Gallagher's Travels: States: Kentucky

Kentucky Down Under

By Ann Hattes
Photos Courtesy of Kentucky Down Under

Horse Cave, Kentucky, just off I-65 at exit 58, is in Southeastern Kentucky's rolling hills and pasturelands, home to Mammoth Cave National Park. Here too is a little piece of Australia where you can meet a kangaroo or wallaby up close at Kentucky Down Under!

Kentucky Down Under, two unique attractions at one location, explores life in the outback and the three dimensional world of caves. The AAA (American Automobile Association) has designated it a "GEM" of exceptional interest and quality. Allow 4 - 6 hours for a complete tour of the park, perhaps having a picnic or trying an Aussie speciality at the Outback Cafe between activities.

Bill Austin with his wife Judy, a native Australian, created this unique attraction.

"I grew up on an outback sheep station and had kangaroos for pets, so starting a business that focused on Australian animals seemed like a natural," explains Judy.

Listen to the ancient rhythms of a didjeridoo, throw a boomerang, or join in the fun as a storyteller recreates an Aboriginal tale at Camp Corroboree.

At the Woolshed children take part in some of the "chores" typical of life on an Australian sheepstation by trying their hand at setting up sheep in the searing position, and watching the border collies work the flock.

Step into a large walk-in Aviary to hand-feed rainbow-colored birds. Meet laughing kookaburras and other small exotics. Stroll among kangaroos, emus, and wallabies with an experienced guide.

And be sure to take an easy 45-minute guided tour through Kentucky Caverns to be awed by unusual onyx formations.

Also in Horse Cave, you can descend over 100 feet below the earth to a world of geologic wonders at Hidden River Cave. Hear the fascinating story of how the cave was saved from the ravages of pollution.

As a child Bill Austin used to give tours at Hidden River Cave that was then owned by his family. When he returned to his hometown as an adult and found the river and cave terribly polluted, he began a crusade to save the cave, a crusade that took decades. Read his story, "21st. Century Cave Man," in the April 2001 Reader's Digest. The cave, restored to its pristine condition, is now owned by the town and operates in conjunction with the American Cave Museum with displays about the diverse world of caves.

For further entertainment there are factory outlet stores plus Horse Cave Theatre in its 26h. season of professional performances.

Come along, Mate, and discover the fun in this corner of south central Kentucky.

Kentucky Down Under: 800-762-2869; www.kdu.com

American Cave Museum & Hidden River Cave: 270-786-1466; www.cavern.org

Horse Cave Theatre: 800-342-2177; www.kentuckyrep.org

Gallagher's Travels

Kentucky Down Under

Pick a Destination

Subscribe

Airline Tickets

Features

Breaking News

HELPING THE HUNGRY

Contributing Journalists

CURRENT MOON