Australia's Caves & Karst
we work to protect
Cave Conservation Australia draws on volunteer cavers, cave divers, and individuals who wish to protect the environmental, geological and anthropological values of the caves and karst of Australia.
What we do
Nullarbor in the News
A recent exploration trip by members of the Australian Speleological Federation, working with academics from the University of Adelaide have made major discoveries on the Nullarbor. Their combined work has proven the Nullarbor is a biological hot spot and that it is in need of protection in its entirety.
The proposed industrialisation of the Western Australian side poses significant environmental destruction of a landscape that holds important internationally recognised values, equal to that of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Conversation (July 29th 2025) reported on Finger traces made in soft glittering limestone in a Cave in Victoria, Australia. These finger tracings have been made by children and adults alike.
The cave, referred to by GunaiKurnai Elders as Waribruk, contains a pitch-black chamber beyond the reach of natural light. Over time, cave-dwelling bacteria living on the soft, moist rock produced luminescent microcrystals, so that the walls and ceiling glitter when exposed to light. These tracings are similar to those found in Koonalda Cave, on the Nullarbor.
Precious Finger Traces in the News
Join us to manage and protect our precious caves and karst on both public and private land.
Ghost Bat Photo : Bruce Thomson
Our partners
Project: Ghost Bat Genetics
Project: White Nose Syndrome
Project: Cave Animal of the Year
Director: Karst Conservation Fund
Project: Post-Bushfire Impacts on caves on Kangaroo Island.
Project: Cave Crickets
Project: White Nose Syndrome
Caves Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of the land, rivers, and sea on which we live, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country, especially to caves.
