Princess Margaret Rose Cave EarthCache
Princess Margaret Rose Cave
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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The Princess Margaret Rose Cave is one of the most attractive caves
and contains excellent examples of actively growing stalactites,
stalagmites, helictites and other spectacular limestone formations.
Formation of Limestone
Caves
Cave formation begins when rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide as it
falls through the atmosphere. As the rainwater filters through
the soil it also absorbs the carbon dioxide that is being released
by dead plant material. The carbon dioxide absorbed by the
water forms a dilute carbonic acid (H2O +
CO2 = H2CO3) solution.
Limestone is webbed with joints (vertical) and bedding planes
(horizontal), along which the solution of carbonic
acid travels, slowing dissolving
the limestone. This acidic solution is able to
dissolve the rock, as limestone is a form of calcium
carbonate (CaCO3). This process is known as chemical
erosion. As the limestone reacts with the carbonic acid it forms a
calcium bicarbonate solution. As this solution flows through the
cracks in the rock and into more open, or already
eroded, areas the carbon dioxide is released from
solution and the calcium carbonate is slowing deposited on the rock
surfaces forming the spectacular Stalactites, Stalagmites (the
mites go up and the tites come down!) and other
structures that characterise limestone caves.
The Princess Margaret
Rose Caves
As already mentioned most
limestone caves are formed by water seeping down through cracks and
fault lines in the limestone, dissolving the rock and creating
fissures and tunnels. The formation of Princess Margaret Rose
Cave, however, was assisted by water from the Glenelg
River which worked its way along a fault line for approx
500m. This occurred above its present height. The water scalloped
the walls of the cave and wore a reasonably level floor.
Mr K. McEachern and Mr J. Hutchesson and his sons Alan &
Bernie, first explored the cave in 1936.The original entrance was a
17m vertical shaft, as visitor access was restricted a stairwell
had to be dug through the limestone, this stairwell took Keith and
Bunny 5 years to dig. They developed the cave as a tourist
attraction with “Bunny" Hutchesson acting as the first
permanent guide, conducting tours from 4th January 1941. Since
1980, the cave has been part of the Lower Glenelg National
Park.
Tasks
You will need to visit the information centre to complete the
following task;
- In the case of the Princess Margaret Rose Cave, what was the
apparent starting point, and what is it's probable linear
length?
- What is the minimum length of time for a drop of water to pause
during the formation of a straw?
- How long can straws grow?
- How far did Keith McEachern descend on his first trip into the
caves?
- What was the entrance fee for adults and children when the
caves first opened?
- How did the caves get their name?
- Post a photograph of you and you GPS in front the sign marking
the original entrance to the cave system.
Please email us the answers for tasks 1 through 6.
Do Not post them in your on line
log
Please note that the visitor centre
is open most days, except Christmas Day, 09:30 to 17:00. With
reduced hours during June, July and August 10:30 to
15:00
Other Facilities and
Activities
Whilst it is not a requirement to log this cache the guided tour of
the cave is highly recommended and time well spent.
The park has three basic bush cabins for hire. Each cabin has
hot water, sink, microwave, fridge, hot plates and sleeps 4 people
in two double bunks. Outside each cabin is a wood pit BBQ for
cooking or camp fires. NB:Bring your own bedding and firewood. Min
2 night stay long weekends and school holidays. Booking is
essential.
Additionally there are ten unpowered camp sites and seven unpowered
van sites. Booking is essential.
Princess Margaret Rose Caves
Parks Victoria
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)