42 
Wilson’s Caves. 
These caves are situated on the Recreation Reserve, adjoining, on the 
east, allotment 8b, section B, Parish of Buchan. They are about 4 miles 
to the east of Buchan township, and have been described by Mr. James 
Stirling, Government Geologist. 
As far as yet explored, they are of considerable extent, consisting of a 
number of large chambers with high roofs. Though not adorned with 
stalactites, or draped with stalactital coverings, to the same extent as are 
the Spring Creek Caves, they are much larger and more imposing caverns, 
having several pretty grottoes. Further exploration will probably lead to 
the discovery of passages leading to other chambers. 
The locality in which thev are situated is a very fine one for recreation 
purposes. The river flat opposite is rather extensive, while the low cliffs 
in which the entrances are merge into smooth, undulating grassy slopes, 
covered with pretty yellow box trees. 
The area marked as a Recreation Reserve comprises 73 acres, and this 
at least should be set apart as a Cave Reserve.* There are several en¬ 
trances, but they could be partly built up and secured by doors at com¬ 
paratively little cost. It is highly desirable that this should be done, as 
the caves are as yet by no means ruined from a scenic point of view, 
although many of the more accessible stalactites have been broken. 
\_Report sent in 20th July , igoo.\ 
Recommendations for Cave Reservations. 
In addition to my recent reports on the cave areas in the Buchan dis¬ 
trict, and recommendations therein contained for their reservation, the fol¬ 
lowing general remarks are made suggesting that action be taken towards the 
preservation of the caves:—The township of Buchan is on the Buchan 
River, about 52 miles north-east from Bairnsdale, the terminus of the Gipps- 
land railway, 171 miles to the east of Melbourne. As will be seen by the 
reports referred to, the explored caves on Crown lands occur in the follow¬ 
ing places, viz.: — 
Spring Creek caves, on Cave Creek, at Buchan. 
O’Rourke’s cave on the Buchan River, at Buchan. 
Green caves on Spring Creek, at Buchan, 
Wilson’s caves, near the Buchan River, 4 miles to the east of Buchan. 
Dickson’s caves, 7 miles to the north of Buchan. 
Basin Creek (Slocombe’s) caves on Blue Bullock Creek, 12 miles 
N.N.E. from Buchan. 
Murrindal caves, on Murrindal River, 6 miles N.N.E. from Buchan. 
Camping Reserve, section B, parish of Buchan. 
Besides these caves there are others, such as Duke’s, King’s, &c., but 
they are on freehold land. 
Most of the caves have been described by Mr. Jas. Stirling in the report 
already quoted. 
Spring Creek, Wilson’s, Dickson’s, Green, and Basin Creek caves are 
particularly worthy of preservation, for though all but the last have suf¬ 
fered from the vandalism, carelessness, and thoughtlessness of sightseers, 
who have smashed most of the smaller stalactites, stalagmites, and stalac¬ 
tital drapery within reach, there are still quite sufficient natural beauties 
remaining to interest the visitor. There is also the great probability of 
numbers of new chambers, adorned in various ways, being discovered in all 
of these caves, as not one of them has vet been thoroughly explored. 
* The Department of Crown Lands and Survey has temporarily reserved 1/ acres, part of the late 
Recreation Reserve —See Government Gazette of 10th February, 1904, p. 511.—E.J.D., 1.10.1906. 
