*please note, heeding advice from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer about public gatherings of over 500 people outdoor and 100 people indoors, Parks Victoria has closed Cave Tours at Buchan Caves Reserve for public safety. Story amended to reflect this change in circumstance.
Caravanners can now establish camp on the beautiful grounds within Buchan Caves Reserve, following successful repairs and safety assessments in the fire-affected region.
Cabins aren’t available as yet though travellers can lodge comfortably at Caves House, which sleeps up to eight.
Buchan Caves Reserve is one of 10 parks co-managed by the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board.
It has a fascinating history; mega fauna once roamed the region, inspiring the Dreamings of the cheeky Nyols some 10,ooo years ago.
Camping returns to Buchan Caves Reserve. Image courtesy of Parks Victoria
A COMBINED EFFORT
Parks Victoria reopened Buchan Caves Reserve due to tree works undertaken within the park; cave tours commenced six weeks earlier than anticipated but have since closed.
While a temporary bridge, constructed by park rangers and military personal from here and abroad, provided big lappers road access to the popular caving precinct.
Parks Victoria rangers, Australian Army engineers from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, Republic of Fiji Military Forces soldiers and Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers sit on a temporary medium girder bridge installed at Buchan Caves during Operation Bushfire Assist. Image courtesy of the Australian Defence Force.
FURTHER AFIELD
Travellers to the Gippsland Region can also access selected sites within Cape Conran, Croajingolong and Snowy River national parks. Mallacoota is also welcoming guests, in a significant boost to the region.
Other parks remain closed, as the clean-up and site assessment continues.