Princess Margaret Rose Caves - One Year Down the Track
Having all previously been employed by Parks Victoria, Karen Mackereth & myself for 4 years, and Bob Peters for 6 months, it was with enthusiasm we formed a partnership and applied for the lease of Princess Margaret Rose Cave. We were successful over quite a few other applicants, and on the 20th April l998 management of the cave changed hands.
Thanks to Parks Victoria's faith in us we have combined well as a partnership of 3 very diverse people with different skills. Jack of all trades, master of none in our case has worked in that our diversity has produced an efficient and energetic team with a singular goal, and that is to succeed. Right from the start our aspirations have been to improve the visitor experience and this has been the basis for our business plan. Twelve months down the track our targets are being achieved.
Here is a brief outline of our operation, goals & achievements to date.
With the visitor experience at the top of the ladder, the time has been right to update and seek professional advice regarding our presentation and interpretation. At last we feel we are on line, changes will be ongoing and we are flexible enough to accept updated information and advice. We have the advantage of being situated in the Lower Glenelg National Park adjacent to the Glenelg River, and as such have outstanding natural views and surrounds. Our latest achievement has been the installation of an interpretative sign near out lookouts, explaining geology of the gorge and ties in with the formation of P.M.R. Cave.
In accordance with our business plan the cabins have been refurbished, the shower & toilet facility is on the agenda for improvements. The cost of hiring our cabins is $35.00 per night for 4 people.
High priority has been given to revamped signage, and in conjunction with Parks Victoria & Vicroads, we have replaced an outdated directional sign at the S.A. Border near Nelson — upgrading and replacement of directional signs will be ongoing.
There has been a demand for a kiosk at the cave, and we have facilitated this, incorporating it within the information centre. This has proven popular, with visitors as well as river traffic.
We have produced and now sell high quality souvenirs which are relevant only to the Cave, and with much consideration have now revamped our promotional brochures and stationery letterheads with our logo, and incorporated a theme "An Underground Wonderland".
Aspirations for our business include the ongoing improvement of our interpretation. There are many possibilities, a broader explanation of the gorge and all that it encompasses. A program designed for school children. We have a close connection with Mr. Keith McEachern the founder, we would be one of the few show caves in Australia with that luxury. We have interviewed him and hired a professional to record that interview, down the track this asset will be utilised.
In the near future we would like to have a stalagmite dated so that we can answer the perennial question of "how old is that" with some form of accuracy.
Marketing the cave has been a steep learning curve on a limited budget, but already an improvement in our figures is evident. Last October the cave was filmed by the 'Get-a-way' crew. That is yet to go to air.
We have been fortunate to have been judged winners of the l998 'Tourist Attraction' award, which was awarded to us by Tourism South East. TV exposure followed as a result of that win, thanks to a good deal from the local channel.
Other marketing avenues have included Great Ocean Road publications, radio exposure, Prime TV advertising in conjunction with other Nelson businesses, T.S.E. magazine, & information centres, both Victorian & Sth. Australian ... but we are very mindful of the power of work of mouth, and therefore quality of our service & presentation is always our priority.
Controlling management allows us flexibility, which was unavailable prior to this lease. Cave tours now begin at l0.00am through to the final tour in off-season at 4.30pm. During busy periods we commence at 9.00am & conclude at 5.30pm.
Twilight tours in conjunction with the Nelson Endeavour have been well patronised.
With the economy as it is, we have introduced a family ticket of $l4.00, good value for up to 7 people. Our other fee structure is $5.50 adults, $2.00 child, $4.00 concession & organised group tours.
We recognise that the backbone of our income will always be cave tours, but we have targeted other areas which have been improved. There are 3 cabins & l5 camp sites all in natural bush setting with close proximity to the river. Flora & fauna are abundant, and it is here that our figures have steadily risen with increased promotion of this facility.
We share the accommodation and after hours work. This has been achieved by working a rotational roster, thereby ensuring after hours contact for our campers.
During the last l2 months we have had our ups and downs, not too many downs thankfully, but one sticks in the mind — we sprang a leak in the cave. What began as a small seepage in our water supply grew in great proportion to the point that our water pump was cutting in every 28 seconds. The water leak was sourced after much digging, it was a gusher, our poly pipe had been split by a tree root. 29th August repair was effected and on the 2nd Sept we noticed a steady flow of water into the 3rd section of the cave. We monitored the flow at up to l.7 litres per hour until the 27th October, when normal activity resumed.
The water was a worry because it was pooling near a large column which had slipped and broken in l996, and we were worried about further slippage.
To sum up, we are all working very hard. Our lease requires us to manage the north side of the river campsites from May until the end of November, it also includes cleaning of the cave twice yearly. We are enjoying the challenge of cave management and proud of our achievements to date. I think as somewhat of a test case with a cave under private lease such as ours, we are striking a fine balance between responsible cave management and commercial enterprise ...
Our goals have been firstly to protect the cave environment, give value for money, a personal approach to almost every visitor, and to ensure that each visitor enjoys a quality experience at Princess Margaret Rose Cave
To conclude thanks to our local supporters, Fred Aslin, Kevin Mott, and also Sue White who have provided us with expert information, and who are always on hand to answer our questions. We appreciate any information which helps us to portray the cave correctly.