Kelly Hill Caves

On Kangaroo Island's south coast, Kelly Hill Caves offer a mesmerising underground world of limestone formations. Named after a horse that stumbled into the cave entrance in the 1880s, this show cave system reveals delicate stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites in a series of chambers. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into the geology and history, making it a must-visit for nature and adventure lovers exploring South Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Guided Show Cave Tour: A 45-minute walk through well-lit chambers, including the impressive Cathedral Cave, with expert commentary on the cave's formation and the horse's discovery.
• Adventure Caving: For the more adventurous, a 2.5-hour tour takes you into undeveloped sections, squeezing through narrow passages and climbing ladders – bring a sense of adventure and old clothes.
• Natural Entrance: See the original opening where the horse fell in, now a dramatic vertical shaft framed by native vegetation.
• Interpretive Centre: Displays on local geology, fossils, and the island's unique wildlife, including the endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart.
• Bushwalking Trails: Short walks around the cave entrance offer coastal views and a chance to spot kangaroos and echidnas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the show cave tour and a walk around the grounds. If you opt for the adventure caving experience, set aside half a day (3–4 hours including preparation). The caves are best visited in the morning when tours are less crowded, leaving the afternoon for nearby coastal sights.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Flinders Chase National Park – 30 minutes west, home to the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, plus abundant wildlife like koalas and kangaroos.
• Vivonne Bay – 20 minutes east, a stunning white-sand beach perfect for a swim or picnic after your cave tour.
• Seal Bay Conservation Park – 40 minutes east, where you can walk among a colony of Australian sea lions on the beach.
• Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – 25 minutes southeast, offering nocturnal tours to see koalas, wallabies, and echidnas.
• Kingscote – 1 hour northeast, the island's main town with cafés, galleries, and the Pelican Feeding at the jetty.

Please check official sources for current details.