The Caves of the Nullarborcave men have sex appeal

The Nullarbor Plain is the largest single karst formation on the planet.  The area was originally ancient shallow seabed which has been uplifted.  Subsequent weathering by wind and rain has reduced any undulations to the extremely flat conditions that are seen today (variations of only a metre or so over several kilometres are the norm).   During this time many caves were formed under the Nullarbor. Today speleologists are exploring these caves and the many new features being being found each year. 

Cocklebiddy Cave, Australia's (and one of the world's) longest underwater cave (6.7 kilometres of SCUBA diving) is located under the Nullarbor. It is only recently that teams from around the globe have stopped coming out to "push" this cave and set another world record.  

The Nullarbor is unique as it is the only desert region with extensive caves that contain large quantities of water.  This water varies in salinity with some of it being used for stock watering.  The water in the caves is remarkably lifeless with only a few of the wet caves having any form of (microscopic) life in the water. 

big enough to kick a footyMost of the Nullarbor caves are difficult or dangerous to locate and enter, plus the cave environment and inhabitants are extremely fragile and can easily be damaged or destroyed by a careless or ill-informed movement.  

There is an interesting display of cave photos and information as part of the interactive museum at Balladonia, this allows you to appreciate the speleological wonders of the Nullarbor without risking life and limb or getting covered in mud crawling through tight little passageways. There is also information on how to access some of the safer and easier to get to caves under the Nullarbor Plain.

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WASG (Western Australian Speleological Group)

SRGWA (Speleological Research Group of Western Australia)

CEGSA (Cave Exploration Group South Australia)

ASF  (Australian Speleological Federation              P.O. Box 388 Broadway NSW 2007)

Caving offers equal oppotunitiesCaving can be dangerous and is an activity for the experienced and prepared party.  If you are interested in learning more please contact your local caving group, the ASF (Australian Speleological Federation) or ask at the Balladonia Hotel-Motel about caving groups.