Victorian Speleological Association

Future Events

Intermediate Vertical Trip – Buchan,     11/07/2025 - 13/07/2025,   8:30 AM - 5:00 PM    

Homeleigh, 15 Gelantipy Rd, Buchan, VIC, 3885

Arantxa and Wayne are leading a weekend at Buchan exploring intermediate vertical caves.
You will be expected to be comfortable ascending and descending a rope by yourself. There maybe a rebelay or deviation to navigate.

We’ll decide on the caves to visit based on who registers for the trip.
We’ll be limiting numbers, so please contact either Wayne or Arantxa directly.

M3 Shades of Death Survey,     11/07/2025 - 13/07/2025,   8:30 AM - 5:00 PM    

Homeleigh, 15 Gelantipy Rd, Buchan, VIC, 3885

Over this weekend I will run a trip to the back of the cave to continue the new survey.

The trip is closed. I have a full team for the survey this time around. Anyone wanting to go on the waiting list in case someone drops out can contact me via email.

Email, nigel.cooke@bigpond.com


M3 Shades of Death Survey,     25/07/2025 - 27/07/2025,   8:30 AM - 5:00 PM    

Homeleigh, 15 Gelantipy Rd, Buchan, VIC, 3885

Over this weekend I will run a trip to the back of the cave to continue the new survey.

The trip is closed. I have a full team for the survey this time around. Anyone wanting to go on the waiting list in case someone drops out can contact me via email.

Email, nigel.cooke@bigpond.com


VSA General (August),     06/08/2025,   7:30 PM - 9:00 PM    

The Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre, 251 Faraday St, Carlton, VIC, 3053

Online general meeting and a meeting presentation.

The  meeting will be conducted via Zoom once again.
The topic for the meeting presentation:
VSA General (August)

M3 Shades of Death Survey,     22/08/2025 - 24/08/2025,   8:30 AM - 5:00 PM    

Homeleigh, 15 Gelantipy Rd, Buchan, VIC, 3885

Over this weekend I will run a trip to the back of the cave to continue the new survey.

The trip is closed. I have a full team for the survey this time around. Anyone wanting to go on the waiting list in case someone drops out can contact me via email.

Email, nigel.cooke@bigpond.com


M3 Shades of Death Survey,     29/08/2025 - 31/08/2025,   8:30 AM - 5:00 PM    

Homeleigh, 15 Gelantipy Rd, Buchan, VIC, 3885

Over this weekend I will run a trip to the back of the cave to continue the new survey.

The trip is closed. I have a full team for the survey this time around. Anyone wanting to go on the waiting list in case someone drops out can contact me via email.

Email, nigel.cooke@bigpond.com


VSA General (September),     03/09/2025,   7:30 PM - 9:00 PM    

The Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre, 251 Faraday St, Carlton, VIC, 3053

Online general meeting and a meeting presentation. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom once again.

Presentation: “Into the Depths: Exploring Microbial Life in Caves”
Nayeli Luis
This 40-minute talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges and discoveries involved in collecting biological samples from cave environments to perform environmental microbiology studies. The presentation will explore how microbiologists plan and conduct fieldwork in these subterranean systems. From organizing equipment and sampling designs to conducting DNA analyses, Nayeli will share her fieldwork experiences and explain how these efforts help uncover the invisible yet vital microbial communities thriving in caves. The talk will cover practical aspects of expedition planning, environmental measurements, and (a little bit) the ecological significance of these microorganisms in hidden underground ecosystems.
M. Nayeli Luis-Vargas is a PhD candidate at La Trobe University, where she studies microbial ecology in extreme environments. Her research focuses on the biogeochemical roles of microbial communities in Australian caves, particularly how these microorganisms can impact surface systems. Passionate about both science and storytelling, Nayeli enjoys sharing the fascinating world of cave microbiology with a broader audience.
VSA General (September)

Mt Porndon exploration,     26/09/2025 - 28/09/2025,   6:00 PM - 2:30 PM    

Mt. Porndon, TBA, Camperdown

The next instalment of the Mt Porndon project. David is keen to explore some more local geological formations, a couple of which have a high probability of finding more passage. If you were on the last trip then you will know what we are expecting. Another one, possibly two of those.

All the notable caves in the area will be on the programme and we now have an extraction system available to facilitate dirt relocation and keep dust at bay.

There is limited bunk room style accommodation, hot showers, barbecue facilities and a proper coffee machine.

Email David Salter at david@corex.com.au to register your interest.

Mt Porndon exploration

Glenelg River Cup Weekend Caving/Kayaking Trip,     07/11/2025 - 11/11/2025,   8:30 AM - 5:00 PM    

Dartmoor, TBA, Dartmoor, Victoria

The VSA navy is to be re-launched on the Melbourne Cup long-weekend 2025!

We are seeking expressions of interest for a multi-day kayaking trip down the Glenelg River in Western Victoria.
The plan is to paddle and camp, starting Friday the 7th of November and finishing on Tuesday the 11th of November.

This would be a very leisurely paddle, with the main goal being to explore as many of the caves along the river as possible over 4-5 days.
For those who are interested, but cannot do the whole weekend will have options to do a shorter trip, but it is preferable that those attending would stay for the entirety of the long weekend. Boats and gear can be provided, however anyone attending is welcome to bring their own.

Not convinced about your paddling ability? Tom Elms will be running a practice/training day to help develop your skills in a kayak. Date tbc based off interest and will likely be on the other side of winter.

Contact Tom Maggs or Tom Elms if interested!

Glenelg River Cup Weekend Caving/Kayaking Trip