Ngilgi Cave: Ancient Lands Self-Guided Walk & Cave Entry

Summary

Yallingup bushwalks and Ngilgi Cave self-exploration with local stories

You’ll walk through Yallingup bushland on a self-guided trail packed with stories and hands-on displays before heading down into Ngilgi Cave itself. Guides are around if you want to ask questions or just need directions underground. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and leaves you with this odd mix of calm and curiosity long after you step back outside.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of the car when an older guy in a hi-vis vest — I think his name was Mick — waved us over and pointed at a scruffy-looking wattle tree. “That one’s good for headaches,” he said, grinning. I had no idea if he was serious or just winding us up, but it set the tone for the Ancient Lands Experience outside Ngilgi Cave. The path twists through bushland that smells sharp and green after rain, with these clever little installations about Noongar culture and geology. My partner kept stopping to poke at the interactive signs; I mostly listened to the wind in the trees and tried not to trip over my own feet.

The real surprise was how much you pick up before you even see the cave entrance — like, you start thinking about how old this land is, and then suddenly you’re standing above a hole that drops away into somewhere cool and echoey. We ducked inside (it’s a proper staircase, not scary), and right away the air changed: damp, mineral, a bit earthy. There’s lighting but it’s soft, so shadows flicker on all these wild stalactites and weird rock shapes. Somewhere deeper in, we heard kids laughing — there’s a tunnel just for them — but mostly it was quiet except for our footsteps and the occasional drip. A guide named Sarah was down there too; she showed us where to spot these delicate crystal “shawls” that looked almost fake.

I didn’t expect to feel so small underground. There are signs explaining stuff if you want details (my brain only half-registered most of it), but honestly, sometimes you just stand there staring at a formation called “Cupid’s Corner” or whatever and forget about reading anything. Sarah told us about candlelit tours from decades ago — apparently people used to sneak off for secret dates here? That made me laugh. It’s weirdly romantic if you squint past the limestone.

We wandered back up after maybe an hour or so (I lost track), blinking in the sunlight again. There were families picnicking near the play area and someone roasting coffee nearby — smelled amazing but we were too tired to queue up. I keep thinking about that first breath of cave air, cold on my face after all that bright bushland outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ngilgi Cave and Ancient Lands

• Walk Ancient Lands Experience pathway
• Learn about local flora and fauna
• Reach Ngilgi Cave entrance
• Descend into Ngilgi Cave
• Explore cave formations and chambers
• Visit Fairy Cave and Cupid's Corner
• Enjoy junior explorer's tunnel (optional)
• Ask guides questions inside cave
• Finish cave exploration

Top questions

How long does the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience take?

The full above- and below-ground experience takes around 1.5 hours; if you only do the surface trail, allow about 30 minutes.

Is there a guide during the Ngilgi Cave visit?

The tour is self-guided but guides are stationed throughout the cave to answer questions or help if needed.

Is Ngilgi Cave accessible for people with mobility issues?

The Ancient Lands pathway is fully accessible above ground; however, exploring inside Ngilgi Cave involves stairs and boardwalks requiring moderate fitness.

Are children welcome at Ngilgi Cave?

Yes, there is even a junior explorer's tunnel inside for kids plus a nature-based play area outside near the finish.

Where is Ngilgi Cave located?

Ngilgi Cave is at 76 Yallingup Caves Rd, Yallingup, Western Australia 6282.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to both the Ancient Lands Experience bushland trail and full access to explore Ngilgi Cave at your own pace, with guides stationed inside if you want extra info or help along the way.