Stefan Eberhard, Nullarbor Plain Cave (LANDSCAPE 2025)

This spectacular cave passage under the Nullarbor Plain has been formed by a gradual upwards collapse of the roof over millions of years. Deeper beneath the rock-strewn floor lies the aquifer and a large waterfilled conduit which has been gradually dissolving the soluble carbonate limestone and carrying it away in solution, thus enabling the cave to grow larger over time. This cave is a very important roost site for a large population of cave dwelling bats; and the bat guano supports a rich invertebrate fauna living on the floor of the cave. This cave is of outstanding natural heritage significance and lies only a few kilometres away from a proposed colossal hydrogen / ammonia production plant and storage facility which could threaten its integrity and conservation.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.