This image is included in a gallery "Another Random Photo Folder" curated by Jason Williams.
The Buchan Caves are a group of limestone caves that include the Royal Cave and the Fairy Cave, located south-west of Buchan, in the East Gippsland region of the Australian state of Victoria. They have a total length of between 3 and 4 Km, and six entrances.
The limestone rock at Buchan was laid down during the Devonian period about 300 – 400 million years ago. At the time, the sea covered this area of East Gippsland which was alive with shellfish and coral. Their remains were deposited in layers and over the years compacted to form limestone. The caves were formed by solution of the limestone.
The Buchan Caves are located approximately 360 Km from Melbourne, along the Princes Highway, north of Lakes Entrance. (Wikipedia)
Tours were conducted by candlelight and magnesium ribbon from 1907 until in the 1920s. During the 1920s and up until 1970, the caves were lit by power generated at the Buchan Caves Reserve. In 2008 both Royal and Fairy Caves were rewired with low heat and low voltage LEDs.
The magnificent Royal Cave is a through-tour with a separate entrance and exit. Connected by intimate passages, the cave features a number of large, heavily decorated chambers, including the Octopus Chamber, the massive Princess Royal Chamber, and the Skeleton Chamber. Noted decorations include the Crystal Portal, Niobe's Bower, Font of the Gods, Indian Rugs and the Temple of Peace (The Buchan Caves by Kent Henderson).
This is a handheld high ISO image taken in the Royal Cave. It covers some of the interesting features at the Octopus Chamber. No tripods or flashlights were allowed in the cave.
Geographical coordinates of the image taken: 37°29'46"S - 148°9'52"O
(Explored : Mar 31, 2022 #122)
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