Near the township of Buchan, lies a honeycomb of caves full of spectacular limestone formations. Buchan Caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock.

The formations are created by rain water seeping through cracks and dissolving some of the limestone. As each droplet comes through the roof it deposits calcite which crystallises in a small ring. In time, stalactites are formed on the roof of the cave, and stalagmites build up from droplets which fall to the floor.

The Caves Reserve was established to cater to the needs of the thousands of visitors who visit the caves each year.

Things to see and do.

Guided tours are conducted daily in Royal Cave and Fairy Cave. Both caves are lit and have walk-ways. Royal Cave has beautiful calcite-rimmed pools; Fairy Cave has elaborate stalactites and stalagmites. Tours to 'wild' unlit caves can be arranged for small groups. Other caves have been opened and tours of the less accessible Murrindal Caves, just north of Buchan, can be booked. Walk the Spring Creek track (90 minutes return), and try the shorter walks in the area. Swim in the pool fed by a natural spring.

Facilities

The Caves Reserve has a swimming pool, playground, picnic ground, toilets, kiosk and an information centre. There are 49 powered campsites - booking is required at Easter and during the summer holiday period. The kiosk is open 9am to 4:30pm; guided tours run from 10am until 3:30pm. Hotel, motel, cabin and flat accommodation are available in Buchan.

Heritage

The caves were reserved in 1887, though largely by accident - they were on land set aside for stock camping. The government commissioned an exploration soon afterwards, and reserved a larger area because the caves were being vandalised. In 1907 Frank Moon discovered the Fairy Cave which was opened to the public later that year. Royal Cave was discovered in 1910 and, after an entrance tunnel was dug, opened in 1913. The Caves Reserve was set out and planted mostly in the late 1930s.

Vegetation

Hundreds of deciduous trees have been planted in the Caves Reserve. Fauna More than 60 species of birds have been sighted in the Reserve. Not to mention the Kangaroos and Wallabies.