Naracoorte Caves National Park

Explore an ancient landscape of fossil deposits, eerie caves and limestone formations when you tour around South Australia’s only World Heritage-listed site.

The shadowy depths of the Naracoorte Caves National Park shelter a geologically rich area on the Limestone Coast. Check out some of the national park’s 28 protected caves and find an awe-inspiring fossil record that stretches across 500,000 years. Learn about Australia’s mysterious megafauna and the creatures that once roamed the ancient world. Spot fossil deposits on a guided tour and see the cave that protects thousands of bats.

Begin your visit at the Wonambi Fossil Center. This comprehensive educational resource interprets the fascinating geology of the caves, displaying some of the 130 species of animals that have been recorded in the area. Stroll along the walking trails that connect the network of World Heritage-listed caves.

Join a guided tour and learn about Victoria Fossil Cave, which was unearthed in 1969. Wander past stalactites and stalagmites as you journey toward the Fossil Chamber. Find out which animals left a fossilized story behind, as well as excavation techniques that have been used to retrace the fossils’ history. See complete skeletons of long-extinct megafauna, such as the marsupial lion.

Visit the Alexandra Cave, which has allowed paleontologists to peer into the past since 1908. Learn about how caves are formed on the Limestone Coast and spot intriguing flowstone. You can visit nearby Wet Cave without a guide or explore the Bat Observation Center outside of Blanche Cave. Don’t miss the chance to go on a cave adventure and clamber through craggy caverns with a rope and harness.

Re-energize at the Caves Café and grab a quick meal or a refreshing drink. Alternatively, bring some food to enjoy at the on-site picnic grounds.

Naracoorte Caves National Park is a little over an hour’s drive from Mount Gambier. Choose from individual caving adventures or take advantage of a combination deal that includes Wonambi Fossil Center entry, cave exploration and bat observation. Entry to the national park and parking are both free. The caves are open daily, except for Christmas Day.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Naracoorte Caves National Park

Katnook Estate

Sip on award-winning vintages in one of the Coonawarra wine region’s oldest vineyards, where vines stretch across acres of fertile red soil.

Mount Gambier

Delve into Mount Gambier’s caves and waters and discover the gem of South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

Cave Gardens

Descend into a sinkhole in the middle of Mount Gambier to witness waterfalls and colorful plants tumbling down the sheer, rocky faces of a stunning cave.

Umpherston Sinkhole

Surround yourself with greenery in one of Mount Gambier’s most attractive sunken gardens, where you can visit at any time of day for an atmospheric experience.

Blue Lake Reserve

Walk around the perimeter of this stunning cobalt-colored crater lake and check out viewing platforms overlooking Mount Gambier’s precious water source.

Hotels near Naracoorte Caves National Park

William Macintosh Motor Lodge

Corner of Messamurry Roadand Stewart Terrace, and Stewart Terrace

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Naracoorte, this golf motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Naracoorte Golf Club, Parklands Nature Park, and The Sheep's Back Museum. Black Cockatoo Bush Camp Hiking Trails is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) away.

Naracoorte Hotel Motel

73 Ormerod Street

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Naracoorte, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Black Cockatoo Bush Camp Hiking Trails and The Sheep's Back Museum. Parklands Nature Park and Naracoorte Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Coonawarra Motor Lodge

114 Church Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Penola, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Koonara Wines, Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, and Parker Coonawarra Estate. Patrick of Coonawarra and Hollick Wines are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Alexander Cameron Suites

23-25 Church Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the historical district, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Koonara Wines and Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre. Parker Coonawarra Estate and Patrick of Coonawarra are also within 3 mi (5 km).