Princess Margaret Rose Cave
This picture shows the Glenelg River near the Princess Margaret Rose Cave in Western Victoria about 25km from Mount Gambier.
The picture to the left shows my princess Margaret in the cave that was named after the Queen’s sister.
We visited there today and really enjoyed the experience, right on our doorstep, just 20 minutes away across the border.
The cave was first discovered in 1936. The local landowners were curious about a hole in the ground and one was lowered down by rope with just some matches and a candle.
We saw the hole today and can’t believe the risk they took. The ranger explained to us that animals were known to fall down the hole, and the cave at that time was inhabited by snakes!
From the Parks Victoria website:
Most limestone caves are formed by water seeping down through cracks and faultlines in the limestone, dissolving the rock and creating fissures and tunnels. The formation of Princess Margaret Rose Cave, however, was assisted by water from the Glenelg River which worked its way along a faultline for 300m. This occurred above its present height. The water scalloped the walls of the cave and wore a reasonably level floor.
Rainwater, as it seeps from the surface, acts as a weak acid to dissolve the limestone, producing a solution of calcium bicarbonate. When this reaches the air of the cave, carbon dioxide is released and calcium carbonate is deposited in the form of calcite crystals. These crystals make up the diverse and spectacular formations of the cave. The different colours are caused by minerals washed down by rainwater from overlying soil.
The small cave is famous for its helictites. Defying gravity, these long, thin formations grow in all different directions. No-one is certain how they form.
The cave is near the Glenelg River; camping sites and cabins are available. I plan to take the boys there sometime soon for a weekend.
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Tags: Mount Gambier, travel
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