Princess Margaret Rose Caves Project
Project status
April 2023: An electrical contractor will be appointed shortly to undertake essential safety, telecommunications and lighting upgrades.
The project
The Princess Margaret Rose Cave is a well-known limestone cave, next to the Glenelg River and located in the Lower Glenelg National Park on Traditional Country of the Gunditjmara people. The Princess Margaret Rose Cave area is a popular visitor site and includes a park information centre, bookable campground and access to walking and fishing opportunities. The site has been closed to the public due to safety risks for the last two years. As part of the Victorian Great Outdoors Program (VGO), a key priority is the redevelopment and upgrade of the Princess Margaret Cave and visitor facilities. These upgrades including essential safety works will allow the site to be reopened to the public, with upgrades to the existing visitor centre (including internal interpretation displays), upgrades of the cave lighting and electrical systems, upgrades to pathways from the entry to the carpark, and upgrades to the toilets.
Project benefits
Visitors
Essential safety works will see the reopening of the cave and provide a quality and contemporary visitor experience with improved safety, facilities and lighting.
Economy
Upgrades to the Princess Margaret Rose Cave will provide economic opportunities and benefits for tourism operators and surrounding towns.
Project funding
Upgrades are part of a $2 million investment into the region through the Victoria’s Great Outdoors program.
Project timeline
A full scope of works is being finalised with further details to follow. The project's timeline is subject to on-ground conditions and any public health directions that may be in place. This timeline will be updated as the project progresses.
Environment and cultural heritage management
An environmental assessments is currently underway. The Cultural Heritage Management Plan will be completed by December.
Who are we working with?
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, and local councils including Glenelg Shire.
Access changes
Princess Margaret Rose Cave and Princess Margaret Rose Cave campground will be closed until further notice to accommodate infrastructure repair works. This includes access via vehicle or boat on the Glenelg River. Camping is not permitted on the site or in the picnic area.
FAQs
What will these works at Princess Margaret Rose Cave include?
A full scope of works is being finalised with further detail to follow. Works will include essential safety works to reopen visitor access to the caves, upgrades to the existing visitor centre (including internal interpretation displays), upgrades of the cave lighting and electrical systems, upgrades to pathways from the entry to the carpark, and upgrades to the toilets.
When will the works be completed?
The scope of works at Princess Margaret Rose Cave is being finalised, with further detail and precise timelines to follow. It is expected that the full scope of works will be delivered in mid-2023.
How will the site by managed when it reopens?
The previous lease for the Princess Margaret Rose Cave has expired. Parks Victoria acknowledges and thanks the previous operator’s commitment and dedication to the site, and its successful operations over a long period. Parks Victoria is currently working to determine the best option for both short and long-term operation of Princess Margaret Rose Cave. If there is an opportunity for a third-party to manage the site, interested parties will be invited to express interest via a public competitive allocation process.