Caving

When it comes to caves, what Australia lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality. Each region has its own network of subterranean wonders, including stunning limestone formations, rare wildlife and underground lakes. Explore parts of the earth no one has yet been to, or marvel at the beauty of the country’s impressive karst system.

Caving is a sport where you can exert as much or as little energy as you like. Caves that have a large tourist trade are easily accessible, and let you see all the splendour of the underground world with no more effort than it takes to go for a walk down the street. On the other hand, you could go in for a full on adventure and explore cave systems that require you to crawl through small tunnels, abseil down vertical shafts or maybe even dive under a subterranean ocean. No matter what, you’re at least guaranteed to be blown away by the unusual terrain you’ll find under the earth’s surface.

Lining the huge caverns are shapes that have been formed by the movements of water through the caves. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, chandeliers, shawls, blankets and straws are some of names given to the stunning formations that you’ll only find underground. Not to mention the number of small creatures and creepy crawlies that live inside these dark hidey holes.

Whenever you’re caving, you should respect the natural environment. Though it’s tempting to touch or maybe even break off a piece of the decoration, this ruins the delicate surroundings and has led to the destruction of many once beautiful underground areas. If you leave it how you found it, others will be able to enjoy it for years to come.