Australia is famed for its sun-drenched beaches and rugged outback, but some of its most spectacular sights lie hidden beneath the surface. From ancient karst systems to bioluminescent tunnels and subterranean towns, these five underground destinations offer adventure, wonder, and a glimpse into Australia’s geological and cultural story.
1. Jenolan Caves (New South Wales)
Tucked away in the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves are among the world’s oldest and most extensive cave systems. Carved from limestone over millions of years, this subterranean labyrinth boasts grand chambers, shimmering calcite formations, and crystal-clear underground rivers.
- Highlights:
- Lucas Cave: Famous for its intricate shawl and curtain formations.
- River Cave: Walk along the banks of the flowing underground Jenolan River.
- Chifley Cave: Discovered only in 2000, featuring massive flowstones.
Guided tours range from easy walking routes to adventurous, candlelit “no light” spelunking expeditions. At the Jenolan Caves House, a Tudor-style hotel perched at the cave entrance, you can unwind after a day of exploration.
2. Naracoorte Caves (South Australia)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naracoorte Caves tell an extraordinary tale of Ice Age megafauna. Over half a million years, sinkholes formed natural traps, preserving fossils of giant kangaroos, marsupial lions, and giant wombats.
- Highlights:
- Victoria Fossil Cave: View one of the richest Pleistocene fossil sites on Earth.
- Bat Cave: Witness thousands of microbats emerging at dusk.
- Guided Tours: Explore Light and Nightwalk tours, complete with interactive fossil displays.
The Naracoorte Visitor Centre offers educational exhibits, while nearby spine-tingling “Chasm” tours take you deep into unlit caverns, only your headlamp guiding the way.
3. Buchan Caves (Victoria)
Hidden in East Gippsland’s lush forests, Buchan Caves delivers spectacular karst scenery just three hours from Melbourne. Discovered in 1907, this cave network is a showcase of stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites.
- Highlights:
- Royal Cave (“King” and “Queen” Chambers): The largest and most ornate sections, lit to emphasize their sculpted beauty.
- Fairy Cave: Smaller and more intimate, offering a quieter, reflective experience.
- Glow Worm Cave: Spot native glow worms illuminating the damp ceiling.
The onsite campground makes it easy to extend your stay, while walking trails around Buchan Lake and the Snowy River provide surface-level scenery to complement your underground adventure.
4. Glow Worm Tunnel (New South Wales)
Deep within the Wollemi National Park lies an abandoned railway tunnel that’s been reclaimed by nature—and its glow worms. The Glow Worm Tunnel, once part of a sandstone quarry tramway, now features thousands of Arachnocampa glow worms suspended from the ceiling, creating a starry-night illusion underground.
- Highlights:
- Night Walks: Best experienced at dusk or after dark, when the tiny bioluminescent insects sparkle against the stone.
- Scenic Trails: A 2.6-kilometre return walk through ferns and rainforest before you reach the tunnel.
- Photography Tips: Use long exposure and no flash to capture the ethereal glow.
Arrange for a guided eco-tour to ensure you tread lightly and help preserve this delicate ecosystem.
5. Coober Pedy Underground Town (South Australia)
In the heart of the Outback, Coober Pedy is famous as the “Opal Capital of the World” and for its ingenious dugout homes. To escape the scorching desert heat, many residents live, worship, and even shop in cave-like dwellings carved directly into the hillside.
- Highlights:
- Underground Homes and Churches: Explore cozy, climate-controlled interiors, complete with rock-hewn furnishings.
- Umoona Opal Mine & Museum: Learn about the town’s mining heritage and try your hand at fossicking.
- Desert Cave Hotel: Spend the night in a comfortable underground suite.
Combine your underground town tour with a sunrise trip to the surrounding lunar-like landscapes of the Breakaways Conservation Park for a truly otherworldly experience.
Tips for Visiting Australia’s Underground Gems
- Book Ahead: Tours in peak season can sell out quickly.
- Wear Layers: Underground temperatures are cool year-round (around 15–18 °C).
- Bring a Headlamp: Even lit caves can have dark sections—hands-free lighting is essential.
- Respect Fragile Environments: Stay on marked paths and avoid touching formations.
From the ancient wonders of Jenolan and Naracoorte to the quirky charm of Coober Pedy, Australia’s underground realms offer unforgettable journeys into hidden worlds. Pack your sense of adventure—and a sturdy pair of walking shoes—and prepare to explore the extraordinary places that lie beneath the land down under.
