The Buchan Caves are a group of caves that include Royal Cave and Fairy Cave, located in Buchan, Victoria, with limestone formations created by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock almost 400 million years ago. [1] The Buchan Caves are located near , 360 km and five hours' drive from Melbourne, along the Princes Highway, north of Lakes Entrance
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The caves are a major tourist attraction of the Gippsland Region. Daily tours are conducted in Royal Cave and Fairy Cave. Royal Cave features calcite-rimmed pools and in Fairy Cave features elaborate stalactites and stalagmites. Both caves are lit, have walkways and have a constant temperature of 17 degrees Celsius.
The Buchan Caves are situated within the Buchan Caves Reserve. The area is surrounded by trees and wildlife, which includes bellbirds, lyrebirds and kangaroos. Amenities include a swimming pool, picnic ground, playground, campsites and an information centre.
The caves were accidentally reserved in 1887, as they were on land set aside for stock camping. The government commissioned an exploration of the land and, on the recommendation of the geologist Albert Ernest Kitson, reserved the area to protect the caves.[2]
In 1907, Frank Moon discovered the Fairy Cave which was opened to the public later that year. Royal Cave was discovered in 1910 by Frederick Wilson and after an entrance tunnel was excavated, it was opened to visitors in 1913. The Caves Reserve was set out and planted mostly in the late 1930s.[3]
The site is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and is included a Heritage Overlay.[4]