Kelly Hill Caves: A Little Adventure Underground

When I first heard about Kelly Hill Caves, I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the effort. I mean, it’s a cave – how exciting could it really be? But since I was already on Kangaroo Island, I thought I’d check it out. Turns out, I’m really glad I did.

Let me tell you why.

A Land That’s Still Healing

Before even getting to the caves, you’ll notice the surrounding forest. This part of the island was hit hard by the Black Summer bushfires back in 2019–2020. The burnt tree trunks and open patches are still a reminder of what happened.

But at the same time, you can see how much it’s healing. There are new green shoots everywhere, and some trees are even sprouting fresh leaves. It’s a bit of a mix – both sad and hopeful. Walking through this recovering landscape made me pause and really take it in before heading underground.

How the Caves Were Found

Here’s a fun bit of history: back in the 1880s, a stockman was out looking for sheep when his horse, Kate Kelly, took a bad step and fell into a sinkhole. Lucky for them, they both made it out safely. That sinkhole ended up being the entrance to Kelly Hill Caves. It’s wild to think that such an amazing place was found by pure accident.

The Tour

The tour starts with a short walk above ground, where the guide explains how the caves were formed. To put it simply: millions of years ago, rainwater slowly carved its way through soft limestone, creating these tunnels and chambers.

Then, it’s time to head underground. The caves are full of those classic stalactites (the ones that hang down) and stalagmites (the ones that stick up). But what really stood out to me was this one stalagmite called the “ballerina.” It’s tall, slim, and so graceful it almost looks like it’s been sculpted. Honestly, it felt like the star of the show.

The lighting in the caves was another highlight. It wasn’t just there to help us see – it was part of the storytelling. As the guide talked about how the caves were formed, the lights changed to highlight different features, like shimmering walls or delicate formations. It was subtle but made everything feel more alive.

What Stood Out to Me

For me, the ballerina stalagmite and the storytelling through lights were the best parts. It was like nature and creativity came together to put on a show.

There was also this one moment when the guide turned off all the lights. We were standing there in complete darkness, and it felt like time stopped. It was a bit eerie but also kind of magical – just pure silence and stillness.

What You Need to Know

• You Need a Tour: You can’t just wander in – the caves are only accessible through guided tours. These usually run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so make sure to book ahead.

• It’s Cool Inside: The caves stay at around 16 degrees Celsius, so bring a jacket, even in summer.

• There Are Stairs: There are about 40 steps to get into the caves, so keep that in mind if stairs are tricky for you.

• Take Photos: You can take pictures (without flash), and you’ll definitely want to – especially of the ballerina stalagmite.

Why It’s Worth It

Visiting Kelly Hill Caves isn’t just about seeing another cave. It’s the whole experience – walking through a recovering forest, learning how the caves were formed, and seeing the delicate beauty of formations like the ballerina.

Would I go back? Probably not anytime soon, but I’m glad I went. It’s the kind of place that leaves a quiet impression, the kind you think about later when you’re back home. If you’re on Kangaroo Island, I’d say give it a go. It might just surprise you.