Jenolan Caves: Exploring the "Dark Places"

Over 250,000 visitors come to explore the JenolanCaves each year. Located between Bathhurst and Katoomba on the far Western edge of the Blue Mountains, JenolanCaves is one of Australia's premier country tourist destinations.

The network of caves that comprises JenolanCaves is so vast; it has not yet been fully discovered. Formed over countless millennia through the slow dissolution of water soluble limestone deposits squeezed between solid, insoluble rock formations, the caves (known as "Karst caves") are a twisting labyrinth of tunnels, many of which open up into huge cathedral-like caves. The aboriginals were the first to discover them, but they shunned them, calling them "Binoomea," which translates as "Dark Places." While James Whalan was the first European settler to methodically explore them beginning in 1838, he was preceded by James McKeown, an ex-convict who found the caves to be a convenient hideout from the law.

By the 1860s, many other explorers had followed Whalan's lead and found even more caves. Word of their remarkable discoveries spread and the JenolanCaves became a popular tourist destination. Unfortunately, some of those first visitors took "souvenirs" home with them and evidence of their destruction can still be seen. Thanks to local Parliamentarian John Lucas, after whom a cave has been named, the practice of breaking off stalagmites and stalagtites was made illegal in 1872. Since then, damage has been minimal.

Jenolan Caves is not linked to any major transportation system other than one well-maintained road. However, if you do not have a car, tours can be arranged in Sydney or you can take the daily scheduled buses from Katoomba. Getting to the caves is not an arduous journey. On the contrary, it is an enjoyable drive along beautiful country roads. Of course, you will want to explore the caves when you get there and tours are available several times every day. Afterwards, you can buy legal souvenirs at the gift shop at Caves House, the only resort accommodation at the site.

Caves House, the only resort located at the caves, is a large and impressive structure that dates back to 1898, when it was rebuilt after having been destroyed 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 magnificent Jenolan Caves House is a very popular Jenolan accommodation and the one nearest the caves, other wonderful places to stay can be found in and around the area. There are tourist facilities in the nearby town of Oberon or you can choose to stay at Jenolan Cabins and enjoy a sweeping vista that takes in all of the Blue Mountains. Accommodations in the area are limited, though, so to avoid disappointment, book early.