In the early 1900s, keen adventurers struggled down a long swaying rope ladder in long skirts and suits to get to the entrance of Lake Cave. Now, there are stairs and viewing platforms, which descend through the natural beauty of the doline, down to the small cave entrance.
ANCIENT OASIS Th e Et h er e al Lake Cav e WORDS | Sarah Robinson
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he doline used to be a giant cavern. Then the ceiling collapsed and
and to celebrate other special occasions.
people, and that strong connection with
Lake Cave is one of more than 100
the local caves continues today.” he says.
limestone caves beneath the Leeuwin-
“Archaeologists, working closely with local
laden with ferns, karris and wildflowers. It’s
Naturaliste Ridge. Lake Cave’s manager,
custodians, dug down more than four metres in
breathtaking, which is also how you’ll feel
Andrew Green, says there’s evidence that
the cave floor and found a series of fireplace
climbing the 325 stairs to the surface.
created an incredible sunken forest,
the Wadandi Noongar people used nearby
hearths that revealed some extraordinary
The suspended deck is the best spot to
caves to shelter in the cold winter months.
insights into the lives of the Wadandi.”
admire the sunken forest. The view takes in
“Archaelogical research in a nearby cave
European settlers first noticed the cave
the magnificent doline, which is probably
found evidence of more than 47,000 years
in 1867. A 16-year-old Frances Bussell was
why people choose the spot to get married,
of continuous use by the Pibbulmun Wadandi
searching for lost cattle when her horse
| Tales & Trails / margaretriver.com
