Princess Margaret Rose Cave remains closed as renovation timeline slips

The Princess Margaret Rose Cave, located in Lower Glenelg National Park near Mount Gambier, has been closed to the public since 2021. The cave, which first opened for tours in the 1940s, ceased operations when its previous operators retired during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Since then, the site has been largely unattended, prompting concerns among local residents and tourism operators.

Local tourism operator David Graham described the visitor centre as "dilapidated," noting that gates have been installed to deter vandalism. He observed damage such as broken mirror shards, ripped flooring and a large hole in a shower near the campground and cabins. Graham also mentioned that a missing doorhandle and a cracked window allowed easy entry, though the entrance door has now been locked.

Parks Victoria, the agency responsible for the cave, has indicated that work is underway to restore the facility. The department has set a tentative target to reopen the cave in late 2027, acknowledging that the timeline has been pushed back from earlier projections. Officials have not provided a detailed schedule for the remaining construction and refurbishment tasks.

Local Liberal MP Roma Britnell expressed disappointment that the community has been without access to the attraction for several years. While she noted the setback, she also emphasized the importance of completing the upgrades to ensure visitor safety and preserve the site's heritage value.

Despite the prolonged closure, some community members remain hopeful that the ongoing work will eventually allow the Princess Margaret Rose Cave to welcome tourists again, restoring its role as a regional draw for visitors to the South Australian border area.