Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves is currently closed

Due to extreme rainfall at the Jenolan Caves precinct that flooded buildings and caused landslips, the popular destination has closed to the public pending further assessment. For more information, click here.

Feel a world away

Records are broken at the Jenolan Caves, the most ancient open caves in the world with arguably the most beautiful limestone formations you’ll ever see. Tucked into a remote valley in the southern Blue Mountains National Park, this labyrinth of stalactite-lined chasms carved by pure underground rivers is a must-do extension for any visit to the World Heritage-listed region. 

Highlights

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Visiting the caves

Take a deep dive into the history and geology of these caves on a guided tour of the show caves – Temple of Baal, Lucas, Chifley, Imperial & Diamond, Plughole and Orient. Experiences are available on weekends, and private tours can be arranged if you book ahead and give a minimum of two weeks' notice. You must arrive in the car park at least 45 minutes before your first activity, to give yourself plenty of time to catch the shuttle bus. 

Small group enjoying a tour through a cave system at Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains

Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains

Meanwhile, other features such as the Carlotta Arch Walking Track, McKeown’s Valley Walking Track, Devils Coach House and Six Foot Track are free to experience. Spot wildlife such as wallabies and lyrebirds, and keep an eye out for the resident platypus, who regularly make an appearance in the Blue Lake, accessed via the scenic Jenolan River Track, a gorgeous riverside amble through pristine wilderness. 

Note that to gain admission to the valley (even to do the free bushwalks), you must have a pre-booked ticket for either a cave tour, dining experience or accommodation. For more information, visit the official website.  

The Blue Lake, Jenolan Caves obtains it's unnatural blue colour from the limestone sediments from the limestone caves.

The Blue Lake, accessed via the scenic Jenolan River Track

Make a weekend of it

The historic Jenolan Caves House is one of the icons of the Blue Mountains, built in 1897 in the spacious, gracious Federation style of the time. The historic ambience is heightened by period furniture, creaky floors – and some say a resident ghost or two! You can also book modern motel-style accommodation at the Mountain Lodge. If you have checked in – or even if you haven’t – enjoy lunch, dinner or high tea at the on-site Chisolm's Restaurant. 

If you are thinking of lingering longer in the area, take a scenic drive to Bilpin (stopping en route at Bilpin Cider and Hillbilly Cider), check out the sandstone buildings of Hartley Historic Village, walk among the pretty Mayfield Garden in Oberon, ride the Harry Potter-esque Zig Zag Railway in Lithgow and much more. 

Caves House Accommodation at Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains

Caves House, Jenolan Caves

Getting there

Jenolan Caves is a three-hour drive from Sydney along a winding road that passes through Katoomba. Tours to the caves are available from the Blue Mountains, or you can tackle the three-day walk to the caves via the Six Foot Track, utilising the services of the Megalong Valley Shuttle.  

 

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