100 years of wonder below: Celebrate a century of exploring Kelly Hill Caves
This year marks 100 years since curious locals first ventured into the caves, guided only by candlelight and a sense of adventure. And now, a century later, it’s your turn to follow in their footsteps.
If you’ve ever stepped inside Kangaroo Island’s Kelly Hill Caves, you’ll know the feeling. That moment when the outside world slips away and you’re wrapped in cool air, deep quiet and the slow, ancient artistry of dripping stone.
A hollow hill and a hidden world
Back in late 1925, cave explorers were encouraged to investigate a place known simply as Kelly’s Hill. To the eye it was unremarkable. A gentle rise tucked among the landscape. But anyone riding across it noticed something odd: the unmistakable hollow echo of horses’ hooves on rock.
Intrigued, the explorers headed in with little more than candles to light their way. What they found was breathtaking.
Twisting passage by passage, they discovered magnificent chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites; formations so grand they rivalled any cave known on the island at the time. In the flicker of candlelight, every turn revealed wonder upon wonder, untouched and unseen by others.
By February 1926, they began sharing its magic with visitors. The tradition of cave tours was born. A tradition we’re celebrating 100 years on.
Join us for a century-long celebration
To mark this remarkable milestone, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is hosting a special Kelly Hill Caves Open Day on Sunday1 March — and you’re invited underground.
Free guided tours will run throughout the day, beginning at 9:45 am with the final tour starting at 3:30 pm. It’s the perfect chance to see the caves as visitors did decades ago, now with the added magic of the new story‑telling light display that brings the cave’s geology and history to life.
“This beautiful experience is well worth the effort,” says Andrew Schaberau, NPWS Kangaroo Island Commercial Services Team Leader. “The open day is a fantastic opportunity to visit the caves and explore this incredible location.”
More than a cave tour
Once you emerge from your underground adventure, the experience continues above the surface.
Relax with snacks on offer, wander through the surrounding native forest, and enjoy the chorus of birdlife that calls the area home. The land above the caves is just as full of life and character as the chambers beneath it.
Whether you’re a first‑time visitor, a long‑time admirer or a Kangaroo Island local, the open day is a chance to reconnect with one of the region’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
Ready to explore?
The open day is free for everyone, but spots on the cave tours are limited — so make sure you book ahead to secure your place.
Book your Kelly Hill Caves tour here: Kelly Hill Caves - Tour Bookings
Park of the Month
This event is happening as part of February's Park of the Month program where National Parks is celebrating Parks of Kangaroo Island. See all the other activities happening here.
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