adjacent Nindup Plain, it embarks on a westward journey towards the sea.

However, its path is not without challenges. The limestone barrier known as the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge stands in its way.

Yet, the stream’s tannin-stained, acidic waters have a unique power—they dissolve the limestone, carving channels that allow the stream to flow through the ridge.

Mammoth Cave is a testament to the stream’s sculpting prowess, shaped over millennia.

Mesmerizing journey through time

Mammoth Cave and its neighbouring underground wonders, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave, offer a mesmerizing journey through time, nature, and geology.

In the heart of Margaret River, these caves unveil the Earth’s secrets, from ancient fossils to towering karri trees.

As we explore these subterranean realms, they remind us of the wonders that lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered and cherished.

How to get there

Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave, and Jewel Cave are in the Margaret River Region in Australia’s southwest. For more information and bookings, visit Margaret River Attractions

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First published 2013; updated 19 September 2023.

PHOTOS: Jocelyn Watts

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