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Calgardup Cave

4.7
·247 reviews·Forest Grove, Australia

Discover the natural artistry of Calgardup Cave with its stunning formations, underground lake, and self-guided tours.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Self-guided, explore at your own pace

CrowdLow
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Calgardup Cave - Image 1

Calgardup Cave

Best Time

Anytime

Self-guided, explore at your own pace

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the natural artistry of Calgardup Cave with its stunning formations, underground lake, and self-guided tours.

4.7
(247 reviews)

"Absolutely loved exploring Calgardup Cave! It's the perfect size, not too big, so you don’t get exhausted."

Vertical photo
TIP

Self-Guided Exploration :flashlight:

Enjoy the freedom of a self-guided tour with provided helmet and torch. Take your time to soak in the natural beauty.

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The cave has steep steps and can be wet. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and grip.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Lake & Tree Roots

Underground Lake & Tree Roots

Inside Calgardup Cave

Discover a stunning underground lake and intricate tree roots that have grown into the cave, showcasing nature's artistry.

Stalactites & Stalagmites

Stalactites & Stalagmites

Inside Calgardup Cave

Marvel at the unreal formations of stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted by nature over millennia.

Flowstone Walls

Flowstone Walls

Inside Calgardup Cave

Witness the mesmerizing flowstone formations that adorn the cave walls, creating a moody and atmospheric spectacle.

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Planning Your Visit

Self-Guided Adventure Awaits

Calgardup Cave offers a unique self-guided experience. You'll be provided with a helmet and torch, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Be prepared for some steep steps and a low roof in certain sections, making it an adventurous yet accessible outing. Reddit

Best Value Cave Experience

Many visitors find Calgardup Cave offers excellent value for its entry fee, especially compared to larger, more commercialized caves. It's a great option for families and those who prefer a less crowded, more personal exploration. Instagram

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Self-guided, explore at your own pace
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A secret cave with unmatched beauty👇 Welcome to day 4 of my January challenge to hike 31 different trails, at least 100 miles, and make a donation valued at $50,000 to @Kesem if I can do it. The ‘rules’: 1. Provide you with a detailed trail guide (this one is below) 2. Minimum hiking distance = follower count (TikTok + IG)/ 50 / 2.666 ft/step. 3. Share a different hike daily: 31 total for Januar...
@outdoorwiseliving
95.9K likes • 1.3M views

Self-Guided Exploration :flashlight:

Enjoy the freedom of a self-guided tour with provided helmet and torch. Take your time to soak in the natural beauty. Reddit

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The cave has steep steps and can be wet. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and grip. Reddit

This hike will squeeze every penny out of you (literally) but it will be worth it 🍋 💸 Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is a fun hike in Lincoln, New Hampshire that takes you through mossy boardwalks, flowing waterfalls, and about dozen boulder caves along the way. The most famous cave is known as the Lemon Squeezer and it certainly lived up to its name. If you’re claustrophobic or just not down f...
@pang__bang
26.8K likes • 475.5K views
There are quite a few caves open to the public in the Margaret River Region and each is beautiful and unique. * Jewel Cave * Lake Cave * Ngilgi Cave * Mammoth Cave * Giants Cave * Calgardup Cave Some are easier than others if you have kids, some have fewer stairs. Tours range from ‘at your own pace’ self guided tours, to guided tours along boardwalks. We only had the time to explore 2 caves: J...
caravanodyssey_australia
0 likes • 1K views

Family-Friendly Fun :child:

Kids can spot crayfish and enjoy the adventurous feel of exploring the cave. Instagram

Great Value :moneybag:

Considered well worth the entry fee for the experience and natural beauty. Instagram

Calgardup Cave - such an amazing experience for us all! For the price I didn’t think it was going to be as big and beautiful as it was! The kids managed to spot a little crayfish and apparently a frog going by all the yelling they did about frogs 😂
kristykingyandco
7 likes • 106 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Self-Guided Exploration :flashlight:

Enjoy the freedom of a self-guided tour with provided helmet and torch. Take your time to soak in the natural beauty. Reddit

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The cave has steep steps and can be wet. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and grip. Reddit

Family-Friendly Fun :child:

Kids can spot crayfish and enjoy the adventurous feel of exploring the cave. Instagram

Great Value :moneybag:

Considered well worth the entry fee for the experience and natural beauty. Instagram

Two Branches to Explore :branch:

The cave has a left and right branch, offering more to discover beyond the main path. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(247 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Calgardup Cave, praising its natural beauty, manageable size, and excellent value. The self-guided tours with provided equipment are a hit, offering an adventurous yet accessible experience. While some note the presence of steep steps and a low roof, most find the formations, underground lake, and flowstone walls to be breathtaking. The friendly staff also contribute to a positive overall experience. InstagramReddit

"Beautiful cave. It's quite wet, and there is an amazing underground lake and tree roots from the trees above.

Well worth paying for entry (self-guided and provided with a helmet and head torch and backup torch).

Walkways have quite a few steep steps and one part has a low roof. It's not a through cave, so you go in and out the same way but there is a left and right branch of the cave to visit."

Nick Iles

"Absolutely loved exploring Calgardup Cave! It’s the perfect size, not too big, so you don’t get exhausted from endless steps like in other caves. The cave is easily accessible with a short, well-maintained road leading from the car park directly to the entrance pathway, making it very convenient to reach right from the parking area. The mostly boardwalked trail inside with handrails and stairs provides a comfortable and natural experience without feeling overly commercialized. Plus, the self-guided adventure with helmet and torchlight adds to the authentic feel. Highly recommend for anyone wanting an easy cave adventure without the crowds or overwhelming tours."

Fluffy Gamer

"Absolutely loved the cave experience down in Margaret River. The formations—stalactites and stalagmites—are unreal, like nature went full sculptor mode. The lighting setup really brings everything to life, super moody and atmospheric without being over-the-top. What stood out the most though? The presenters. Every single one we spoke to was friendly, knew their stuff, and made the whole tour feel genuinely interesting, not just a script. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area."

Hamed Hajia

What People Like

Beautiful natural formations
Self-guided adventure
Great value for money

What People Dislike

Steep steps
Low roof sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Calgardup Cave is easily accessible via a short, well-maintained road leading directly from the car park to the entrance pathway. It's located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia. Instagram

Yes, there is a car park conveniently located near the cave entrance, making it easy to reach the pathway. Instagram

The access road is generally suitable for caravans, and parking is available. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be purchased on-site. It's a self-guided tour, so booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always good to check their official website for the latest information. Reddit

Entry fees are generally considered reasonable and offer good value for the experience. You might get a discount if you visit another cave in the area. InstagramReddit

Calgardup Cave offers a self-guided tour experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You'll be provided with a helmet and head torch. Reddit

Your ticket includes access to the cave, a helmet, and a head torch for your self-guided exploration. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Calgardup Cave website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date operating times. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The cave features mostly boardwalks with handrails and stairs, making it a comfortable and natural experience. There are some steep steps and a low roof section. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often enjoy spotting crayfish and the adventurous feel of the cave. The self-guided nature allows them to explore at their own pace. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted, but be mindful of the lighting conditions and other visitors. The natural formations and moody lighting make for great shots. Instagram

The cave is the perfect size, not too big, so you won't get exhausted. You can take your time to explore both branches. InstagramReddit

Due to the steep steps and uneven terrain, it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues. However, the pathways are well-maintained. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the stunning stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone walls, and the unique underground lake. The moody lighting adds to the atmospheric shots. Instagram

Use a tripod if possible to capture longer exposures in the low light. Experiment with your ISO and aperture to get clear, atmospheric shots. TikTok

While generally allowed, be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disrupt the natural ambiance or cave formations. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Calgardup Cave is a hit with families! The self-guided tour means you can go at your own speed, perfect for little legs. Kids will love spotting crayfish and the general sense of adventure. The cave isn't too big, so it's manageable for children, and the boardwalks make it relatively safe. It's a great way to introduce them to the wonders of geology in a fun, hands-on way. Instagram+1

Pro-tip: Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes as there are some steep steps. The provided helmet and torch add to the excitement, making them feel like real explorers. It's a memorable experience that offers both fun and a touch of educational discovery.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Calgardup Cave offers exceptional value. It's often cited as being well worth the entry fee, providing a significant natural spectacle without the hefty price tag of some other attractions. Instagram

As a self-guided tour, you save on guide fees, and the ability to explore at your own pace means you can spend as much or as little time as you like within the cave. This makes it an economical yet highly rewarding experience for those looking to maximize their travel budget while still enjoying unique natural wonders.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Subterranean Wonders

Calgardup Cave offers a captivating journey into the earth, characterized by its self-guided tours and natural beauty. Visitors are equipped with a helmet and head torch, empowering them to explore at their own pace. The cave is not a through-cave, meaning you enter and exit the same way, but it features distinct left and right branches, providing a comprehensive exploration experience. Reddit

The cave is renowned for its stunning geological formations, including intricate stalactites, majestic stalagmites, and mesmerizing flowstone walls. The presence of an underground lake and the unique sight of tree roots penetrating the cave add to its natural allure. The pathways are primarily boardwalks with handrails and stairs, ensuring a relatively comfortable and safe exploration, though some steep steps and a low roof section are part of the adventure. Instagram+1

Many visitors highlight the excellent value for money at Calgardup Cave, noting it's a perfect size – not overwhelmingly large, preventing exhaustion. This makes it an ideal choice for families and those who prefer a more intimate and less commercialized caving experience. The ease of access from the car park further enhances its appeal. Instagram

A Family-Friendly Adventure

Calgardup Cave is a fantastic destination for families looking for an engaging and memorable outing. The self-guided nature of the tour allows children to explore at their own pace, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery. They might even spot some of the cave's inhabitants, like crayfish, adding an exciting element to the visit. Instagram

The cave's manageable size is a significant advantage for families, preventing young explorers from becoming tired or overwhelmed. The well-maintained boardwalks and handrails provide a sense of security, while the natural formations like stalactites and stalagmites spark curiosity. It’s an opportunity for kids to learn about geology in a fun and interactive way, making it an educational as well as an entertaining experience. Instagram

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