What are the Buchan Caves used for?

Discover a honeycomb of spectacular limestone formations carved by an underground river almost 400 million years ago at Buchan Caves. Tour the largest cave system in Victoria, enjoy a picnic in the scenic heritage-listed landscape or camp a night under the stars.

Are dogs allowed at Buchan Caves?

Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park. For Buchan Caves accommodation there are 49 powered and many more unpowered campsites.

How deep are the Buchan Caves?

The Buchan region contains Victoria’s longest cave, the three kilometre long B-4 (the show cave system). The New Guinea Ridge region contains Victoria’s deepest cave, NG-1, at 120 meters deep (Matthews, 1985).

Are there caves in Lakes Entrance?

Buchan Caves Reserve is 360 km from Melbourne, north of Lakes Entrance (Melway ref: 529 D3). From Bairnsdale, drive to Bruthen and take the Buchan Road.

How much is entry to Buchan Caves?

27.00 for an adult, $15.60 for a child and $22.20 for a senior and families costing $74.40 for 2 adults, 2 children 5 – 16 years. Once your ticket is purchased for your preferred time, you drive to the parking lot of the cave (a few minutes from the camp site) where you wait for your guide.

What animals live in the Buchan Caves?

Such animals might include megafauna marsupials like the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, which are often seen close to the campgrounds, and megafauna reptiles like the Lace Monitor. You might also encounter other native species in your travels, such as Superb Lyrebirds, Short-beaked Echidnas, and Swamp Wallabies.

What process has caused the formation of the Buchan Caves?

The limestone rock at Buchan was laid down about 380 million years ago under shallow seas that covered much of East Gippsland. Vertical joint lines across the layers of limestone allowed water to seep through the rock, dissolving the limestone to form the caves.

What is there to see between Lakes Entrance and Melbourne?

Explore

• Melbourne to Lakes Entrance. 380km, 5 hours. Depart Melbourne, bound for Lakes Entrance, a four hour drive away.
• Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory. 250km, 3 hours.
• Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island. 110km, 1.5 hours.
• Phillip Island to Melbourne. 140km, 1.75 hours.

How old are the Buchan Caves?

Discover an underground wonderland of spectacular limestone formations at Gippsland’s ancient Buchan Caves. Underground rivers cutting through limestone rock created the caves almost 400 million years ago….

Who discovered the Buchan Caves?

The provenance of contemporary cave exploration is not as clear but the one name most commonly associated with the discovery and exploration of caves in Buchan is that of Frank Moon.

How do I get from Melbourne to Phillip Island?

To get to Phillip Island by car, travel along the Monash Freeway from Melbourne and take the exit to Phillip Island (near Cranbourne) along the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Continue to follow the signs for Phillip Island onto the Bass Highway (A420).

Is there a train to Lakes Entrance?

Lakes Entrance has several Bus Stops, which connect to the V/Line Train at Bairnsdale. Trams and Buses, including the SkyBus to the Airport, are available at Southern Cross Station in Spencer St, Melbourne.

Who are the traditional owners of the Buchan Caves?

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria – including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, the Gunaikurnai identify the Buchan Caves Reserve as their Traditional Country. Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria.

Where to stay at Buchan Caves in Victoria?

Stay a night at Buchan Caves and choose from powered/unpowered campsites or Caves House. Take a tour and explore elaborate stalactites and stalagmites, and beautiful calcite-rimmed pools of the Royal and Fairy Caves. There are a range of powered campsites that are located on flat ground and generally close to the public amenities block.

Why is Buchan Caves Reserve in Gippsland important?

Buchan Caves Reserve is one of the jointly managed parks within Gippsland. The Joint Management agreement recognises the fact that the Gunaikurnai people hold Aboriginal Title and maintain a strong connection to Country. As custodians of the land, they are the rightful people who speak for their Country.

Where is Spring Creek Walk, Buchan Caves Reserve?

There are seats at the start of the walk, along Tea Tree track and at the lookout over Spring Creek Falls. Buchan Caves Reserve is situated 1hour drive north east of Bairnsdale. From Melbourne take the Princes Highway to Bairnsdale then the Great Alpine Rd to Bruthen.