Princess Margaret Rose Cave Project
The project
The Princess Margaret Rose Cave is a well-known limestone cave, next to the Glenelg River and located in the Lower Glenelg National Park on Traditional Country of the Gunditjmara people. The Princess Margaret Rose Cave area is a popular visitor site and includes a visitor centre, bookable campground, picnic area and access to walking and fishing opportunities. The site is currently closed to the public due to safety risks.
As part of the Victoria's Great Outdoors program (VGO), the Princess Margaret Cave and visitor facilities are being redeveloped and upgraded.
Toilet and wastewater upgrade works now underway:
Works have commenced on site on a major upgrade of toilet and wastewater infrastructure at Princess Margaret Rose Cave visitor area.
The existing toilet building will be replaced with a new four-stall unisex facility, including two all-abilities accessible toilets.
The project will also deliver a new wastewater treatment plant, replacing three existing septic systems and improving long-term environmental outcomes and wastewater management.
Works are expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.
Access changes:
Building and upgrading toilets and managing wastewater in sensitive natural areas is complex and requires careful planning. The works must be undertaken carefully to meet modern environmental requirements and protect water quality near the underground cave network and Glenelg River.
To allow these works to be completed safely, the entire Princess Margaret Rose Cave visitor area will be closed to the public until construction is complete. Visitors will not be able to access this site, including the picnic area, walking tracks, lookout, river jetty or campground while works remain underway.
Alternative public toilets are available via:
- Sandy Waterholes in Discovery Bay National Park (3 km east)
- Donovan’s township in South Australia (3-4 km west)
Completed works:
Parks Victoria has completed upgrades underground in the cave itself, including new cave lighting, improvements to steps, installing new handrails and repointing the stone archway into the cave to provide safe access. We have painted the visitor centre exterior, upgraded electrical and communication systems and installed a telecommunications booster.
Last updated: October 2026
Project benefits
Visitors
Essential safety works will see the reopening of the cave and provide a quality and contemporary visitor experience with improved safety, facilities and lighting.
The replacement of septic systems with a modern waste water treatment plant will support protection of sensitive environmental values.
A new day visitor area toilet building will improve visitor experience, including providing toilet access for all abilities.
Economy
Upgrades to the Princess Margaret Rose Cave will provide economic opportunities and benefits for tourism operators and surrounding towns.
Project funding
Upgrades are part of a $2,650,000 investment into the region through the Victoria’s Great Outdoors program.
Project timeline
During the planning phase, unforeseen contractor availability constraints affected project scheduling, resulting in a revised timeframe for construction works.
We understand how important Princess Margaret Rose Cave is to the local community, visitors and tourism operators, and we're exploring every opportunity to progress the remaining works as efficiently as possible.
Once all works are complete, and new operational arrangements are in place, the cave will be prepared for reopening to the public.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks.
While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.
Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually.
We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe. When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Who are we working with?
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, and local councils including Glenelg Shire.
Access changes
From October 2026 to the first half of 2027, the Princess Margaret Rose Cave visitor area will be closed while construction of a new toilet facility and wastewater treatment system is underway. During this period, the picnic area, walking tracks, lookout, river jetty and campground will not be accessible to the public.
Alternative public toilets are available via:
- Sandy Waterholes in Discovery Bay National Park (3 km east)
- Donovan’s township in South Australia (3-4 km west)
The temporary closure is required to allow these essential infrastructure works to be completed safely and to protect visitors from construction activities.
Staying updated
Subscribe to receive updates on this and other projects and news in parks. You can also email us with enquiries at engage@vic.gov.au. As the project progresses, information on this page will be updated regularly.