The best Margaret River caves to explore

Margaret River Cave

The caves around Margaret River formed over a million years ago and are one of the natural wonders of Australia’s southwest. If you haven’t gone underground at a Margaret River cave, then don’t miss the chance to visit one of these subterranean wonderlands on your next trip south. 

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Margaret River Caves

The area from Busselton to Augusta along the Cape Naturaliste Ridge is one of the most cave-rich areas in Australia with over 100 caves beneath its surface.  The ones listed here are open to the public and can be viewed either on a guided tour or at your own leisure.

 Jewel Cave Margaret River

Jewel Cave, near Margaret River

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Jewel cave is one of the best caves in Margaret River and if you only have time to visit one cave, then this is the one to see.  This is the largest show cave in WA with three huge chambers and one of the longest stalactites found in any tourist cave in Australia.

Jewel Cave is an easy walk cave and one of the best caves to visit with small kids. There’s also a cafe on site that serves good lunch options, as well as kiosk and shop.

Jewel cave is located at the southern end of Caves Road nearer to Augusta and combines well with a trip to the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse.

Lake Cave Margaret River

Lake Cave Margaret River

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Lake Cave is one of the deepest caves in Margaret River and the descent through the sinkhole into the cave is an experience in itself.

Lake Cave is the only cave in the Margaret River area with a permanent lake which creates an incredible mirrored wonderland. The other outstanding feature of the cave is the suspended table formation that hangs over the lake.

Lake Cave can only be visited on a guided tour. Tours run for 1 hr and are conducted throughout the day at starting at 9.20am. 

Book a tour

Jump the queue and pre-book your ticket before you go.

Click here see to entry prices and pre-book a guided tour of Lake Cave. 

Ngili Cave Margaret River

Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Ngilgi Cave is located near Yallingup and can even be reached via a beautiful walk trail through the forest from Caves House Hotel. The cave has an interesting history and is rich in Aboriginal mythology.

Ngili Cave has a stunning array of stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations. You can explore the cave on your own, or go on a semi-guided or adventure tour. There’s also the highly recommended Ngili Cultural Tour that explores the Aboriginal cultural significance of the cave and surrounding area. 

Book a tour before you go

Click here to see pricing and pre-book a semi-guided tour to Ngili Cave.

Mammoth Cave Margaret River

Mammoth Cave is a self-guided cave, this means that you can go exploring on your own. Headphones are available which provide an informative insight into the history and features of the cave.

One of the interesting things about Mammoth Cave is that it contains fossils from Australia’s megafauna. There’s also a lovely boardwalk through the forest on the way out.

Mammoth Cave is the closest cave to Margaret River township and the most accessible. The first chamber is wheelchair and pram friendly.

Book a tour before you go

Click here to see pricing and book a semi-guided tour. 



Calgardup Cave Margaret River

This is another self-guided cave and a great option for the more adventurous little kids, The cave is one of the smaller ones and you can explore at your own pace. Helmets and torches are provided at the entry and kids will love exploring the caves, climbing ladders and crawling under the rock formation.


Giants Cave Margaret River

Giants Cave is an adventure cave and gives the most hands-on experience. There’s no light inside the cave and you’re provided with torches and helmets. Like Calgardup you can explore the cave on your own and navigate steep ladders and tight tunnels. The cave is not suitable for children under six. Bring sturdy shoes.

Save it for later

Margaret River Caves

This article contains affiliate links. Read my full disclaimer here

If you love Margaret River, check out these articles for more travel ideas.

Forest camping in Margaret River
Things to do in Margaret River that don’t involve wine
Margaret River’s best walking and hiking trails

5 Comments

  1. Casey says:

    I love the caves in Margaret River. Great guide Nina!

  2. […] leisure. Ngili Cave, near Yallingup, offers torchlight tours and adventure caving. See my article here on the best caves to visit in Margaret […]

  3. What an excellent post. I read your blog. You write a very good blog with beautiful photographs.

  4. […] find most of the attractions, including wineries, breweries, art galleries, mazes and most of the Margaret River caves that are open to the […]

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