More than 3,000 people visited the ancient cave system at Buchan Munji (Buchan Caves Reserve) over the Easter holidays in a busy re-opening following devastating floods last year.

Around 400 people also enjoyed the re-opened campground, with the return of tourists and local visitors providing a boost to nearby businesses and surrounding communities.

The reserve had been closed since Boxing Day, when more than 60 millimetres of rain fell in 30 minutes, causing major damage. 

Buildings and bridges had been inundated, with large volumes of debris and silt spread throughout the reserve. During the initial clean-up phase more than 250 tonnes of debris was cleared.

Following a united recovery effort led by Parks Victoria and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, the reserve was able to open in time for Easter.
In addition to cave tours and the campground, the flood recovery works have seen walking tracks, picnic areas, the Buchan Pool and the Caves House accommodation re-open.
Although the reserve has reopened, flood impacts remain visible, most prominently at sections of the road network, beside all the bridges, and in creek beds.

Further recovery works will start after the school holidays to repair and resurface hundreds-of-metres of road. This will be followed by more repairs to bridges, fences, tables, signs and paths, and further works to creeks and the cave system.  

For these works to safely happen, sections of the park will again need to be temporarily closed during the year.

Quotes attributable to Lisa Patroni, Parks Victoria Executive Director, Visitor Experience:

“Buchan Caves Reserve is not only much-loved by the local community – it also plays a key role in drawing tourists to the area to support local businesses. 
 
“As joint managers of the reserve, Parks Victoria and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation have worked together on huge recovery effort. We’ve taken care to ensure the recovery works have been delivered safely and in the right way.” 
 
“We’re proud to re-open the reserve so that tourists from both near and far can enjoy the spectacular underground wonderland of the caves and the gorgeous surrounds of this special corner of Victoria.”