Jenolan Caves
Delve deep underground and explore the wondrous caverns of the Jenolan Caves. Let your eyes adjust to the dark conditions and discover immense openings, otherworldly tunnels and underwater lakes. Listen to the sound of the water slowly trickling down the rock and be amazed as glimpses of sunlight stream into the dark.
Located about 2.5 hours drive from Sydney, the Jenolan Caves are a must see.
The Caves were discovered in 1838 by local pastoralist James Whalen and over the years people have explored deeper and deeper into this seemingly endless labyrinth of tunnels and caves, discovering new caverns and opening up more of the caves to the public.
The caves have become a tourist attraction since the 1880s, with accommodation being built and permanent electric lighting installed in 1887. Today they are more popular than ever, attracting more than 250,000 visitors annually.
The Jenolan Caves form one of the world's oldest cave systems, with evidence showing it could be as old as 340 million years. Escape for the day and enjoy a meal in the traditional grand dining room, or have a drink in the bar.
Take a guided tour through the 11 spectacular show caves and discover pure underground rivers and amazing rock formations. For the brave, take an adventure caving tour and voyage through tight spaces and dark walkways as you explore the smaller caves. Abseil down the depths and discover this lost world.
Experience sounds unlike anything you've ever heard as the caves, with their brilliant acoustics, play host to various concerts and performances throughout the year.
Not everything is underground though - there are plenty of above ground wonders in the area too. Take a bushwalk along the well marked tracks and take in the natural beauty of this valley. Catch sight of amazing rock formations such as the Carlotta Arch.
Make the trip to this magical destination and explore this underground world and feast your eyes upon the stunning rock formations and underground lakes.
You can also catch a coach directly to the caves, with A.A.T departing Circular Quay daily at 8.45am. Or catch a train from Central Station to Katoomba and get a coach transfer to the caves.
- Take the Plughole Tour, which is an introduction to adventure caving.
- Explore the 11 spectacular show caves and be amazed by their interiors
- Take in a concert inside the Cathedral Chamber of the Lucas Cave
- Bushwalk along the Carlotta Arch Scenic Walk
- Explore the caves at night and take the 'Myths, Legends and Ghosts' tour
- Take the 'Off the Track' tour and discover caves that have been forgotten over the years
- Enjoy a meal in the traditional grand dining room at Jenolan Caves House
- Take a self guided tour through the caves
