Discovering the wonders of Victoria’s Fairy and Royal Caves..
Stepping through the small door, down a dim damp path and into a cool refuge from the summer heat I wondered if I should have brought a cardigan. Below the earth was an underground wonderland of limestone rock formations, trickling water and rim pools, open cathedral-like chambers and intimate alleyways all just waiting to be explored.
Here in the Buchan Caves Reserve in Victoria’s Gippsland region hundreds of caves are scattered. Some in the north of the Reserve are estimated to be 42 million years old. Younger caves in the south are estimated to be between four and five million years old.
Two caves are open to the public year-round, and another few are open for private pre-arranged tours. An estimated 120,000 people from around the world visit the Buchan Caves Reserve each year with around 64,000 visiting these particular caves, which is one of the best cave systems in Australia.
The 285-hectare, Heritage Listed Buchan Caves Reserve is conveniently located just outside the town of Buchan and only a four-hour drive east of Melbourne on the Princes Highway.
The Reserve is home to a Visitor Centre, kiosk, playground, BBQ facilities and 62 campsites for those travellers who want to stay and explore the region for longer. Both natives and exotic deciduous species make for a unique visual experience in autumn when a kaleidoscope of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows wow visitors.
This unique landscaping concept was carefully planned in1929 by pioneering public parks landscaper, Hugh Linaker. Short and longer walks also provide spectacular views across the Buchan Valley. There is even a waterfall to see on one of the walks. But its most famed attractions are the Royal and Fairy Caves.
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