Wyanbene Caves
Deua National Park
Overview
Explore the entrance to Wyanbene Caves in Deua National Park. The caves protect several species of bats and small invertebrates. Only those with a permit can explore deeper into the chambers.
Explore the entrance to the underground world of Wyanbene Caves, located near the remote Wyanbene campground, 2 hours’ drive from Moruya.
Its chambers are home to several bat species including the threatened eastern bentwing-bat, along with some syncarida that have adapted to living in the cave’s icy cold waters. These small invertebrate crustaceans have only been recorded in a handful of caves across NSW.
Researchers and intrepid cavers with a permit will find a variety of cave formations beyond the locked gate. Helictites, stalactites and shawls await, along with an impressive cave shaft known as the Gunbarrel Aven.
Caves access
You can visit the first 150m of Wyanbene Caves without a permit. There’s a locked gate after the first 150m. Access beyond this gate is by permit only.
Opening times
The first 150m of the caves are open year-round. The section beyond the locked gate closes from 1 June to 31 August to allow the bats to hibernate.
Permits
To request a permit, send a completed application form to the Narooma office. It’s best to submit the form several weeks before your visit to make sure your permit is assessed in time.
When applying for a permit, keep in mind the cave restrictions:
- Access is restricted to a small number of groups each year
- There’s a maximum number of 6 people per group
- Previous caving experience is essential
- Public liability insurance coverage of $10 million is required unless applying as a part of a speleological group.
Safety
To ensure you stay safe during your visit:
- Wear a helmet with a head lamp and non-slip footwear
- Carry a torch
- Wear suitable clothing. It’s likely you’ll get dirty while caving, and you may also get wet, muddy and cold during periods of higher rainfall.
- Always cave with another person
- Stay on marked or obvious paths
- Avoid climbing or touching cave formations
This is a sensitive and important habitat for roosting bats so please keep noise down and tread carefully during your visit. Take all your rubbish with you when you leave to keep the caves clean.
Nearby Wyanbene campground is a good place to stay if you’re planning to explore Wyanbene Caves. Bookings are required and fees apply.
Stay at
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Wyanbene campground
Wyanbene campground is conveniently located close to Wyanbene Caves in Deua National Park, near Moruya.
These maps give a basic overview of park attractions and facilities, and may not be detailed enough for some activities. We recommend that you buy a topographic map before you go exploring.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Narooma office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Office open by appointment only. Closed public holidays.
- 02 4476 0800
- npws.eurobodalla@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 10 Graham Street, Narooma NSW 2546
Park info
- in Deua National Park in the South Coast, Country NSW and Snowy Mountains regions
Deua National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
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