Lake Cave Margaret River Review & Detailed Guide 2024
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
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.
As WA locals, we have visited the Margaret River region and caves numerous times.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.