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Of the many limestone caves in Lower Glenelg National Park, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave is the most attractive and the only cave suitable for public use. It contains excellent examples of actively growing stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and other spectacular limestone formations. For current tour times and prices go to http://www.princessmargaretrosecave.com
Cave Tours
- Guided tours lasting about half an hour are conducted on most days. The number of tours per day varies according to the season: contact the Caves Information Centre for details on (08) 8738 4171. Tours are not conducted on Christmas Day or during maintenance of the cave. An admission charge applies.
- School groups, provided they book in advance, will be admitted for the child rate (under 14). Bus tours should advise the cave ranger in advance.
- Tours are limited to a maximum of 85 people.
- A comprehensive display and audio-visual presentation in the Information Centre at the cave entrance tells the story of the cave. Souvenir booklets and other publications are available.
- Commercial boat tours operate to the caves from Nelson. Small boats can be moored at the caves jetty.
Facilities
- A large picnic area has been developed among the trees near the cave. Wood barbecues, picnic tables and tiolets are provided.
- A limited number of sites are available for overnight camping. Arrangements must be made with the ranger before 5:00 PM.
- Three motor cabins are available for overnight accommodation. For booking details and fees contact the ranger.
The Cave
Mr S. McEachern and Mr J. Hutchesson and his son Alan, first explored the cave in 1936 and named it after Princess Margaret. They developed the cave as a tourist attraction with '"Bunny" Hutchesson acting as the first permanent guide, conducting tours from 4th January 1941. Since 1980, the cave has been part of the Lower Glenelg National Park.
Most limestone caves are formed by water seeping down through cracks and faultlines in the limestone, dissolving the rock and creating fissures and tunnels. The formation of Princess Margaret Rose Cave, however, was assisted by water from the Glenelg River which worked its way along a faultline for 300m. This occurred above its present height. The water scalloped the walls of the cave and wore a reasonably level floor.
Rainwater, as it seeps from the surface, acts as a weak acid to dissolve the limestone, producing a solution of calcium bicarbonate. When this reaches the air of the cave, carbon dioxide is released and calcium carbonate is deposited in the form of calcite crystals. These crystals make up the diverse and spectacular formations of the cave. The different colours are caused by minerals washed down by rainwater from overlying soil.
As the solution drips from the cave roof, deposited carbonate is left adhering and a stalactite is formed. Straws are long, thin hollow stalactites with a solution flowing down their centres. Solution dripping from a stalactite builds a stalagmite from the cave floor. If a stalactite and stalagmite join they form a column and if that thickens it becomes a pillar. Flow stone formations are caused by water flowing over the walls leaving a smooth surface. Other formations at the roofline are shawls, blankets and bacons. The shapes and colours of these narrow formations are accurately described by their names.
Perhaps the most unusual formations in the cave are the helictites. Defying gravity, these long, thin formations grow in all different directions. Noone is certain how they form, but the are commonly accepted theory is that they begin on crystals and are shaped by surface tensions and air currents.
Another mysterious formation in the Princess Margaret Rose Cave is the rarely seen cave coral.
How to Get There
The caves are two kilometres east of the South Australian border and can be reached by a sealed road from Mt Gambier or unsealed roads from Nelson and Dartmoor. Princess Margaret Rose Cave park note
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