The Victorian Speleological Association (VSA) has announced the 33rd Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) Conference, Caving in the Moonlight, to be held from January 9-21, 2025, in Buchan.
The conference promises an exciting week of caving, exploration and scientific discussion, bringing together caving enthusiasts, technical specialists, and scientists from across Australia and beyond.
This biennial event will feature a wide range of activities, including guided caving trips, presentations, workshops and competitions, designed to showcase the diverse world of speleology and the unique cave systems surrounding Buchan. As the largest caving conference in the Southern Hemisphere, it attracts between 70 and 160 participants from all walks of life, all united by their passion for cave exploration.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr John White, said East Gippsland and Buchan was looking forward to welcoming all caving enthusiasts, “We are delighted to have the 33rd Australian Speleological Federation Conference in Buchan; it is such a special place in our region,” John said.
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“Buchan has faced its share of challenges in recent years, so this will be an important economic and social boost to the community. While the Buchan Caves and their interesting history are well-known, having this number of caving enthusiasts here at one time will only help spread the word.
“As a council we have an important role to help our communities thrive and supporting this event is just one way we are doing that for Buchan.
“I am certain everyone will enjoy their time above and below ground in Buchan, and will be back for more.”
Named in honour of Frank Moon, one of the pioneers of caving in Buchan, the 2025 conference reflects his enduring legacy. Moon, a dedicated explorer and advocate for the Buchan caves, is credited with discovering numerous caves in the region.
As Dr. Robert Haldane noted, “For Frank Moon, Buchan’s caves weren’t just a place of work, but a way of life.” Moon’s passion for the caves continues to inspire the caving community today.
Buchan is known for its stunning limestone caves and rich cultural heritage.
The town’s name is derived from the local Gunaikurnai language, meaning “place of rocks with holes in them,” a fitting description for an area known for its remarkable cave systems. Buchan is home to the Fairy, Royal, and Federal Caves, some of Australia’s most well-known tourist caves.
Despite recent challenges, including the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires and the 2023 floods, Buchan remains a hub for cave tourism and exploration, attracting visitors from around the world.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The Caving in the Moonlight conference will feature a range of exciting activities, including:
– Guided caving trips: Explore the renowned caves of Buchan, with options ranging from easy to challenging.
These excursions offer a unique opportunity to experience local caves with expert guides. With Parks also offering the Buchan tourist caves for members to attend.
– Scientific presentations and workshops: A lineup of expert speakers will present on a wide range of speleological topics, from cave conservation to caving techniques and research.
– Photography and cartography salons: A celebration of cave photography and mapping, showcasing the best in cave-related imagery and technical skill.
– Speleosports competitions: A series of exciting challenges, including a ropes course, speed ascent, squeeze challenge, and more.
Additionally, the conference will feature the ever-popular Cavers’ Dinner, social events, and ample opportunities for networking and rekindling old friendships.
The Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) was founded in 1956 and represents 24 caving clubs with over 950 members across the country. The ASF plays a vital role in promoting cave conservation and exploration, having successfully advocated for the protection of significant cave and karst sites across Australia. The VSA, founded in 1967, is the largest caving club in Australia and has been at the forefront of cave discovery, exploration, and conservation in Victoria.
The VSA’s involvement in the 33rd ASF Conference highlights its long-standing commitment to the caving community and its ongoing efforts to explore and protect caves across Australia.
