Princess Margaret Rose Caves

Princess Margaret Rose Cave is a limestone cave in Lower Glenelg National Park, Victoria, Australia.

It is known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites, making it a remarkable natural wonder. The cave is considered the most decorated cave in Australia, with beautiful formations throughout.

The cave is made of Tertiary limestone that formed in a shallow sea over 15 million years ago. It extends about 500 feet from the entrance and reaches a maximum depth of 50 feet below the surface.

The cave was discovered in 1936 by Keith McEachern, a neighboring property owner, and Mr. Jack "Bunny" Hutchesson, a local rabbit trapper, along with his sons. They obtained a license to remove bat guano from the cave and later sought a lease to develop it as a tourist attraction. With the help of Charles Hirth, a retired gold miner, they excavated fissures and constructed a shaft for better public access. The cave was officially opened to the public in 1941.

In 1968, the Forests Commission began developing the surrounding area, declaring 45 acres as a Scenic Reserve. They made improvements such as road reconstruction, new facilities, and a visitor center. Under the Forests Commission's management, visitor numbers grew significantly. In 1980, the cave was handed over to the Lower Glenelg National Park.

Princess Margaret Rose Cave is located near the South Australian border in South Western Victoria. It can be reached by boat along the Glenelg River, about 11 miles upstream from Nelson, a small seaside settlement.