Naracoorte Caves to allow locals free entry
Local residents will now be able to visit the Naracoorte Caves for free.
An agreement has been struck between the state government and the Naracoorte Lucindale Council aimed at encouraging residents to re-engage with the site.
The agreement will run until the end of June 2018. The deal was reached after a survey of the local community revealed that providing an incentive such as a free tour entry would encourage locals to re-engage with the site and bring along a guest to experience South Australia’s only World Heritage site.
The free entry will be available to permanent residents in the local council area (including rental properties) upon production of photo ID showing their residential address when they visit the caves with a full-fee paying guest/s.
Tour places will need to be booked in person or over the phone.
Naracoorte Caves is a major tourist attraction for the Limestone Coast, welcoming over 50,000 guests every year. Tourism expenditure for the Limestone Coast in 2016 was $292 million, with the potential for this to increase to $457 million by 2020.
Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said: “The Naracoorte Caves are a major tourism attraction in the Limestone Coast region, and an important drawcard for the Naracoorte township.
“We are incredibly proud of South Australia’s only World Heritage site and recognise the significant impact it has on the local economy. We hope this fee waiver will allow many more people to enjoy the wonders of the Naracoorte Caves.”
Naracoorte Lucindale Council mayor Erika Vickery agreed, saying: “The entry fee waiver provides incentive for a local resident who is already familiar with the caves to promote this wonderful attraction, by bringing guests out for a visit.”
