Giants Cave is one of the most exciting family adventures you can have in the Margaret River region – but it’s definitely one for confident, older kids rather than toddlers. Set in Leeuwin‑Naturaliste National Park, this is a self‑guided “adventure caving” experience rather than a gentle boardwalk cave. Families weave their way through more than half a kilometre of passageways, ladders, walkways and rocky sections in an 86‑metre‑deep cave system, so you can expect a genuine workout as well as plenty of wow moments underground.
On arrival you’re fitted out with helmets and torches and given a safety briefing by the cave staff. Fully enclosed shoes are essential, and the team will remind you of that before you head down. Once you descend the steep entry staircase into the darkness, the adventure starts straight away.
The route takes you along constructed walkways and natural cave floor, with plenty of room in some chambers to stop and admire the stalactites, flowstones and other rock formations.
What makes Giants Cave really memorable are the physical challenges along the way. Families need to climb vertical ladders tucked between rock walls, squeeze through a couple of tight tunnels, and scramble over boulders on hands and knees.
There’s a section near the end where you descend a steep, slippery rock slope using a fixed rope, which feels like mini‑abseiling and is often the highlight of the experience for older kids. Some passages are narrow and low, so backpacks can be awkward – it’s best to go in as streamlined as possible and be prepared to get a bit dusty.
There are also steep steps out of the cave and one last crawl through a small exit hole back to daylight, which gives a great sense of achievement at the finish.
This is classed as a medium‑level adventure cave, and it’s not suitable for everyone. Children must be at least six years old, and even then it’s better suited to active tweens and teens who are confident on ladders and in the dark. Anyone very claustrophobic or unsteady on their feet may find parts of the route confronting. That said, you move at your own pace, so most families can pause regularly and take breaks in the larger chambers. One of the most magical moments is when everyone switches off their head torches for a few seconds and stands in complete darkness and silence – a spooky but unforgettable experience that most kids adore.
Facilities at the site are simple but practical, with toilets available at the entrance. There’s no café underground or on site, so bring your own water and snacks to enjoy before or after your tour, and pack a light jumper as the cave stays cool year‑round. As Giants Cave sits within a national park, dogs are not permitted, and the cave is not accessible for prams or wheelchairs. If you have younger children or family members who would prefer a gentler experience, nearby Calgardup Cave is a more relaxed option that still lets you enjoy the region’s incredible limestone formations.
For adventurous families with school‑age kids, Giants Cave is often rated as the most thrilling of the Margaret River caves – a proper underground expedition, full of scrambling, squeezing and climbing, that leaves everyone buzzing when they emerge back into the forest.
Giants Cave
Address: Leeuwin‑Naturaliste National Park, near Margaret River, WA
Opening hours: Opening days and times vary between school holidays and school terms; generally open daily in school holidays and on selected days during term time. Check current opening hours and any alerts before visiting.
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/giants-cave
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Lorraine is co-owner of Buggybuddys and is a mother to Blake (15) and Lollie (12).
