Jenolan Caves are the largest, most spectacular and most famous caves in Australia. Explore the world’s oldest caves – one of the most outstanding cave systems in the world. You are never too young or old to experience amazing guided cave tours. Experience Australia’s Most Spectacular Caves.
What is the spiritual value of the Jenolan Caves?
Australian Indigenous culture has revered the site as sacred for many hundreds of thousands of years, as the crystal waters in the caves and rivers surrounding the base of the limestone mountain are thought to contain healing powers.
Why is Jenolan Caves important?
The caves are a very high-profile natural feature in NSW. The Jenolan Caves area is widely used as a research and teaching site for studying the geomorphology and processes involved in karst formation. Jenolan is one of the most important areas of natural and cultural history in Australia.
Which is the best cave to see at Jenolan Caves?
The Lucas Cave
The Lucas Cave is the most popular cave with travel groups and is an excellent cave to visit on you first trip to Jenonolan Caves. It is also the cave of choice on the tours featured on the Tours to Go website. At times when the Lucas Cave is unavailable the Imperial of Chifley cave are used.
Why are Jenolan Caves closed?
Given the damage caused to Jenolan Caves Road from the extreme weather event in March, Transport for NSW has further advised that access will be closed for the foreseeable future. As there is no alternate access, there will be an extended closure of the Jenolan Caves precinct.
What is the oldest cave system in the world?
Jenolan Caves
We were amazed in 2006, when scientists announced that Jenolan Caves is the world’s oldest cave system yet discovered.
How did the aboriginals use the Blue Mountains?
Aboriginal peoples passed through the Blue Mountains on ancient access routes, which provided passage for trade, ceremony and travel. Aboriginal peoples hunted and gathered food, made tools and socialised across these lands.
What is the aboriginal connection to the Jenolan Caves?
Aboriginal people came to Jenolan Caves long before the caves were discovered by Europeans. They bathed their sick in the waters that lie in the base of the limestone mountain, calling them the Nadjung.
Can you swim in the Jenolan Caves?
Jenolan River walking track takes in amazing Blue Lake, waterfalls, bridges and Jenolan Caves’ hydro-electric heritage. Also called Working Waters walk, it’s great for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Swimming is prohibited in Blue Lake, as it’s an important platypus habitat.
Why is it called Jenolan Caves?
That honour goes to James McKeown, an ex-convict and possibly an outlaw, reputed to have been using the caves as a hideout. In 1867, Jeremiah Wilson was appointed as ‘Keeper’ of the ‘Binda’, or ‘Fish River’ Caves. The Aboriginal word ‘Jenolan’ (high mountain) was not adopted until 1884.
How much does it cost to take the train from Sydney to the Blue Mountains?
The best way to get from Sydney to Blue Mountains is to train which takes 2h 36m and costs $75 – $100.
Is there a bus from Jenolan Caves to Katoomba?
Wanting to walk the Six Foot Track without the hassle of organising a car to take you to Jenolan Caves? The Six Foot Track Shuttle bus is your answer. Departing Katoomba on Saturday & Sundays you will be transferred to Jenolan Caves ready to start your walk back to Katoomba.
Where are the Jenolan Caves?
Located 182 km west of Sydney in the Main Dividing Range, the Jenolan Caves have developed in the north and south sides of a natural archway in a belt of folded, near vertical limestone 7 km long.
What is the Jenolan karst conservation reserve?
The Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve is the most westerly of the eight protected areas within the World Heritage Site. The reserve forms part of the Great Dividing Range and was listed on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate in 1978. The Jenolan Caves are listed on the Australian National Heritage List.
What is being studied at Jenolan?
These minerals, such as clay, gypsum and phosphates, are being re-analysed with the latest methods of X-ray diffraction, X-ray chemical analysis, sulphur isotope studies and potassium-argon dating to extract new information on the formation of minerals at Jenolan.
How did the Whalan caves come into being?
In this pursuit, James Whalan discovered the cave system and reported its existence to his brother Charles – who further explored the caves. The caves, originally known as the Fish River Caves, came under the control of the NSW Government in 1866—becoming only the second area in the world reserved for the purpose of conservation.
