Buchan Caves

OVERVIEW : The caves were probably known to pioneers from 1840s. The Fairy Cave was discovered in 1907, and the Royal Cave in 1910. Buchan possesses two of Australia's finest tourist caves. Both offer close up views of spectacular decorations. The Buchan Cave Reserve is renown for its beauty, nestled in a creek valley.

LOCATION : Buchan Caves are located at Buchan township, 74 km North East of Bairnsdale, and 56 km North of Lakes Entrance, in East Gippsland, Victoria.

ACCOMMODATION : On-site: Visitor's Centre (tickets, souvenirs and light refreshments), Camping area (powered & un-powered sites), on-site units (5 berth), swimming pool, community kitchen, picnic & BBQ areas, children's playground, and walking tracks. In Buchan: hotel, motel, backpackers lodge, log cabins, tennis courts, shops, general store and post office.

CAVE TOURS : October to Easter 5 tours daily 10.00 am, 11.15 am, 1.00 pm, 2.15 pm and 3.30 pm. Post Easter school holidays to September 3 tours daily 11.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm. No tours Christmas Day.

SPECIALIST TOURS : An extended Fairy Cave tour (including its re-developed Eastern Chamber, not shown on normal tours) are scheduled in holiday periods. Tours are sometimes scheduled, in busy periods to, Federal Cave (a former tourist cave), and to Lilly Pilly at Murrindal (15 kms north of Buchan). These tours, for groups only, require pre-booking. Helmets and lights are provided, as necessary.

CONTACT NUMBERS : Buchan Caves are managed by Parks Victoria. Mailing Address: The Ranger-in-Charge, Buchan Caves, Caves Road, Buchan. Vic. 3885. Telephone: (03) 5162 1900, FAX: (03) 5155 9490.