SELF-GUIDING AT YALLINGUP CAVE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
With the introduction of our Self Guided Cave Tours a little over five years ago, much of the original planning and implementation of the system was virtually on a trial and error basis. I am happy to state that this system has proven to be an outstanding and popular success. To further illustrate this point, I can quote the official visitor numbers for 1982 at 40,909 - a substantial increase over the old guided tour system.
As, of course, with all things new and innovative, problems have been encountered which under the light of experience, have mostly been eliminated. Possibly the greatest problem in the early days was the old and out-dated lighting arrangements. This had been installed about twenty years before the introduction of our self guide, and had been broken down from grid to a 120 volt alternating current system. With all lights on, it put a considerable strain on the available power, and breakdowns were a constant and annoying fact. This was remedied, however, with the installation of a new 240-250 volt alternating current system, connected directly to the grid; and it is fair to say that this system has greatly enhanced the Cave, giving much improved viewing at no additional effort, a rather important feature where elderly visitors are involved. It is agreed that the cost, although high at $18,000 over two years ago, was worth it. Our one complaint would be then, as now, that no emergency lighting has been installed and this is felt a "must" for viewing caves.
With the above problem rectified, our attention was then drawn to where we could, or could not, allow our visitors to wander. The Crawl System is one area that after much deliberation was eliminated and, although it was included in the new lighting, we have only had it open now on special weekends and night tours. The decision was mainly influenced by the fact that it is essential to have a guide at both the entrance and bottom of the crawl (2 additional guides), plus the definite bottle neck that occurs there on busy days.
With the Crawl out, we are happy to report that it is hoped in the very near future to re-open the Cupid's Corner section. This is a lovely and secluded portion of the Cave which has been fenced off since the inauguration of self guided tours. We now consider that this, with re-stepping and suitable protective railing installed, can be made into a cul-de-sac which visitors can view if they want to.
At this stage, I would mention that another entrance to the Main Cavern has been surveyed and it appears practical to implement this some time in the foreseeable future. It would be a major and costly improvement, and no doubt, the availability of funds will be a governing factor.
Concerning the main chamber itself, we have discarded all the old lettering and numbers, and have replaced them with neat new numbers only, which we have located in positions which do not spoil photography. It has necessitated a complete rewording of our guide sheet — see attached — which we feel is far more informative and to the point. In certain places we have widened the walkways and, of major importance, is the new walkway leading to the central platform. From this elevated position, visitors have a splendid view over the entire cavern and it has allowed us to entirely remove a fair area of old protective fencing, which at best could only be described as an eye-sore (these continued improvements followed the visit many years ago by the speleos and the resulting report on the Yallingup Caves).
We have also implemented an on-going programme of re-fencing the entire viewing area, using galvanised piping and welded mesh. It is also hoped to use this type of mesh around the main delicate shawls to enable clearer photography.
At this stage we would mention area improvements outside the Cave. Apart from the new Tea Rooms, two 50,000 litre (12,000 gallon) cement tanks have been installed, adjacent to the toilet block, and the other some 30 metres from the Cave Entrance. By means of an electric pump, water is pumped from the lower tank which has a large catchment area from toilet and tea room roofing areas to the upper tank, which has no catchment area. From this tank, by means of gravity, we now have water available at the entrance area of the Cave proper. Apart from giving a much needed permanent supply of water to service the cave area. A start has been made on washing down the sides of the walkways with a degree of success.
During Christmas period 1981/1982, we introduced a guided night tour and this was continued last Christmas. Although this cannot be described as an outstanding success, numbers have been sufficient to say that in all probability, this system will be continued on a limited basis in the future. One quite significant fact which has emerged from the Night Tours in the revival of use of the Amphitheatre for Family and Group Concerts. Over the past year, 3 or 4 organisations have made use of this venue and apart from the revenue gain, good publicity is obtained for the Cave from these functions.
From an administrative point of view, 1982 was important, as possibly the first visit was made to the Cave by the complete Committee, Bureau personnel and guides, all meeting and inspecting the cave as a group. This on-the-spot assessment saw an immediate and positive approach to cave maintenance, and it is felt only good will come from such similar meetings in the future.
In conclusion, we would point out that apart from indicating approximate costs of our lighting system, no attempt has been made to attempt a cost factor analysis of cave management. And we acknowledge our work mates ... guides ... friends ... Busselton Tourist Bureau Committee and staff... all working together for the good of this wonderful cave system.
THANK YOU!