In addition to the experience of caving, distinctive cave structures and subterranean environments, are contained within the fragile and significantly diverse surrounding ecosystem.

 The aim of this master plan is to protect and maintain this special ecosystem, whilst simultaneously catering for the safety of those who currently enjoy it. This has led to the formalisation of the area, without encouraging excessive development. The master plan was designed as a guide allowing Parks Victoria to manage the site in a more formalised and regulated manner, rather than promoting use through extensive design and intervention.

The project was defined and constrained by the requirement to provide the minimum necessary built work to achieve the requirements for a safe and sociologically sustainable asset. Aspect saw these as working hand-in-hand to ensure that the intrinsic values of the site were maintained at every stage of development.

Ultimately, the practicality of constructing and maintaining any of the proposed works in such a remote area resulted in sub-design interventions comprising predominantly local materials with the exception of the introduction of steel as a major structural element. This allowed the elements to ‘touch the ground lightly’, without creating the need for ongoing and extensive maintenance.