GIANTS CAVE
By Akita Olsen
Ever been caving? There are over 300 known caves in our southwest. One of these is the amazing Giants Cave.
This cave is found in the Boranup Forest, near Witchcliffe. It is located on Caves Road, and has been on records going back to the year 1900.
Giants cave is one of the largest and deepest caves on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge at 575 meters long and 86 meters deep.
The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, is a belt of granite and limestone.
At the beginning of the cave you enter into a large 100 meter wide doline, a large crater formed by the collapse of the cave roof. Giants Cave’s doline (entrance) is very impressive with two large Karri trees growing inside this bowl like structure.
As you can imagine there are thousands of stalagmites, stalagmites, straws, and shawls… which are always stunning.
Halfway through the cave walk you enter into the “Ballroom”, a large 70 meter chamber with sand for it’s floor. After the Ballroom you must climb vertical ladders and squeeze through some narrow space to lead you into the next area, “Arborite Chamber”, where you can easily see large calcified tree roots suspended from the roof. If squeezing through narrow spaces and going up ladders is not your style, then you may wish to turn back.
The full walk-cave takes just over an hour to get through… an adventure certainly worth experiencing. I have done this adventure cave three times now, and enjoy it every time.
Get in your car and get caving!
Giants Cave is located 20km south of Margaret River on Caves Road and is open 9:30am – 3:30pm, and calls can be made to (08) 9757 7422 for confirmation of availability. Pricing is $12 per adult, and $6 per child.
The cave is available for both adults and children, but children must be 6 years or older. Enclosed shoes should be worn. Helmets and torches are provided, for safety and as there is no artificial lighting within the cave.
November 2008
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