inside lake cave in margaret river with lights reflecting off the water
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Lake Cave Margaret River Review & Detailed Guide 2024

Have you ever wanted to explore a cave that looks like a fairytale? Look no further than Lake Cave in Margaret River, Australia. This breathtakingly beautiful cave is the most ‘actively dripping’ cave in the southwest.

Located in Western Australia’s Margaret River region, Lake Cave offers a unique experience that will take your breath away. The cave is over 1 million years old and contains ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and a spectacular suspended table.

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As WA locals, we have visited the Margaret River region and caves numerous times.

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inside lake cave in margaret river with lights reflecting off the water

Lake Cave Tour

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️ with over 1,790 reviews

Tour Length: 1 hour

The only way to view Lake Cave is on a guided tour.

Highlights:

  • views of the cave from under & above ground
  • seeing the suspended table
  • listening to the drips of last years rainfall into the underground lake
  • learning about the cave’s geology

This tour has a maximum of 30 visitors, so don’t miss out!

Lake Cave, one of one hundred limestone caves in the region, is part of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge. This geological structure comprises of tough and old granite-gneiss bedrock covered with a porous layer of limestone made from consolidated sand dunes.

On this guided tour, you’ll explore the cave with experienced guides who share stories about its fascinating past while pointing out some amazing geological features. So find out more about this incredible journey into Lake Cave Margaret River.

view from above of lake cave's entrance with trees above
Stairs leading down to Lake Cave’s entrance

History of Lake Cave

Evidence suggests the Wadandi Noongar people used the Margaret River caves to shelter during the cold months.

Francis Bussell, daughter of pioneer Alfred Bussell, was the first settler to find the Lake Cave entrance in 1867. However, despite telling her family about her discovery, the entry was only located again thirty years later. This time, her brother John Bussell, Tim Connelly, and friends discovered the entrance and decided to explore the cave.

They winched down the 15m limestone wall using ropes onto the cave floor. It’s hard to imagine exploring the cave in semi-darkness with only a hand lamp to guide you – Connelly had to also wade through the lake!

A wooden staircase was built to allow visitors access to the cave, which was then named Queen of the Earth.

Since opening to the public in 1901, Lake Cave has become one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist attractions due to its incredible natural beauty.

wooden staircase leading down to lake cave Margaret river
Wooden staircase leading down to Lake Cave’s entrance

Lake Cave Tour

Entry to Lake Cave is through an enormous sinkhole, or doline, an impressive entrance to this awe-inspiring cave. To access the cave, 350 wooden stairs lead past giant karri trees and picturesque ferns.

Before descending, admire the views from the Lake Cave Deck, a beautiful viewing platform in the treetops.

Once inside, journey into this ancient chamber to marvel at its crystal formations which have been growing over thousands of years.

Along with stalactites, stalagmites, straws, and other delicate decorations, you will also find the unique ‘Suspended Table,’ an impressive formation that weighs several tonnes yet seems to defy gravity as it hovers above clear water.

This underground lake was formed by a stream once flowing through the cave and now reflects the stunning geological formations. Despite being small, this is the deepest show cave in the Southwest, with a depth of 62m.

On your tour of Lake Cave, you will learn more about its geological features, flora and fauna, and history. Seated at the back of the chamber facing the lake, listen to the droplets of water drip into the lake. Your guide will change the lighting to illuminate views of the cave features and formations.

stalactites in lake cave wa
Stalactites, Lake Cave

Tips for your Lake Cave Tour

  • Lake Cave is popular with photographers, so bring a camera
  • A moderate level of fitness is required to climb the 350 steps (you can take your time climbing the stairs back up)
  • Not wheelchair or stroller accessible
  • Wear sturdy shoes
  • Be careful of the overhang on the last lot of stairs
  • An adult must accompany children under 17

Definitely put Lake Cave at the top of your list, when it comes to caves, this one is certainly special.

R.Fraggle
wooden boardwalk across the lake in lake cave wa
Wooden boardwalk across the lake

Lake Cave Entrance Fee

The cost to enter Lake Cave includes a guided tour, the only way to view the cave.

Adult: A$24.00
Child (4-16yrs): A$12.00
Seniors: A$22.00

Lake Cave Opening Hours

Lake Cave is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

suspended table in lake cave margaret river cave
Lake Cave

Lake Cave Facilities

  • Toilets
  • Gift Shop

Lake Cave Address

Caves Road & Conto Road, Forest Grove, Western Australia, WA 6285

Lake Cave Location

Lake Cave is on Caves Road, 20 minutes south of Margaret River.

Lake Cave Margaret River Fires

The bushfires that raged near Lake Cave in December 2021 were a devastating reminder of the power of nature. The flames spread quickly, consuming everything in their path and leaving destruction behind them.

It was heartbreaking to see photos of the devastation at Lake Cave. Thankfully, the brave firefighters managed to save the cave, which is now re-open to the public.

A new jarrah staircase is now in place, and the forest is starting to regenerate.

burnet trees in boranup forest after a massive bush fire
Boranup Forest after Margaret River bushfire

After taking a guided tour of Lake Cave Margaret River, it’s undeniable that the experience is truly magical. From the incredible limestone formations to the beauty of the underground lake in this remarkable cave, something extraordinary awaits inside.

Be sure to book your tour of Lake Cave today and enjoy all of nature’s gifts that this incredible attraction provides.

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Flights ✈️

We fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service, and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Accommodation 🏩

We mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.

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Car Rental 🚘

To compare rental car company prices, we use Discover Cars, an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.

Campervan/RV Rental 🚐

DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, and Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Travel Insurance 🌏

Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.

See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.