Naracoorte Caves National Park
World Heritage fossil caves
South Australia's only World Heritage site, a network of fossil-rich limestone caves preserving 500,000 years of Australian megafauna.
Half a million years of life
The Naracoorte Caves are South Australia's only World Heritage-listed place, recognised for one of the world's richest and best-preserved fossil records. Animals fell into the caves over half a million years, leaving bones of giant marsupials, marsupial lions and thylacines now displayed at the Wonambi Fossil Centre. Guided tours explore decorated caves including Alexandra and Victoria Fossil Cave, and in summer an infrared camera reveals thousands of bent-wing bats roosting in Bat Cave.
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Naracoorte Caves National Park - frequently asked questions
Why are the Naracoorte Caves World Heritage listed?
Naracoorte Caves National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994 as part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites. The caves preserve one of the world's most complete fossil records of megafauna, spanning hundreds of thousands of years. It is South Australia's only World Heritage site.
Can you take a tour of the Naracoorte Caves?
Yes. The park offers guided tours of several caves, including the Victoria Fossil Cave and Blanche Cave, plus self-guided options, adventure caving and the Wonambi Fossil Centre. Tour availability and times vary, so booking ahead is recommended.
What fossils are found at Naracoorte?
The caves trapped and preserved the bones of Australia's extinct megafauna, including the giant wombat-like Diprotodon, the marsupial lion Thylacoleo, giant kangaroos and the snake Wonambi, alongside many smaller species.
How far is Naracoorte from Adelaide?
Naracoorte is around 335km south-east of Adelaide, roughly a four-hour drive, in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia.
Image credits
- Naracoorte-cave.jpg by Kevin , CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons