Jenolan Caves

Location

How to get there

Tour Caves

Adventure Caves

Other Caves

Contacts

Accommodation

Location

The Caves are located 180 kms West of Sydney, 48 kms south of the Great Western Highway; it's a 3-hour drive.

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How to get there

Car

Drive west from Sydney along the Great Western Highway (route 32) to Katoomba on the way to Lithgow. After descending at Mount Victoria proceed past Hartley and then turn left at the Jenolan Caves sign then proceed another 48 kms to Jenolan Caves.

Train/Coach

Catch the train from Sydney to Katoomba where you can link up with the Fantastic Aussie Tours coach to Jenolan. Their office is at the top of the walkway up to the road on the west bound side, and their coach is only 15 meters away. $50 return for a concession pass.

For booking phone Fantastic Aussie Tours (02) 4782-1866

 

 

By foot/Six foot track

The track commences at the Explores Tree, which is located adjacent to the Great Western Highway about 2.5 kms from west of Katoomba Rail Way Station. The total distance of the track is 42 kms and finishes opposite Caves House, at the Caves. The track takes approx. 3-4 day although I know people that do it in 3 hours and 50 minutes (I'm not kidding). Water must be carried for the duration of the hike. Camping sites are Old Forest Reserve, Cox's river, The Forestry Headquarters. For information, contact the Tourist Information Center (02) 4739-6266

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Tour Caves

Lucas Cave (J7)

Discovered 1860 by N. Irwin and G. Whiting.

The Lucas cave contains the widest and highest chambers in the system. It is regarded as being the best general cave by virtue of its formations, which give a good representation of all the main types.

Imperial Cave (J4)

Discovered 1879 by J. Wilson.

The Imperial cave is long and narrow with its smooth tunnel like section highlighted by attractive decorated cave sections. When found, it was considered to be the "grandest of the lot", hence the name conferred by Jeremiah. Recommended as a suitable cave for the elderly and the disabled because if it's gentle gradient.

Chifley Cave (J2)

Discovered 1880 by J. Wilson.

The Chifley Cave was illuminated by electric light in 1880, believed to be a world first. Another dimension is added to the first half of the cave with the use of colored lights.

Orient Cave (J8)

Discovered 1904 by J. Wiburd, J. Edwards and R. Baily

The Orient Cave is highly decorated with brilliantly colored formations, which provide a spectacular visual display. The Pillar of Hercules is Jenolan's highest stalagmite. Entry is via the "Binoomea Cut"; a man made tunnel which was opened in 1954 to obviate the need of a lengthy approach through both the Lucas and River Caves. Entry to both the Ribbon and the Temple of Baal is initially the same route.

Extended Orient

Same Cave but you also venture through the River and Lucas Caves

Temple of Baal (J9)

Discovered 1904 by J. Wiburd, J. Edwards

The temple of Baal is an enormous domed cavern resplendent with jeweled treasures, many with romantic names from mythology. It contains the impressive Angel's wing, Jenolan's largest known shawl formation.

Extended Temple of Baal

Same Cave but you also venture through the River and Lucus Caves

River Cave (J10)

Discovered 1903 by J. Wiburd, J. Edwards and R. Baily

The River Cave is regarded as being the most strenuous of all the inspections. It contains three of Jenolan's better known large formations and the most extensive section of the river Styx yet found in the caves.

The Grand Column - River Cave

Jubilee Cave (J3)

Discovered 1893 by J. Wilson

The Jubilee Cave exhibits an outstanding array of unique white formations which left one early visitor to the remark that "nothing in nature can exceed its' beauty!" It is the longest and most remote show cave open to the public.

Jenolan Waters (J11) (former names of cave Pool of Cerbrus, Skeleton Cave)

Discovered 1903 by J. Wiburd, J. Edwards

This is a low-level richly decorated cave allowing close up views of helictites and aragonite formations. Sections of the underground river can also be seen.

Ribbon Cave

Discovered 1904 by J. Wiburd, J. Edwards and R. Baily

The Ribbon Cave is a horizontal tunnel of narrow proportions. An abundance of mysterious and elaborate formations creates a panorama unlike any other at Jenolan.

Cave

Price ($)

Duration

Adult

Conc.

Family

Lucus

12

6

30

1½ hours

Chifley

12

6

30

1 hour

Imperial

12

6

30

1 & 1½ hours

River

20

10

50

2 hours

Orient

16

8

40

1½ hours

Temple of Baal

16

8

40

1½ hours

Pool of Cerberus

16

16

N/A

1½ hours

Jubilee

16

16

N/A

2 hours

Ribbon

16

16

N/A

1½ hours

Extended Temple of Baal

20

20

N/A

2 hours

Extended Orient

20

20

N/A

2 hours

Theme and Ghost Tours

20

20

N/A

2 hours

MULTI CAVE CONCESSIONS

Concessions

Adult

Child/pens.

Family

2 Caves

20

10

50

3 Caves

30

15

75

Prices for caves are subject to change (If they do please notify me on

Email: [email protected])

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Adventure Caves

The Plug Hole / Elder Cave (J1) The first "dark" cave to be discovered and it offers an excellent introduction to the adventure cave. Easiest of the mentioned caves it contains many large muddy caverns and some lovely crystal formation. The tour will be approximately three hours and limited to ten people with a minimum age of 10 years. This cave operates in school holidays at 1.30 pm (get in early it's usually sold out fast)

Mammoth Cave (J13,14,15) Discovered in 1882, this cave is the most extensive in the Jenolan Cave complex. The tours take approx. 6 hours and involve extensive climbing and some ladder work. The cave can be muddy, slippery and features very large caverns and the under ground river. Groups are limited to eight people with a minimum age of 16 years. Please bring a light packed lunch.

Wiburd's Lake Cave the cave begins with a 64 kms bush walk north along the McKeowns Valley. The tour take approx. 6 hours return. With sufficient rainfall, vast amounts of under ground water can be found. thus making the cave wet and muddy. Groups are limited to 12 people with a minimum age of 16 years. Please bring a light packed lunch. 

Aladdin Cave (J19) Discovered in 1897, and used by the public as a show cave until the 1940's. it offers some of the most beautiful formations of the adventure caves and has some interesting fence work to protect the finer formations. The cave is semi-developed in the lower sections and some climbing is involved in the upper areas. The tour take approx. 3 hours return and are limited to 10 people with a minimum age of 12 years.

Prices as Follows for all caves are Groups and calculated on Maximum size of the group as per each cave..

Mon-Fri

Saturday

Sunday

Pub. Holiday

Mammoth Cave

$550

$650

$800

$900

Wiburds Cave

$550

$650

$800

$900

Aladdin Cave

$300

$400

$500

$500

Elder Cave

$200

$300

$400

$400

Although "The Plug Hole"/ Elder Cave run at 1.30 pm mostly at school holidays according to demand.

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Other Caves

Nettle Cave (J5) The Nettle Cave is located between The Devil's Coach House (J165) and Arch Cave (J6). It's entrance is barricaded by complex fence that I still haven't looked at the cave used to have a connection with the Chifley Cave (J2) this connection was partially sealed in August of 1980. This is stated in the European History Of Jenolan Caves a collection folder issued to school students for research on Jenolan Caves (This is a Non-Show / Adventure Cave)

Glass Cave (J17) (This is a Non-Show / Adventure Cave)

Frenchman's Cave (J18) (This is a Non-Show / Adventure Cave)

The Grand Arch (J164) Can't miss this cave!

Arch Cave(J6) The Arch cave is located between The Devil's Coach House (J165) and The Grand Arch (J164) Access is gained from Carlotta Arch track which looks through the arch. There is a concrete path with hand rail down to the caves entrance. The cave was explored and a signature found with the year 1856 this is 10 years after the arch cave was discovered in 1846 therefore it must be authentic, as back then they wrote everything in such a smooth cursor writing. Either that are, someone did a good prank. (This is a Non-Show / Adventure Cave)

Spider Cave (J174) Information on this cave will be posted in the future when I find a description. (This is a Non-Show / Adventure Cave)

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Contacts

Jenolan Caves Reserve trust

Mailing address: The manager, Jenolan Caves, N.S.W. 2790

Phone: (02) 6359-3311, Fax: (02) 6359-3307

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Accommodation

Caves house

Tucked away in a valley discovered by accident over 100 years ago is

a Blue Mountains tradition - Jenolan Caves House. From the time you pass through the towering Grand Arch, you enter another world. A world of natural wonders where sparkling caverns stretch underfoot for kilometers.

Chisolms at Jenolan is fine dining at it's best at the Caves. In this unique setting, just 2.5 hours drive from Sydney, you enjoy some of the best food and wines in the country all year round and relax in front of log fires during the cooler weather.

Capturing the elegant style of the 1920's, Jenolan Caves House has been restored to levels of comfort not seen for years. It provides the perfect base to enjoy everything this unique wilderness area has to offer.

For bookings at Caves house phone (02)6359-3322 or fax, (02)6359-3388 or you can e-mail them on [email protected].

For Further Information Phone: (02) 47354200 or Email: HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL

Blue Mountains Regional Award Winner for Excellence in Tourism 1998.

 Gate house

Gate house which is situated behind Caves house and accommodates 66 guests in 13 family suites and rooms; 6 have double beds and a set of bunks whilst 7 have 3 sets of bunks in each room. There are two common rooms with food preparation facilities. A barbecue area is adjacent to the building or guests can also dine in Trails Bistro or Caves House.

For bookings Telephone (02)6359-3042 or fax (02)6359-3037 or book at Caves House Reception for booking at The Gate House.

Jenolan cabins

Porcupine Hill 42 Edith Road, Jenolan Caves 2790, Australia

Your Hosts: Robyn and Barry Richard

Phone/Fax: (02)6335-6239

International: 61 2 6335 6239

Mobile: 0418 619 709

For a better look at what Jenolan Cabins has to offer.

 

Mountain lodge

Newly refurbished modern 3.5 star motel rooms located 100m behind Jenolan Caves House. Private ensuite, tea/coffee making facilities, color TV, telephone, desk, spacious.

Rooms at the Mountain Lodge range from $55 (per night) for the budget conscious ROOM ONLY, to $170 (per night) for the classic room with all the trimmings.

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Last Revised: 13/10/99 at 7:04pm

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