When I first descended into Western Australia’s Mammoth Cave, what caught me off guard wasn’t the scale — it’s one of the smaller caves in the region — but the silence. The self-guided format means you explore at your own pace, which can feel oddly meditative when you’re standing beside a 50,000-year-old jawbone embedded in the rock. This is the only cave in the Margaret River area where you can see genuine megafauna fossils in situ.
To skip the explanation and book tickets, head this way.
Quick overview
Mammoth Cave costs $25 for adults, with seniors paying $23 and children (4-16) $12.50. Children under 4 enter free. The cave is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. It’s closed on Christmas Day. This is a self-guided tour using audio equipment, allowing you to explore the cave at your own pace over approximately one hour.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25 adult | 9am–5pm daily | Caves Road, Forest Grove WA 6286 | Under 4s | 4pm |
How much does Mammoth Cave cost?
The pricing structure is straightforward, with no complicated tiers or seasonal variations.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $25 | Ages 17+ |
| Senior | $23 | Pension card holders |
| Child | $12.50 | Ages 4–16 |
| Infant | Free | Ages 0–3 |
The ticket includes a self-guided audio tour device. There are no add-ons or extras — what you pay is what you get. The cave operator doesn’t accept cash, so bring a card or book online in advance.
Is Mammoth Cave free to enter?
No, Mammoth Cave charges admission for all visitors except children under 4. Unlike some Australian national parks where the bushland surrounding caves is free to roam, the entire Mammoth Cave site requires a paid ticket. The closest you’ll get to a free experience is the bushwalk that forms the exit route — but you need to pay to enter the cave first.
What time does Mammoth Cave open?
Mammoth Cave operates daily from 9am to 5pm, including weekends and public holidays. The consistent hours make trip planning straightforward, though you should note that last entry is at 4pm — turning up at 4:30pm means you’re out of luck. The cave closes only on Christmas Day. During school holidays and public holidays, advance booking is strongly recommended.
These Mammoth Cave ticket prices and opening times were checked and verified in January 2026.
Do I need to book Mammoth Cave tickets in advance?
You can turn up and buy tickets on the day if spaces are available, but during peak periods this is risky. School holidays, long weekends, and Western Australian public holidays see the cave fill up quickly. Booking online guarantees your entry time and takes about three minutes. If you’re visiting multiple caves in the region, there’s no multi-cave pass that incorporates the likes of Jewel Cave, Ngilgi Cave and Lake Cave — you’ll need to book each separately.
History
Mammoth Cave was discovered in 1850 by Timothy Connelly, one of the Bussell family’s stockmen. Unlike many show caves that were heavily modified for tourism, Mammoth retains much of its natural character. The cave’s significance lies not in its size but in its paleontological treasures. Between 1904 and the 1990s, researchers uncovered fossils of extinct Australian megafauna — massive animals that roamed the continent until around 46,000 years ago. The centrepiece is the jawbone of a Zygomaturus trilobus, a giant wombat-like creature, still lodged in the cave wall where it was fossilised. The cave sits within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
What you’ll see inside
The cave follows a gently sloping boardwalk through decorated chambers. Crystal stalactites and stalagmites line the route, and during late winter and early spring, a seasonal stream flows through the cave. The fossil display is the main draw — seeing that ancient jawbone in context rather than behind museum glass gives you a visceral sense of deep time. The audio guide explains the megafauna extinctions and cave formation processes. After roughly 45 minutes underground, you’ll climb stairs into the marri and karri forest, then follow a peaceful bushwalk back to the visitor centre.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Self-guided audio tour device
- Access to all cave chambers (except restricted areas)
- Forest walk exit trail
- Toilet facilities at the visitor centre
- Gift shop access (purchases not included)
- Car parking
Things to do near Mammoth Cave
Lake Cave (9km south, 10 minutes’ drive) — This is the deepest show cave in the region, with a stunning suspended table formation reflected in a permanent underground lake. The guided tour descends through a collapsed doline.
Jewel Cave (15km south, 15 minutes’ drive) — The largest show cave in Western Australia, featuring the longest straw stalactite in any tourist cave on Earth at 5.9 metres. Guided tours run throughout the day.
Boranup Lookout (6km west, 8 minutes’ drive) — Free coastal lookout offering sweeping views over the Indian Ocean and the karri forest below. Popular sunset spot with a small car park.
Hamelin Bay (12km southwest, 15 minutes’ drive) — Beach famous for wild stingrays that swim in the shallows, though numbers have declined in recent years. Free to visit, with toilets and picnic facilities.
Margaret River township (21km north, 20 minutes’ drive) — The region’s main hub for wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Dozens of cellar doors within a 15-minute radius offer tastings, most charging $5-$10 redeemable on purchase.
Practical tips
Location: On Caves Road between Margaret River and Augusta, about halfway. There’s no public transport, so you’ll need a car.
Time needed: Allow 60-75 minutes total — 45 minutes in the cave plus the forest walk. Don’t rush the audio tour or you’ll miss key information.
Photography: Allowed throughout the cave without flash. The lighting is dim, so a phone camera will struggle. The fossil display is behind protective barriers.
What to wear: Caves maintain a constant 17°C year-round. Bring a light jumper even in summer. The boardwalk has around 90 steps — wear proper shoes, not thongs.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs can access the first chamber only. Prams aren’t allowed in the cave. Ring ahead if you have specific mobility questions.
Crowds: Quietest on weekday mornings outside school holidays. The self-guided format means you can usually find quiet pockets even when busy.
Facilities: Café and gift shop at the visitor centre. The nearest town with full services is Margaret River, 21km north.
FAQs
Can I bring my dog to Mammoth Cave?
No dogs allowed, even in the car park. The site is within a national park where dogs are prohibited.
How many steps are there in Mammoth Cave?
Approximately 90 steps throughout the cave route. The boardwalk slopes gently but there are several staircases to navigate.
Is Mammoth Cave suitable for young children?
Yes, though children must be accompanied by an adult. The audio tour might not hold the attention of very young kids. There’s no minimum age beyond the ability to safely navigate steps.
Can I visit more than one cave in a day?
Absolutely. Lake Cave and Jewel Cave are both within 15 minutes’ drive. Morning at one cave, afternoon at another works well. Each tour takes 60-90 minutes.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Late winter to early spring (August-October) to see the seasonal underground stream flowing. Summer and autumn are drier but still impressive.
Is there mobile phone reception?
Limited or no reception inside the cave. The visitor centre has wifi.
Can I bring a backpack into the cave?
Yes, small backpacks are fine. Large bags should be left in your vehicle.
More Western Australia travel
Other Western Australia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse near Augusta.
- Guide to visiting the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury.
- The best bits of Torndirrup National Park near Albany.
- Can you visit Breaksea Island in Albany?
- Practical guide to visiting the Brig Amity in Albany.
