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Things to do in Buchan and surrounds
The Buchan Caves Reserve features picnic spots, a camping ground, a 1 km walking track and a variety of flora and fauna, including koalas, over forty species of birds, kangaroos, currawongs. However, for many visitors, the caves are the highlight of the visit.
The Royal and Fairy Caves boast spectacular limestone formations and are world famous. Take a tour - whatever the weather. The caves are lit by electricity and have concrete steps and hand rails. There is natural ventilation and the temperature remains a steady 15 degrees celsius.
Fairy Cave, which is 400 metres long, incorporates the King's Chamber, the Queen Victoria Chamber, the Hall, the Jewel Chamber, the Grotto, the Bridal Chamber and the limestone ''Wedding Cake' which is frosted with what resembles icing sugar.
The other cave open to the public is the Royal Cave, which includes 'Niagara Falls' and the 'Font of the Gods'.
Whilst in the Reserve, its easy to spot Kangaroos, Wallabies and Koalas in their natural habitat and hear the bellbird's metallic chorus.
Info and Bookings via Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit their website
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Touring
Those interested in sight-seeing may choose the road to Orbost, 55 km south-east, or the 80 km trek north to Suggan Buggan. The road north out of Buchan overlooks the Buchan and Murrindal Valleys and leads to Murrindal, the home of the Shades of Death Cave. The area is mentioned in an Aboriginal legend which tells of a man who wandered into a cave and met Nyols, tiny people rarely seen by mortals.
Further along the road are West Tree Creek, where the river tumbles into a deep gorge, Butchers Ridge, Gelantipy, where petrol, refreshments and information are available and, along an unsealed road, Wulgulmerang.
The Bataluk Cultural Trail extends from Sale in the east, through Stratford , Mitchell River National Park, Bairnsdale , Those interested in sight-seeing may choose the road to Orbost, 55 km south-east, or the 80 km trek north to Suggan Buggan. The road north out of Buchan overlooks the Buchan and Murrindal Valleys and leads to Murrindal, the home of the Shades of Death Cave, discovered by Europeans in 1900, explored in 1905 but not permanently opened to the public until 1984. The area is mentioned in an Aboriginal legend which tells of a man who wandered into a cave and met Nyols, tiny people rarely seen by mortals.
Further along the road are West Tree Creek, where the river tumbles into a deep gorge, Butchers Ridge, Gelantipy, where petrol, refreshments and information are available and, along an unsealed road, Wulgulmerang. This area featured in Rolf Boldrewood's Robbery Under Arms (1888). Bush ranger, Captain Starlight, is also said to have passed through the region.
The Bataluk Cultural Trail extends from Sale in the east, through Stratford , Mitchell River National Park, Bairnsdale, Metung, Lake Tyers, Buchan and Orbost to Cape Conran in the west. It follows the trails and trading routes of pre-colonial days and focuses on elements of Koorie history and culture, including Dreamtime stories, traditional lifestyles, the Den of Nargun, Legend Rock, Aboriginal Keeping Places, archaeological sites such as canoe trees and shell middens (some dating back 10 000 years), cultural centres of the region, and aspects of European invasion, colonial settlement and present-day existence. At Buchan the focus is on Buchan Caves.
Visitor Information Centres
The Caves Hotel - telephone: (03) 5155 9203
Buchan General Store & Post Office telephone: (03) 5155 9202
Lakes and Wilderness Tourism Visitors Information Centres have a wide range of publications that will assist visitors wishing to tour the area. Freecall 1800 637 060.
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