Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time and see the creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago? If so, you should visit Naracoorte, a town on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, where you can do just that. Naracoorte is the gateway to the Naracoorte Caves National Park, a World Heritage site that preserves the fossils of extinct animals, such as giant kangaroos, wombats, and marsupial lions. These fossils are among the richest and most diverse in the world, and reveal the evolution and extinction of Australia’s megafauna.
But Naracoorte is not only about the past. It is also a vibrant and welcoming town that offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, art, history, or culture, you will find something to enjoy in Naracoorte and the Limestone Coast region. In this article, we will show you why you should visit Naracoorte, and what you can do and see in this amazing destination.
Naracoorte Caves National Park: A Journey Through Time and Space
The Naracoorte Caves National Park is the highlight and the main reason to visit Naracoorte. It is one of the 19 World Heritage sites in Australia, and the only one in South Australia. The park covers an area of 600 hectares, and contains 28 caves, some of which are open to the public. The caves are not only impressive for their limestone formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, but also for their fossils, which date back to 500,000 years ago. The fossils are the remains of more than 100 species of animals, many of which are now extinct. They provide a unique window into the past, and help us understand how Australia’s fauna and climate have changed over time.
The park offers a variety of tours and activities for visitors to explore the caves and learn about their history and significance. You can choose from different types of tours, depending on your level of interest and adventure. For example, you can join a guided tour of the Victoria Cave, where you can see the fossil chamber that contains skeletons of giant marsupials, such as the diprotodon, the largest marsupial ever. Or you can try the adventure caving tour, where you can crawl and squeeze through narrow passages and chambers, and experience the thrill of caving. If you are a photography enthusiast, you can join the photographic tour, where you can take photos of the cave features and fossils, with the help of an expert guide. The park also has a new adventure playground for children, where they can play and learn about the caves and the wildlife. And if you prefer to stay above the ground, you can enjoy the loop-walk, an accessible walk that showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the park.
The park is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 9 am to 5 pm. The fees vary depending on the type and duration of the tour, but they range from $10 to $85 per person. You can book your tour online or at the visitor centre, where you can also find the Wonambi Fossil Centre, a museum with displays and models of the prehistoric fauna and flora of the region.
Bool Lagoon: A Paradise for Nature Lovers and Birdwatchers
Another attraction and activity to do in Naracoorte is to visit the Bool Lagoon, a Ramsar Wetland of International Significance. The lagoon is located about 20 km south of Naracoorte, and covers an area of 3,200 hectares. It is one of the largest and most diverse wetlands in South Australia, and is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. The lagoon is especially popular among birdwatchers, as it hosts more than 150 species of birds, including rare and endangered ones, such as the brolga, the freckled duck, and the Australasian bittern. You can also spot other animals, such as kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and reptiles.
The lagoon offers scenic views and boardwalks for visitors to enjoy the wetlands and observe the wildlife. You can also visit the bird hides, which are shelters that allow you to watch the birds without disturbing them. The lagoon is open every day, from sunrise to sunset, and the entry fee is $10 per vehicle. You can also camp at the lagoon, but you need to book in advance and pay a fee of $15 per night.
Popular Events: A Taste of the Local Food, Wine, Art, and Culture
If you want to experience the local food, wine, art, and culture of Naracoorte and the Limestone Coast region, you should plan your visit around some of the popular events that take place throughout the year. These events showcase the best of the region, and attract visitors from near and far. Here are some of the events that you should not miss:
Taste the Limestone Coast Festival: This is an annual event that celebrates the food and wine of the region, with stalls, tastings, demonstrations, entertainment, and competitions. The festival is held in February, at the Naracoorte Town Square.
South East Field Days: This is an annual event that showcases the agricultural and rural industries of the region, with exhibits, displays, demonstrations, entertainment, and competitions. The event is held in March, at the Yakka Park in Lucindale, about 30 km from Naracoorte.
Naracoorte Swap Meet: This is an annual event that features a large market of new and used goods, such as car parts, tools, books, antiques, and collectibles. The event is held in May, at the Naracoorte Showgrounds.
Taskforce 72 Regatta: This is an annual event that features a display and demonstration of model ships and boats, such as warships, submarines, and yachts. The event is held in November, at the Naracoorte Swimming Lake.
Local Art, History, and Culture: A Reflection of the Heritage and Identity of Naracoorte and its People
Naracoorte is not only a place of natural wonders, but also a place of art, history, and culture. The town and its people have a rich and diverse heritage and identity, which are reflected in the places and activities that you can visit and enjoy. Here are some of the places and activities that you should check out:
Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery: This is the oldest regional gallery in South Australia, and has a permanent collection of Australian art, as well as temporary exhibitions of local and national artists. The gallery also has a retail shop, where you can buy art and craft products. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm, and on weekends and public holidays, from 10 am to 3 pm. The entry is free, but donations are welcome.
Sheep’s Back Museum: This is a museum that tells the story of the wool industry in the region, and its impact on the economy, society, and environment. The museum has a range of exhibits, such as wool samples, shearing equipment, woolen garments, and photographs. The museum is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and on weekends and public holidays, from 10 am to 4 pm. The entry fee is $5 per person, or $10 per family.
MiniJumbuck Factory Outlet Store: This is a local business that produces and sells woolen products, such as quilts, blankets, and pillows. The store also offers factory tours, where you can see how the wool is processed and made into products. The store is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Saturday, from 9 am to 12 pm.
Naracoorte Cemetery: This is a place where you can learn about the history and the people of Naracoorte, by visiting the graves and reading the stories of some of the notable and interesting residents, such as pioneers, explorers, politicians, and artists. The cemetery is open every day, from sunrise to sunset, and the entry is free.
As you can see, Naracoorte is a town that has something for everyone, and is a perfect destination for a memorable and enjoyable visit. You can explore the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves National Park, and see the fossils of ancient megafauna. You can visit the Bool Lagoon, and admire the wetlands and the wildlife. You can attend some of the popular events, and taste the local food and wine.
And you can discover the local art, history, and culture, and learn about the heritage and identity of Naracoorte and its people.
