Jenolan Caves a popular tourist destination in the Blue Mountains since 1860
Jenolan Caves, found at the Western end of the Blue Mountains in Jenolan National Forest, is one of Australia's most visited country destinations. Over a quarter of a million visitors go to the caves each year to marvel at their wonders and explore the many caves that are open to the public.
The extensive and as yet still not fully discovered network of Jenolan caves is what is known as "Karst Caves." These limestone caves are shaped over millions of years as water soluble limestone is dissolved away from surrounding insoluble rocks. The effect is a magnificent maze punctuated by stalagmites and stalagtites. The initial aborigines dubbed them "Binoomea" or dark places and did not explore them. The initial European credited with exploring the interiors of the caves was James Whalan, who initially entered them in 1838. However, James McKeown, an ex-convict, is generally recognized as having preceded Whalan. McKeown was not as interested in exploring the caves as he was in using them as a hideout, though, so Whalan's recognition is deserved.
Other explorers followed Whalan and his group and by the 1860s, several major caves had been explored. Word spread and the Jenolan Caves became a tourist spot. The first tourists dealt with the caves with no respect and evidence of their vandalism remains to this day. Fortunately, it was made against the law to take away any material from the caves in 1872, so the damage has remained negligible. John Lucas, a local member of Parliament, is credited with this achievement and the Lucas Cave has been named in his honor.
Although there is no public transportation system to and from the Jenolan Caves, there are regular bus services from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains as well as tours from Sydney. Getting to the caves by road is as pleasant as visiting the caves themselves as you pass through the beautiful Blue Mountains and wind your way down beautiful country roads on the hour long trip from Katoomba. Once there, you can take any of the regular guided tours of the caves that are held each day. Once you have finished exploring, you are able to buy souvenirs and gifts at the "Things Jenolan" gift shop inside Caves House, the only hotel at the site.
Caves House, the only resort based at the caves, is a huge and impressive structure that dates back to 1898, when it was rebuilt after having been damaged in a bush fire. You can dine there whether you are a guest or not or if you prefer, you can bring a picnic lunch and use the barbeque facilities near each of the three parking areas in the park.
While the wonderful Jenolan Caves House is a very well liked Jenolan accommodation and the one adjoining the caves, other superb spots to stay can be found in and around the area. There are holiday services in the neighboring town of Oberon or you can choose to stay at Jenolan Cabins and enjoy a sweeping view that takes in all of the Blue Mountains. Accommodations in the area are limited, though, so to avoid disappointment, book early.
The extensive and as yet still not fully discovered network of Jenolan caves is what is known as "Karst Caves." These limestone caves are shaped over millions of years as water soluble limestone is dissolved away from surrounding insoluble rocks. The effect is a magnificent maze punctuated by stalagmites and stalagtites. The initial aborigines dubbed them "Binoomea" or dark places and did not explore them. The initial European credited with exploring the interiors of the caves was James Whalan, who initially entered them in 1838. However, James McKeown, an ex-convict, is generally recognized as having preceded Whalan. McKeown was not as interested in exploring the caves as he was in using them as a hideout, though, so Whalan's recognition is deserved.
Other explorers followed Whalan and his group and by the 1860s, several major caves had been explored. Word spread and the Jenolan Caves became a tourist spot. The first tourists dealt with the caves with no respect and evidence of their vandalism remains to this day. Fortunately, it was made against the law to take away any material from the caves in 1872, so the damage has remained negligible. John Lucas, a local member of Parliament, is credited with this achievement and the Lucas Cave has been named in his honor.
Although there is no public transportation system to and from the Jenolan Caves, there are regular bus services from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains as well as tours from Sydney. Getting to the caves by road is as pleasant as visiting the caves themselves as you pass through the beautiful Blue Mountains and wind your way down beautiful country roads on the hour long trip from Katoomba. Once there, you can take any of the regular guided tours of the caves that are held each day. Once you have finished exploring, you are able to buy souvenirs and gifts at the "Things Jenolan" gift shop inside Caves House, the only hotel at the site.
Caves House, the only resort based at the caves, is a huge and impressive structure that dates back to 1898, when it was rebuilt after having been damaged in a bush fire. You can dine there whether you are a guest or not or if you prefer, you can bring a picnic lunch and use the barbeque facilities near each of the three parking areas in the park.
While the wonderful Jenolan Caves House is a very well liked Jenolan accommodation and the one adjoining the caves, other superb spots to stay can be found in and around the area. There are holiday services in the neighboring town of Oberon or you can choose to stay at Jenolan Cabins and enjoy a sweeping view that takes in all of the Blue Mountains. Accommodations in the area are limited, though, so to avoid disappointment, book early.