The otherworldly Buchan Caves in Gippsland, Australia

The Buchan Caves are located in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia and are a popular day trip from Lakes Entrance. The stunning caves are around 380 million years old and you can’t help but feel you have been transported into a different world when you enter.

There are 2 caves that open for daily tours – Royal Cave and Fairy Cave – and both caves boast spectacular limestone formations (also called decorations). You will be guided through these mesmerising caves by highly informative tour guides with a true passion for the cave system and its preservation.

The Buchan Caves Reserve not only has the caves, but also accommodation, camping grounds, walking tracks and plenty of wildlife.

Buchan Caves are culturally significant to the Indigenous Gunaikurnai people.

Cost

There is no cost difference for visiting the Royal Cave or Fairy caves with single entry prices ranging from AUD$21 – $25 per person.

Visiting both caves costs between AUD$30 – $37 per person.

This information was current at the time of posting but please check with Parks Victoria for current costs and tour times.

Each cave tour takes around 45 minutes.

Before you enter Buchan Caves

Take the time to read the information provided by staff and in the Information Centre. To avoid damage to the caves you can’t take in strollers/pushers, backpacks, purses/handbags, baby carriers or anything bulky that might knock the cave walls.

Being unable to take strollers/ pushers / baby carriers into the cave is something to consider if you are travelling with babies / toddlers.

If you are wearing a peaked hat/cap you will be asked to turn it backwards to avoid the peak hitting the wall. Just travel light and check with staff if you are not sure about an item.

Also, don’t rug-up! The caves are a comfortable 17oC and around 99% humidity. Combine that with 150-200 steps in each cave and you warm up very quickly!

Photography is allowed but please be respectful and don’t hold up the tour group.

Are the Buchan Caves good for children?

The Buchan Caves is a great family activity but is best suited for children who are at an age to walk on their own since you can’t take strollers or baby carriers.

Consider the following (not just for young children but also neurodiverse children and adults):

• will they feel scared in the confined spaces?
• will they cope with a 45 minute tour (ie no exits, toilets)?
• will the low lighting levels be a concern?
• will they be ok with water dripping from the roof (I enjoy this, but I know it would stress others)
• will they be comfortable walking in single file?
• will being in a group be stressful? (If yes try and visit off-peak when group sizes might be smaller)

The list is not meant to discourage you from visiting the caves! I’m just trying to equip you with the relevant information to make your visit as enjoyable as possible!

What else is there to do?

Whilst the caves are the main attraction, the reserve also offers:

• walking tracks
• picnic areas
• chance to see wildlife
• swimming pool (it’s freezing!)
• Spring Creek (only small but great for children to explore and splash around in)
• Beautiful trees to admire (both native and exotic)

Buchan Caves are around 4 hours from Melbourne in the East Gippsland region.

As mentioned above Buchan Caves makes an easy day trip from Lakes Entrance – around 45 minutes one way.

Getting to Buchan Caves to easiest by self drive as there is limited public transport.

The caves reserve are only 2km from the main township of Buchan.

Buchan Caves area

Update from Parks Victoria: “Buchan Caves Reserve has been severely impacted by the bushfires in East Gippsland on 30 December 2019. There was extensive damage to infrastructure and as a result the cabins and wilderness retreats are no longer available for booking. Current accommodation options in the reserve are Caves House and powered/unpowered camp sites.”

The campground has over 60 sites (combination of powered and un-powered) with a camp kitchen, barbeque area, laundry facilities, fire pits and playground.

Prefer a house? Then try the Caves House which is fully self contained and sleeps 8. For pricing and availability check the Parks Victoria website.

How long to stay

One day is long enough to explore the Buchan Caves Reserve and visit both caves.

However, this region of Gippsland is blessed with stunning natural beauty so why not extend your visit and stay a little longer!

When to visit

The Buchan Caves Reserve is enjoyable at any time of the year, and the caves are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Here are some insights into the benefits of visiting Buchan Caves at different times.

Summer (Dec – Feb) – warmer weather might make the icy-cold Buchan Pool worth a visit. This pool is very very cold as it is fed by an underground water stream with no heating. If you travel during Fire Danger Period (anytime between Sept – May) then make sure you stay updated with information on restrictions or warnings via the CFA.

Autumn (Mar – May) – a stunning time to visit with planted European trees turning golden…and who doesn’t love playing in fallen autumn leaves!

Winter (Jun – Aug) – whilst it gets cold and wet at this time of year, it is also very quiet and wildlife viewing is much better with less people around.

Spring (Sep – Nov) – lovely time to visit with fresh plant growth and pleasant weather conditions although be prepared for some rainy days (spring is my favourite season in Victoria!).

PLAN | Buchan is in the state of Victoria in Australia which has a varying climate. If you are visiting more of Victoria then check out this summary of each season in Victoria.