Naracoorte Caves - Wonambi Fossil Centre — Attraction in Joanna

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A must visit World Heritage site

We had a fantastic experience at Naracoorte Caves, especially on the 30 minute guided tour of Alexandra Cave. We were lucky to arrive 20 minutes before the next tour and grab a spot, but many earlier tours were already booked out, including the one we ended up on, so I would definitely recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out.

While we waited, we explored the Wonambi Fossil Centre (included with any tour ticket). The kids had a great time in there, and I really enjoyed the engaging displays. It was the perfect introduction before heading into the cave.

The cave itself was spectacular. The formations are beautiful and the guide was knowledgeable, sharing plenty of interesting information that kept both adults and kids engaged. It is a great mix of being educational and awe inspiring at the time scales the geological features have formed in.

There is plenty to do around the grounds as well. The nature playground, open grassy areas and interpretive signage meant the kids were easily entertained before and after our tour.

Practical perks: • Plenty of parking • On site café with drinks and treats • Accessibility: The cave has steep stairs at entry and exit with handrails, and uneven ground with low lighting inside. It is authentic and well preserved, but something to be mindful of for older visitors or those with mobility challenges. Parents carrying younger kids seemed fine.

A brilliant, family friendly stop and a reminder of why this place is World Heritage listed —...

Rude and unprofessional staff.

We missed our designated tour due to confusion about the start time, even though we had been waiting diligently for nearly 2 hours — because they couldn’t accommodate our large group at once. When I returned to the front desk to explain the situation and emphasized how long we had been waiting, a male staff member ridiculed me, claiming we had only waited 20 minutes. Only after checking our purchase time did he realize our account was accurate — yet no apology was offered. Instead, the staff acted as if we had exaggerated and made a false claim.

A female staff member did eventually help us get onto a later tour and offered a free tour of another cave. However, throughout the interaction, she repeatedly stressed that we had missed our tour due to our own confusion, making it very clear they believed they were right. By that point, the experience was already ruined for me.

We thought it would have ended there, but unfortunately it didn’t. While waiting outside the disabled toilet for my son’s nappy change, my mum stood near the door as it was raining heavily outside. A staff member suddenly flung the door open, nearly hitting them. My mum, startled, was then scolded by the staff member, who said, “You should have known it was occupied.” My mum calmly replied, “Yes, I know, I’m waiting for our turn.” Instead of apologizing, the staff member gave my mum a very rude look and walked away without a word.

Overall, a very disappointing and...

The best of the best. Naracoorte Caves is a great experience, it will engage you on many levels from the technical to the plain old just fun. Marvell at the underground splendor and be astonished at the age and knowledge that these caves are delivering. Above ground meet the local wildlife the Roos are very casual and relaxed but still totally wild. They won't eat out of your hand here see them as they are in there environment. The bird life is amazing. The Blue devils rens will delite your as you have coffee at the Caves Cafe, these birds are tame but so beautiful, the dart about taking insects in-flight the beg the odd crumb from your plate (try to remember that carbs are not good for them). Snap a photo if you can. We spent for nights in the camping ground it was fabulous and there are all sorts of options tents to bunk house. Parked up our van on a powered site and enjoyed the first class amenities and facilities, bring the kids take your time if you can or push it all in to one huge day you won't be...