ASF 2023

Information on field trips will be added to this page. Exact details are still being confirmed, and some of these plans are subject to permit and other access conditions

Field Trip Surveys

Are you interested in coming along to the Post-Conference Field Trips? If so we're surveying members as to their planned participation in these trips.

There are two surveys below - one for experienced Nullarbor Cavers, and the other for those new to the area. Please fill out the one that sounds most like you:

These surveys are more of an expression of interest than a committment - actual signups will be available a little closer to the event. We appreciate all the feedback we ge though, and the results of these surveys will help us finalise the planning of the field trips.

These surveys will close on the 14th of March, 2023.

Dates

Friday 21st April

Conference in Ceduna ends

Saturday 22nd April

All campsites open

Sunday 23rd April

Monday 24th April

Tuesday 25th April

Wednesday 26th April

Thursday 27th April

Friday 28th April

Saturday 29th April

All campsites close

Campsites and Accommodation

Details on camping and accommodation are still to be finalised, but there are likely to be 2 camping sites in SA and 3 in WA. There will be plenty of room for all. These sites will be for bush camping - be prepared!

For those who need a little extra in the way of creature comforts, there are also these alternative accommodation options

If you need a few more creature comforts, then this options may suit you

Mundrabilla Roadhouse:

https://www.mundrabillaroadhouse.com.au/accommodation.html

• 10 ensuite motel units
• 20 powered caravan sites
• Closest to the Mundrabilla Caves

Eucla Motel & Caravan Park

https://www.euclastay.com.au/

• Several room options
• Powered and unpowered sites
• Closest to Weebubbie and Abrakurrie Caves

Nullarbor Roadhouse

https://nullarborroadhouse.com.au/

• Motel rooms
• Powered and unpowered sites

Border Village Roadhouse

https://www.bordervillageroadhouse.com.au/recover/

• Motel rooms and cabins
• Powered and unpowered sites

Cave List

Access and permissions are still being obtained (it's not an easy process) but the plan is to have several caving sites across the Nullarbor. They are likely to be:

• SA (eastern caves) - Gillgerabbie Hut
• SA (western caves) - Koonalda Homestead
• WA - near Eucla
• WA - Mundrabilla Station

Other cave sites may be offered on-demand, and pending guides suitable to run them.

Participants will be able to "check in" to a site, and then participate in the trips in the near vicinity. A list of caves will be available closer to the event.

Types of caves

Many of the caves on the Nullarbor are horizontal. Those that are vertical tend to be relatively simple single pitch entrances.

Temperature inside the cave is typically warm, so you won't need layers of thermals for these trips.

Some caves have lakes inside them, all of these are avoidable, but swimming can be an option too!

Transport

The Nullarbor is a remote area, and aside from the Eyre Highway dirt tracks. These tracks are generally in good enough condition for 2WD vehicles though having one with reasonable clearance is strongly recommended (leave your sportscar at home!). In the event of heavy rain, it is generally recommended to only attempt access in a 4WD. April in the Nullarbor is generally dry, however rain is not unheard of!

Driving on the Nullarbor is reasonably safe, however we strongly recommend you avoid driving after dark - kangaroos, emus and other wildlife are commonly found on the road

Field trip participants will be provided with a map and GPS coordinates of relevant locations. Signs will be used where appropriate to help keep people on the right track - there are lots of them out there, and it’s easy to get lost!

Each car must have:

• A roadworthy spare tyre
• A working jack and associated parts
• One or more decently sized water storage containers

Other recommended items:

• First Aid Kit
• Satellite Phone, PLB, InReach, Spot GPS or other form of remote location communications
• GPS
• UHF Radio
• Tyre repair kit

Flying into Ceduna? We will attempt to find spots in vehicles for those without access to one however this may only be viable for small numbers of people. If you’re traveling as a group, or prefer independence when it comes to travel, consider renting a suitable vehicle from Cedrent: https://www.cedrent.com.au/

Food

You can't bring fresh food over the border into WA: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/exporting-animals/quarantine-frequently-asked-questions (note that’s more than just exporting animals!). Dehydrated food, and precooked items are recommended.

Alternatively you could make arrangements to have food delivered somewhere in the WA side.

You'll need to bring all the water you'll need for the duration of your stay. For a week I’d recommend 20-30L per person.

For the most part we practice minimal impact camping, so will discourage campfires. Please bring along gas stoves and such for cooking

Resupply opportunities are limited on the Nullarbor, not to mention expensive. Please plan to be self-sufficient!

Equipment

Self sufficiency is the key on the Nullarbor - the caving community is a generous and helpful group willing to help those caught short during trips, but please plan to bring any equipment you need! If you can’t source things, or otherwise need assistance we gear, please reach out, preferably well before the conference starts

A non-exhaustive list of items you may consider bringing:

• Tent, swag or other sleeping shelter of choice
• Gas stove
• Camp chair & table
• Wash basin
• First aid kit including snake bandages
• Toiletries
• Gazebo, awning or some other form of shade
• Water storage (min 20L per person recommended)
• Caving gear
• Vertical caving gear

Cost

At this stage there is no fee for the field trips, however participants will be expected to pay for any camping fees applicable for their stay. For caves with vertical access (most aren't) there may be a gear hire charge