The Naracoorte Caves National Park is South Australia's only World Heritage site and one of the world's most important fossil sites.
For half a million years, the caves acted as pitfall traps and predator dens. Animals would fall in through a hole in the ground and not be able to escape. Bones collected – layer upon layer, year after year – creating a rich fossil record of the ancient animals that roamed the area. The fossil record covers several ice ages and the arrival of humans in the area.
Palaeontologists have excavated and dated many of the fossils in Naracoorte Caves. They have reconstructed the skeletons of many of the megafauna that lived so many years ago.
Of the 28 known caves in the park, four are open to the public. Other caves are set aside for scientific research or to protect the caves and their contents. Many of the caves contain spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
With the caves staying at a constant 17 degrees centigrade, the Naracoorte Caves is a destination for all seasons. Self-guided, guided and adventure caving tours are offered all year round.
For more information, go to www.naracoortecaves.sa.gov.au