Where To Find The Best Melbourne Caves

There is something so powerful about caves, these ethereal wonders created by Mother Nature that almost act as a primordial conduit that reconnects us humans back to the land - the raw elements of Earth itself. Evoking our long-past primal instinct to seek out these sanctuaries that offer us shelter from predators, fierce winds, heavy rain or the cold kiss of snow, caves still continue to capture our sense of Earthly wonder, leaving us in awe of their dominating presence.

Caves in Victoria are replete with phosphorus glow worms that bask the inner walls with their enchanting bioluminescent glow to limestone stalactite and stalagmite mineral deposits that create the inner workings of these magnificent beasts. If you are searching for temporary solace from the hustle and bustle of the city or perhaps an enthusiastic spelunker seeking an adventurous weekend, then here is where to find the best caves in Melbourne.

Quick Links:

• Hollow Mountain
• Buchan Caves
• Karr's Reef Gold Mine
• Tarragal Caves
• Byaduk Caves
• Wells Cave

Hollow Mountain

Our first pick for the best caves in Victoria is located just under three hours away from Melbourne and is found in the northern part of the Grampians National Park. Hollow Mountain, known by the locals as Wudjub-guyan, is an incredibly popular spot for both cave exploring and rock climbing. The Hollow Mountain walk will take you on a 2km journey through its impressive cave system, involving rock scrambling, rock hopping and carefully navigating over slippery track surfaces and rocky ledges. The reward after all your hard work is the magnificent view of the Mount Stapylton Amphitheatre which stretches out into the Wimmera Plains and beyond.

Why you'll love Hollow Mountain:

• An excellent choice for energetic and adventurous hikers
• A cave system rich in Aboriginal history
• A great way to explore the Grampians National Park

Buchan Caves

Our next pick in the quest for the best Melbourne caves is located in East Gippsland. Situated in Krauatungalung country, the Buchan Caves are a complex system of limestone caves that offer an otherworldly experience that a brief description can simply not do justice to. Researchers have estimated that the Buchan Caves date back to the Devonian period which was over 400 million years ago - and they've been stuck in time ever since. You'll have plenty to see and do here, such as exploring the calcite-rimmed pools in Royal Cave or marvelling at the monstrous stalagmites and stalactites of Fairy Cave. With complete lighting, walkways and stairclimbers, the Buchan Caves are some of the most accessible caves in Melbourne.

Why you'll love Buchan Caves:

• Some of the oldest caves in the world dating back over 400 million years ago
• Many different cave systems to see and explore
• All cave systems are accessible and wheelchair-friendly

Karr's Reef Gold Mine

Located in Yackandandah, just over three hours' drive from Melbourne is the Heritage-listed and protected Karrs Reef Gold Mine. This 150-metre-long old gold mining tunnel was originally carved out by Cornish gold miners during the late 19th century. What sets this cave tour apart from the rest is that it is conducted by the mine's owner Greg Porter from the comfort of his 4WD. Listening to Greg's alluring stories and facts about the old mining days while slowly following the darkly lit trail, complete with remains of the old black powder blasting, will transport you straight back to the 1800s. Once your cave tour is complete, make sure you take some time to explore Yackandandah, which is filled with friendly locals, delicious cafes and quirky shops.

Why you'll love Karr's Reef Gold Mine:

• Cave exploration that can be done in a 4WD
• One of the most personal cave tours in Melbourne
• Lots of shops and cafes nearby

Tarragal Caves

Travelling a little further outside of Melbourne, about a five hour drive heading west of Portland, is our next top pick for one of the best Melbourne caves: the Tarragal Caves. Starting with a mere 50 metre hike uphill, this site contains six caves to see and explore. These caves may not be as deep as some of the other Melbourne caves on our list, but they are rich in Aboriginal history, with some even still containing ancient Aboriginal cave sketchings. However, there is one cave that runs about 400 metres into the ground that features a mysterious sinkhole opening. Because of all the wind that breezes through, it was once believed by the ancient locals to be inhabited by supernatural beings.

Why you'll love Tarragal Caves:

• Rich in Aboriginal history and feature ancient cave sketchings
• Six caves to explore - one with a mysterious sinkhole opening
• An unbeatable view of the surrounding Bridgewater Lakes

Byaduk Caves

Situated just under four hours' drive west of Melbourne, Byaduk Caves was created by one of the country's youngest volcanoes (Mount Napier Volcano) - just over 10,000 years ago. This ancient lava tunnel cave is an underground chamber that rests just a mere 20 metres below the surface. Filled to the brim with stalagmites, stalactites and colonies of bats, the entrance to this subterranean wonderland is shrouded in ferns and accessed via a walking track. But remember to bring your trusty torch because it can get very dark down there, and bring a jacket because it can get extremely chilly down there.

Why you'll love Byaduk Caves:

• An ancient lava tunnel cave
• One of the darkest caves in Victoria - perfect for adventurers
• Lots of walking tracks nearby

Wells Cave

The Wells Cave might not be the most claustrophobe-friendly cave in Melbourne, but that doesn't mean it should be avoided! Tucked away in open eucalypt forest, Wells Cave is an exciting natural and narrow passageway that is flanked by steep faces of rock and is nestled on the Wells Cave Track Loop in Cathedral Ranges National Park. Because you will be squeezing your way between cave walls, it's not recommended bringing backpacks - we really meant it's not for the faint-hearted! Those that do complete the exciting climb through Wells Cave will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views from the top of Sugarloaf Peak. There are also overnight camping options at The Farmyard close by.

Why you'll love Wells Cave:

• A cave not for the faint of heart - but perfect for those seeking adventure
• Lots of climbing opportunities
• Overnight camping options available

Discover The Best Caves In Melbourne Today

These are just some of the many exciting caves in Melbourne that are begging to be explored - and the only way to discover them is to go there yourself! Before you head out though, make sure you are fully stocked up on all your hiking needs such as hiking shoes, hydration packs, hiking equipment and much more. Make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more exciting hiking destinations that you can visit with your friends and family. If you liked where to find the best caves in Melbourne, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations in Melbourne and tips such as:

• Discover The Best Waterfalls In Victoria
• Melbourne's Top 10 Bike Trails
• Guide To Hiking Trails In Melbourne
• Our Top Day Trips From Melbourne

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive hiking range for your next outdoor adventure.