SOUTH AUSTRALIA - Naracoorte National Park Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area Naracoorte Caves, South Australia's only World Heritage Site, (previously a Conservation Park) was proclaimed by the Governor of South Australia as a National Park on 18 January 2001. It is located in the Limestone Coast tourism region in the southeast of South Australia. The importance of the fossil record at Naracoorte Caves was officially recognised in 1994, when the site was inscribed on the World Heritage List. In caverns beneath the cave range, visitors may view the delicate decorations of calcite, fossils of long-extinct animals, and through infra-red cameras, view Bent-wing bats in the caves they use as their home. The park facilities include a camping ground, dormitory, barbecue and picnic areas and a café. Deposited in the cave sediment as long as 500,000 years ago, in the area we know today as Naracoorte Caves, the bones of Megafauna species such as the marsupial lion (Thylacoleo carnifex) and sthenurine kangaroos have been preserved. The remains of these now-extinct giant marsupials provide crucial links between the past and present. The Megafauna fossils form the most complete record of this period currently available to scientists. As such, the Naracoorte Caves contain clues to help interpret the geological and evolutionary history of Australia. The importance of the fossil record at Naracoorte Caves was officially recognised in 1994, when the site was placed on the World Heritage List. Research into the fossil material has revealed valuable information about the Megafauna and their behaviours. One question however, remains unanswered, 'why did these giant marsupials disappear?' Perhaps Naracoorte Caves hold the answer to this question. For further information contact Naracoorte Caves National Park. Telephone (61 8) 8762 2340 Naracoorte Caves provides an ideal holiday destination with camping facilities, sites for caravans as well as dormitory-style accommodation. The Bent-wing Café provides meals, drinks and supplies for campers. You can enjoy an amazing array of wildlife along the walking trails that wind their way through remnant bushland. Kangaroos, possums, echidnas and sugar gliders are best viewed at sunset. Birdwatchers can observe a diverse range of birds at the gardens around Wonambi Fossil Centre and along the creek which runs through the park. Bool Lagoon, just 10 minutes from the Caves, supports a remarkable array of waterbirds. Flinders University Gallery has a wealth of easy to understand information on caves, fossils and the sciences studied at Naracoorte Wirreanda Bunkhouse The bunkhouse is ideal for schools or other groups and can sleep up to 50 people. Rooms are set up to sleep 4, 6 or up to a maximum of 8 in the larger rooms. A fully equipped kitchen, laundry and ablution block are all close by. Camping Facilities: Camping facilities consist of 10 powered sites and a large area for tents. All power and laundry facilities as well as rainwater are available to campers. Visitor conditions Sorry - no pets allowed. Firearms are prohibited. Camping is permitted only in designated areas. Wood fires are allowed from 1 May to 31 October, but only in designated fire pits.