The Ancient Lands Experience at Ngilgi Cave is a new experience developed by MRBTA’s Capes Foundation division.
The project aims to develop a unique above ground experience which immerses visitors in the natural and cultural features of the area and complements the below ground experience at Ngilgi Cave.
About the Experience
Set above-ground at the site of the historic Ngilgi Cave, Ancient Lands Experience takes visitors on a journey to discover 600 million years of stories associated with the land and its people.
A pathway through the native bushland connects a series of interactive installations, each bringing to life a different theme associated with the region.
The installations pay homage to a range of topics, including:
- The formation of the region in ancient times
- The caves of the limestone ridge
- The 60,000 year custodianship of the Wadandi people
- The local flora and fauna found in the region today
- European history of Ngilgi cave
New Aboriginal Cultural Meeting Place
Alongside the Ancient Lands Experience, the site will also be home to a new Aboriginal cultural meeting place, made possible through funding from the State Government. Koomal Dreaming will operate cultural tours separately from the Ancient Lands Experience.
Project Team
Local not-for-profit tourism operator, Capes Foundation, has crafted the experience by gathering together a team of local contractors, artists and storytellers, including Wadandi cultural custodian, Josh Whiteland.
Interpretation has been produced by Gibson Group (Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, The National ANZAC Centre).
The above-ground experience is also completely accessible by wheelchair thanks to consultation provided by locally-based company, 30 Foot Drop.
Project Status
- In 2021 MRBTA secured $1.35 million towards the costs of the project through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions fund.
- Design & production company, Gibson Group, has been engaged as a delivery partner.
- Construction commenced December 2022.
- Experience to open in September 2023.