Invited to browse around Ngilgi cave we entered, appreciative of the freebie but not quite understanding how thrilled we would be to have walked through the most amazing subterranean wonderland we have ever seen.
Lying on the floor of the main chamber, gazing up at the ceiling was the closest I have ever felt to being in space. It was an incredible experience to look up at a million sharp stalagmites all seemingly pointed at my face. It brought on excitement I never expected to feel from a few rocks in a dark place. Sounds take on another quality in the chamber, the air moves in a different way, and while I lay there, noticing more and more of what the ceiling had to offer in terms of spectacular cave decoration, I was transported to another planet.
Within the cave we found an extremely enthusiastic speleologist who gladly answered questions, informing us that the age of the cave is approximately 500,000 years old and that the tiny stalagmite I was pointing at would take approximately 3000 years to form. “Many have been dated at 318,000 years old”, she said, “If you don’t mind please don’t take any souvenirs with you.”
Spaghetti style cave formations
It is possible to get really close up to most of the cave decorations, some of which you have to duck and dive around within the huge underground world.
I love the Australian way of doing things, if this cave was in the UK we would have to remain behind barriers and see from afar.
Wave formations in Ngilgi Cave
Listening to the zealous speleologist we learned of the Aboriginal legend which describes a battle between good and evil spirits. "The Story of Ngilgi" describes Ngilgi, a good warrior spirit who lived near the sea and Wolgine, an evil spirit who lived in the cave. Concerned for the welfare of his people, Ngilgi gathered together the spirits of the waves, lightning, rain, thunder and wind and they created a huge storm. Ngilgi attacked Wolgine and he gradually drove Wolgine back through the cave. So fierce was the battle that a tunnel collapsed, cutting the cave off from the sea. With my limited photography equipment and lack of tripod it was impossible to capture the magnificence of Ngilgi Cavern, if the chance come along that you are in the area, make sue you visit this magical place.
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