Lake Cave
Lake Cave is a stunning crystal wonderland which can awaken the child in all of us.
It’s a place of timeless beauty. The lake inside the cave acts as a mirror of infinite
reflections of crystal formations which is truly magical.
Lake Cave is widely renowned for its treasured formation, the “Suspended Table”. The
“table” a massive column of calcite weighing in excess of five tonnes that seems
to hang precariously from the ceiling, defying gravity and hovering just a few
centimetres above the lake.
The journey into the cave starts with a descent into a huge doline which was once the
largest cavern of the cave. As you stroll down the 350 stairs you pass ancient Karri trees,
some towering more than 20 stories high. The limestone cliffs of the doline are equally
impressive -. giant weathered stalactites are draped with spider webs creating the
atmosphere of a primeval lost world – a stark contrast to the crystalline beauty
which remains hidden and protected underground.
At the halfway point, an experienced guide will join and prepare you to enter the cave. As
you enter you will be mesmerised. The clear waters of the lake are incredibly still and
reflect delicate white crystalline formations. Continual drips of water ride down the
stalactites and echo sporadically in the surrounding silence. It is easy to see why it was
originally named by its first tour guide, Tim Connelly, as “The Queen of the Earth.”
Your guide will explain the history, geology, hydrology and ecology of the cave and
also pose interesting questions to ponder. You will also have the opportunity to touch
a sample of calcite crystal so you can understand the caves formation, texture and
weight. As part of the tours you will experience a light show which highlights the
magnificent features of this exquisite cave.
Records show that Lake Cave’s doline was first discovered by Francis Bussell,
the daughter of early settler John Bussell in 1867. Thirty years later, Tim Connelly
was the person to enter the cave itself. He was so impressed by what he saw he
invested all of his time and energy into making it a tourist cave. Tim built the first
walkways and began the first public tours by lantern light in 1901.
You will find Lake Cave approximately 25 kilometres south of Margaret River on the
right hand side of Caves Road (before the Forest Grove road turn-off), next to the
Caveworks Eco Interpretative Centre. Tours operate daily (except Christmas Day)
from 9:30am to 5:00pm .with the last tour departing at 3:30pm. During school holidays
additional tours are offered.
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