Caving at Mount Buffalo

Ordinary people achieving extraordinary things

Caving

No Caving tours from May to October due to the weather condition in the cave.

For those who like a challenge and a dash of added adventure, Adventure Guides Australia's Underground River Caving on stunning Mount Buffalo is for you. Explore the underground world of Mt. Buffalo in an amazing granite boulder infill cave. The cave is full of waterfalls and rapids for your team to work their way through.

Located on the magnificent Mt. Buffalo Plateau, just a short walk from the gorge car park, the cave is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

Safety is a fundamental part of this exercise. Our experienced instructors are here to ensure you can enjoy safely and make the most of your trip.

What is Caving

Caving (or spelunking) is the hobby of exploring caves. People who explore caves are called spelunkers.

By exploring and navigating your way through caves, you and your group get to enjoy the beauty of nature on another level.

Equipment for this activity includes: helmet, headlamp, rope, harness and climbing gear, protective boots and a caving suit, etc.

Bookings are essential for all our tours. Book online or give us a call!

Mount Buffalo Caving (Wet)

The cave is full of waterfalls and rapids for your team to work their way through. Crawl through holes, climb up waterfalls and squirm your way through the spectacular granite boulder infill cave. If you are very lucky, you will see the ceiling of the caverns glow like stars at night with the spectacular variety of glow worms which are endemic to the region.

Underground River Mount Buffalo (3.5hrs)

Intro: The underground river cave at Mt. Buffalo is a horizontal boulder infill-type cave, some 350 metres long. We normally only travel the first 150 metres or so. It has a number of exits. There is an active stream in the cave and when water levels are moderate, there are numerous rapids and waterfalls to challenge the caving team. This cave is wet and cold with tight squeezes and slippery rocks. It is a horizontal cave so no roped work is needed for access and it is all crawling and squeezing, scrambling, climbing and teamwork.
Day & Time: Normally run from November to the end of April. We run advertised adventures on selected weekends or you can call us to arrange a private caving adventure for your family or group. We also run team and challenges adventures for business groups and schools.
Age Guide: Children age 8 plus are welcome to participate. Children participants must be accompanied by a participating adult. Suitable for people with a sense of adventure and a moderate level of fitness.
Location: Mount Buffalo National Park
Meeting Place: Mount Buffalo Gorge Stone Hut; the cave is located on the Mount Buffalo Summit not far from the gorge visitors car park
Price Guide: $165pp
What's included: All ropes, helmets, harnesses and caving equipment is provided. We also supply Industry-standard helmets and helmet-mounted lights and kneepads. Two experienced cave leaders are provided for all cave activities.
What do you need to bring:
-Clothes: Thermal underwear and or warm synthetic clothes such as an old tracksuit or fleece clothing (Long Trousers and Long Sleeves as you will be crawling on hands and knees at times). The underground river is a cold wet cave, but great fun. *Please note that caving overalls is not provided. Clients will wear their own clothing to do this activity.
-Footwear: Sturdy runners or boots (Open toe sports sandals are not acceptable)
-Medication: Medication as required (such as an asthma puffer)
-After The Cave: A full change of shoes and clothing and a towel for when you finish the cave as we will get very wet! A plastic bag for wet and dirty clothing might be useful at the end of the Adventure!
-Cameras: Cameras are not recommended if they are not waterproof
- Food: Your own lunches and other snacks as suitable for the duration of the adventure.

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Mount Buffalo Caving Photo Gallery

What our customers say about their experience...

Kathryn Bright

I went on a recent adventure with my family on Mount buffalo, we did the caving on the Underground River. Amazing. I felt safe and looked after the entire time as I was a little nervous about caving. My family loved it, and seeing the glow worms was awesome. I would HIGHLY recommend going on an adventure with these guys. It was so much fun. (March 2022)

Paul M

My entire experience with Adventure Guides Australia was amazing! Guides go the extra mile to make all of the tours: abseiling, underground river caving and white water rafting, both fun and safe. Thanks very much David, Brad and the team! (March 2022)

Graham T

I had an excellent caving Adventure with Adventure Guides (Dave & Jaynie). Both are experienced and well knowledged in caving in the area. With a mixed group (ages) they we giving clear instructions to all. A great day. Got a little wet BUT all part of the adventure. Well done & Thanks!!! (Dec. 2016)

Caving Tours

We can also run private caving activities at the follow locations. Please contact us to discuss your plan.

Buchan

Explore the underground world in Buchan’s limestone caves full of stalagmites, stalactites and flowstone. We offer all different levels of caving from horizontal in to vertical descent.
Buchan’s is located 1 hour north of Bairnsdale.
We run by arrangement for groups and schools.

Labertouche

Abseil into the hidden secret of Labertouche cave located 1 hour east of Packenham on the eastern side of Melbourne. This granite boulder infill cave is full of fun and adventure.
We run arraignment for groups and schools.

Yarra Junction

Join the fun in the Britannia creek cave for a team-building experience full of fun challenges. This is a small granite bolder infill cave which makes an extensive underground maze suitable for all ages. Britannia creek cave is located 15 minutes from Yarra Junction on the eastern side of Melbourne.
We run arraignment for groups and schools.

Online Booking FAQ

Below are some common questions for online booking.

Group Size and Age

1. What’s the tours group size? How many people will be in the group?

The maximum group size for most of our tours is 10 people. We will still run tours if there is only one person booked into the tour. If there are more than 12 people, we will split up into multiple groups. However, our tour group size might be smaller due to covid restriction.

2. What is the instructor ratio for each group?

In general, 1:12 is the largest ratio, however, it will depend on each activity and how many people are booked in and also the age of the participants. If there are more children under 12 years old in the group, we will adjust the ratio accordingly to meet the industrial safety standard.

For caving and most water-based activities, we have two leaders per group.

3. What's the minimum age requirement to join the tours?

It depends on each tour. Our family and kids abseiling tours, climbing, caving, canyoning tours are suitable for most families with primary school kids. Our water-based program is more suitable for children aged 12 years and up, however, we can also tailor a program that suits your group.

If your group has younger kids, it is best to book a private group with us. We can put a young kid's friendly program together for your group. We have included kids as young as 4 years old for our adventure activities in the past.

Fitness Level and Experience

1. Do I need to be fit to participate in the tours?

You don’t have to be fit to do our activities, most of our tours are suitable for all ages and abilities. However, the fitter you are, the easier it will be. Please contact us prior to booking if you have concerns about your level of fitness that might not suit the activities.

For rafting and kayaking tours, you will need to be able to swim to participate.

Cancellation Policy

1. What’s your cancellation policy?

General Cancellations
Percentages of the fee are to be retained if cancellations occur at the following rate:
20 to 30 days – 25% of the total fee
14 to 19 days – 50% of the total fee
Less than 14 days – Full payment required
Adventure Guides Australia reserves the right to re-schedule any activity if conditions are unsafe or to provide an alternative activity or program. Participants may NOT cancel or change their activity dates or content without approval.

For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions

2. If the weather is not suitable to run the tours on my chosen tour date, can I change my tour date or get a refund?

Yes. We are trying to run as many tours as possible, however, if the weather has an impact on us running the tours, we can either refund you or change your tour date.

3. If there are COVID restrictions in place that will not allow my tour to go ahead on my chosen tour date, can I change my tour date or get a refund?

Yes. If there are COVID restrictions in place that will not allow the tour to run as per DHHS guidelines, you can change the date of your tour or we can refund you.

Tour Meeting Place

1. Where shall I meet my instructor on the day of my tours? What should I look for?

Prior to your tour starting date, you will receive a message from us about the meeting place on the day.

All Instructors are wearing red Adventure Guides Australia uniforms which is easy for you to spot them.

Mount Buffalo Meeting Place:

For abseiling, rock climbing, caving and canyoning adventures we will meet you at the stone hut at the lower end of the Gorge Precinct Visitors Car Park (Gorge Day Visitors Centre).
(Below the Old Mount Buffalo Chalet)

Beechworth Tour Meeting Place:
We will meet outside the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre 103 Ford St, Beechworth VIC 3747 unless otherwise arranged.

2. Will there be a phone reception in the National Park?

It is important for you to contact us before entering the park as you might not get phone reception while in the park. Telstra is the only provider that gets phone reception in Mt Buffalo National Park so if you are with another provider, you won’t have any service whilst up the mountain. Even though Telstra Costumers will have reception, you won’t have it everywhere in the National Park.

On The Tour Day

1. What should I bring on the day of the tours?

Clothing: warm clothes, beanie, jumper, thermals, rain jacket, sturdy shoes that have a solid sole that surrounds and protects the toes; towel, a change of dry clothing and spare pair of shoes if participating in water sports.
Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, hats etc.
Food and Water: 2 litres of water and some snacks
Others: personal medication ie asthma puffers, EpiPens. If completing a full-day program, you will require to bring lunch and snacks.

2. When should I arrive for the tour?

Please arrive at the meeting place at least 15 minutes early, so we can check you in and start the tour on time.

3. Where can I check the weather before the tour?
It is difficult to accurately predict Alpine weather and in particular severe weather events that can be quite localized, so always be prepared for adverse weather conditions where appropriate. You can check the weather on the BOM website the morning of your tour and if you have reception you can do it up at buffalo.

Mount Buffalo Weather - https://www.theweathernetwork.com/au/14-day-weather-trend/victoria/mt-buffalo
BOM - Alpine Weather - http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/mounthotham.shtml

Long Range Forecast - http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overview/summary/

Snow Forecasts - Long Range - https://www.snowatch.com.au/long-range-forecast/

Mount Buffalo Snow Cams: https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/

Travelling to Mount Buffalo

1. Do I need to carry snow chains?

Yes, if you are travelling in snow season, from Jun to Oct.

Snow chains must be carried by all vehicles including 4WD and AWD during most of the declared snow season (Jun-Oct). You could be fined if you aren't carrying chains. Road signage will direct you to fit the chains if necessary.

You can hire snow chains for around $30-$40 per day from any of the ski hire outlets in Myrtleford, Porepunkah or Bright. Be sure to pay attention to how they are fitted.

2. Entry and Parking

There is free entry and parking on Mt Buffalo. There is plenty of parking at the Gorge, Cresta Valley, and Dingo Dell.

For more information about travelling to Mount Buffalo please visit:
https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/about-mount-buffalo/
https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/mount-buffalo-visitor-information/

Private Group Booking

1. What’s the minimum number to book a private lesson/tour for my group?

You need a minimum of six people to book a private tour with us or are willing to pay the minimum fee for fewer people. Please give us a call to discuss your group plan or fill out the inquiry form.

2. May I request a specific date and time for my group to do the tours other than the one listed on the website?

Absolutely! A private group booking is possible with Adventure Guides Australia. We can design and provide a tour to suit your specific group's needs. You can book private tours on a date you choose and suggest a time you prefer.

Buy eGift Card/Voucher

1. How can I buy a gift card/voucher?

Buying someone a unique experience as a gift is a wonderful idea. You can buy most of our tours online as a gift by clicking the "Buy Gift Card" button at checkout. You pay for the tour, the person who receives the Gift Card can choose a time suits them to use the Gift Card by redeeming the gift card on our website.

Step 1: Purchase e-gift card on our website using the same tour booking link and choose "Buy Gift Card" button instead of the "Buy Now" button at checkout.

Step 2: A unique Gift Voucher Code will be sent to your email address instantly.

Step 3: Find the tour and choose a date on the tour calendar, use the Gift Voucher Code to redeem the tour at checkout.

2. How long the gift card valid for?

Each eGift Card is valid for 3 years from the day of purchasing.

3. Can I have a digital copy of the Gift Card with the voucher code on it?

Yes, you can. After paying for the Gift Card, you will receive an email with a digital copy of the Gift Voucher. You can print it out to give it as a present.

Covid Safe

COVID Safe Practice

Upon attendance, please adhere to the current COVID safe guidelines as per the DHHS website below:

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Coronavirus (COVID-19) (dhhs.vic.gov.au)
Participants should not attend the activity if:
1. They have a fever of ≥38°C on the day of the event.
2. They have had any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Such as a new continuous cough, fever, change/loss of taste/smell.
3. They have been in contact with anyone who is sick (symptomatic) in the past 14 days.
4. They have travelled within the past 14 days to any local, interstate or international location with widespread ongoing community COVID-19 transmission.

Travel Safe, Covid Safe, see our Covid-19 Practices

Have more questions? Give us a call