Hidden beneath towering karri forest just north of Augusta, Jewel Cave is the largest show cave open to the public in Western Australia – and it absolutely lives up to its name. The Margaret River region is home to over 100 limestone caves, but Jewel Cave feels particularly special, with three vast chambers packed with delicate crystal formations, rippling shawls and towering columns that have been growing drop by drop for thousands of years.
We joined a fully guided one‑hour tour, which is the only way to explore the cave. Our guide was friendly, patient and great with kids, taking time to explain how the caves formed and sharing stories about the early cave explorers who first squeezed their way into the darkness decades ago. The descent into the main chamber is down a series of staircases and platforms, so you don’t plunge straight into the depths. Instead, the group is staggered, with stops on wide landings where the guide points out easy‑to‑miss features and gives everyone a chance to catch their breath.
If you have kids who love a good story, they’ll be fascinated by the tale of the Tasmanian tiger that fell into the cave long before it was discovered. Its skeleton was found on the cave floor and you can now see the preserved remains in the reception area. Hearing about this ancient animal, then spotting the bones before or after your tour, really brings home just how old and mysterious this underground world is.
Inside the cave, the formations are genuinely breathtaking. You’ll see glittering stalactites and stalagmites, fragile soda‑straws, draped shawls, coral‑like growths and even a feature nicknamed the Frozen Waterfall. The guide uses clever lighting to highlight different formations in each chamber, so the cave almost feels like it comes alive as you move through. Our kids loved trying to spot shapes in the rocks – from organs and forests to insects and fairies – and it became a fun game as we walked along the boardwalk.
The route through Jewel Cave follows a well‑built boardwalk that winds in a loop through the three chambers, heading around 50 metres below the surface before gradually climbing back up. The walking surface is even and non‑slippery, but there are many stairs and a couple of low sections where taller adults need to duck. It’s manageable for most people with moderate fitness, and we saw plenty of school‑aged children happily tackling the steps. We wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with significant mobility limitations, and prams cannot go into the cave because of the staircases.
Babies are welcome if you’re prepared to carry them in a carrier, and children under four are admitted free. Just keep in mind that you’ll be underground for around an hour, and there’s no quick way to duck out mid‑tour. Touching the cave walls and formations is strictly forbidden to protect this fragile environment, so kids do need to be old enough to follow simple instructions and stay on the path.
Photography is allowed, which is great for capturing memories, but you can’t use tripods, stands or selfie sticks. The low light can make it tricky to get perfectly sharp photos, so it’s often better to enjoy the moment and snap a few quick shots rather than trying to stage the perfect picture. Toilets are located at the visitor centre only, so it’s worth taking everyone for a quick stop before your tour departs.
Back on the surface, the Jewel Cave site is a lovely place to linger. There is a café where you can grab coffee, cold drinks, ice creams and light meals, and the seating area looks out over the surrounding forest. A small gift shop sells souvenirs, from crystals and rocks to toys and local products. If your kids still have energy after being underground, you can stretch your legs on the self‑guided Karri Walk that meanders through the beautiful forest around the cave.
Jewel Cave is managed by the Capes Foundation, part of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, and they also look after nearby attractions such as Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and other caves in the region. If you’re planning a bigger day out or longer stay, it’s worth looking into combo passes that bundle caves and lighthouses together for better value. During busy periods, such as school holidays and long weekends, tours can book out, so pre‑booking your preferred time online is recommended.
As a family outing, Jewel Cave is a brilliant way to mix adventure, science and a bit of WA history. It’s particularly good on a rainy or very hot day when being underground is quite refreshing. Allow time before or after the tour to enjoy the forest and facilities, and be prepared for lots of “wow” moments as you descend into this spectacular underground world.
Jewel Cave
Address: Jewel Caves Road, Deepdene, Western Australia 6290, Australia
Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily (last entry 4:00pm). Open 7 days including school and public holidays. Closed Christmas Day. Guided cave tours depart every hour.
Official website: https://www.capesfoundation.org.au/visit-experiences/jewel-cave/
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Georgia Millad is a busy mum of two gorgeous girls. She contributes reviews of kid-friendly places and events around Perth, and has a mild obsession with grammar rules and spelling. Georgia has recently qualified as an EA, expanding on her mum skills to support kids in the classroom.
