Princess Margaret Rose Cave Project

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 visitor centre, bookable campground, picnic area and access to walking and fishing opportunities. The site is currently closed to the public due to safety risks.  

As part of the Victoria's Great Outdoors program (VGO), the Princess Margaret Cave and visitor facilities are being redeveloped and upgraded.  

We have completed upgrades underground in the cave itself, including new cave lighting, improvements to steps, installing new handrails and repointing the stone archway into the cave to provide safe access. We have painted the visitor centre exterior, upgraded electrical and communication systems and installed a telecommunications booster. 

Work is continuing to upgrade toilets and the wastewater system. Building and upgrading toilets and managing wastewater in sensitive natural areas is complex and requires careful planning. It is detailed and involves work that must be done very carefully to meet new environmental regulatory requirements - especially when near an underground cave network and a river to ensure water quality is not affected by wastewater. 

Last updated: January 2026

 

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 $2,135,000 investment into the region through the Victoria’s Great Outdoors program.

Project timeline

Construction works are expected to be completed in late 2026. The reopening date is yet to be confirmed and will be announced once timeframes are finalised. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

Once all works are complete and a new tour provider has been onboarded, the caves and campground will be prepared for reopening to the public. 
 

Putting safety first

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. 

While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.

Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. 

We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe. When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.

 

Who are we working with?

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, and local councils including Glenelg Shire.

 

Access changes

The cave and campground are closed until further notice. For now, visitors can enjoy the picnic area, walking tracks, lookouts and toilet. Once work starts on the toilet upgrade, the site will be temporarily fully closed.

Staying updated

Subscribe to receive updates on this and other projects and news in parks. You can also email us with enquiries at engage@vic.gov.au. As the project progresses, information on this page will be updated regularly.