Exploring the Limestone Coast with Ranger James

Meet Ranger James:

We caught up with James, one of the Nation­al Parks and Wildlife Ser­vice rangers work­ing in the Lime­stone Coast region. Here’s what he had to share about his role and some top tips for visitors:

“I start­ed work­ing in the Lime­stone Coast in ear­ly 2021 as a Site Inter­preter at the Nara­coorte Caves. After that, I spent two sea­sons as a Project Fire Fight­erbefore becom­ing a Ranger ear­ly this year. I now help look after the inland parks of the Upper Lime­stone Coast. My role involves a bit of every­thing, from slash­ing pro­grams and track main­te­nance to weed con­trol. Late­ly, we’ve been focus­ing on park clo­sures for deer con­trol and Mallee Fowl surveys.”

Which park is your favourite?

“I have a soft spot for Gum Lagoon Con­ser­va­tion Park. There’s a spot along one of the tracks at the top of a hill where you can get an amaz­ing 360-degree view of the sur­round­ing bush­land. It’s impres­sive, and the park is home to plen­ty of Mallee Fowl, which makes it even more special.”

How long should vis­i­tors plan to stay in the region?

“You could eas­i­ly spend sev­er­al days here. I’d sug­gest at least three days to get the most out of the Lime­stone Coast. Spend a day at the Nara­coorte Caves, anoth­er day around Mount Gam­bier, and a third day explor­ing the Coorong. This way, you’ll expe­ri­ence the caves, the coast, and every­thing in between.”

What makes Nara­coorte and Tan­ta­noola Caves unique?

“My favourite tour at Nara­coorte Caves is the Vic­to­ria Fos­sil Cave. It’s one of the best places in South Aus­tralia to learn about the past, and ongo­ing research makes it even more inter­est­ing. Tan­ta­noola Caves is spe­cial too — it’s not only beau­ti­ful but also wheel­chair acces­si­ble, which is rare for caves in Aus­tralia. That means every­one can enjoy it.”

When’s the best time to vis­it the Lime­stone Coast?

“Spring and sum­mer are def­i­nite­ly the best times to vis­it. Dur­ing these warmer months, the South­ern Bent-wing Bats return to Bat Cave at Nara­coorte Caves, and wild­flow­ers and orchids are in full bloom. It’s also a great time to explore the coastal parks, with plen­ty of sun­shine and wildlife activity.”

Any insid­er tips for explor­ing the region?

“If you want to spot Mallee Fowl, head to Mount Scott Con­ser­va­tion Park near the pic­nic area — they’re often seen there. For a unique expe­ri­ence at Nara­coorte Caves, I’d rec­om­mend the World Her­itage Tour. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the caves, which is a great option for some­thing different.”

What wildlife can vis­i­tors expect to see?

“Mallee Fowl are a high­light in the Upper Lime­stone Coast, and at Nara­coorte Caves, you can see the South­ern Bent-wing Bats via the Bat Tele­view Cen­tre. You’ll also come across echid­nas, kan­ga­roos, and wal­la­bies in most parks. If Bool Lagoon is full, bird­watch­ers will be in for a treat with species like Mag­pie Geese, Brol­gas, Ibis, and swans.”

With stun­ning caves, diverse wildlife, and end­less nat­ur­al beau­ty, the Lime­stone Coast has some­thing for every­one. Whether you’re explor­ing the coast, hik­ing through con­ser­va­tion parks, or tak­ing a cave tour, this region is packed with adven­tures wait­ing to be discovered.

Plan your trip to the Lime­stone Coast today and expe­ri­ence the won­ders of this unique region for yourself.