5 Must-Visit Caves in New South Wales, Australia
Want to have an unforgettable caving adventure? Australia’s state on the east coast, New South Wales won’t leave you empty-handed. In fact, this state got the best caves for those who’d want to travel back in the pre-historic times, discover karst environments, enjoy nature, or just simply for those who’d want to past time.
What are the must-visit caves in New South Wales? Read this list and be sure you’ve got your caving boots ready.
1. Abercrombie Caves
Situated in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Abercrombie Caves feature the most famous Archway, the largest natural limestone bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. Besides the Abercrombie Archway, you can also check out the Bushrangers Cave which takes you to a maze of low tunnels connected to three large chambers. The Belfrey Cave is a must-see for those who want to see beautiful cave decorations with slender columns and interesting fossil deposits in ancient mud sediments. Lastly, the Grove Cave can be narrower compared to the other caves, but it features interesting cave formations that you should not miss.
2. Yarrangobilly Caves
Located in the northern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park, Yarrangobilly Caves is a belt of limestone with five caves open for discovery. Exploring the caves is perfectly done on a hot summer day especially when you all want to do is spend the day spotting stalagmites, stalactites, shawls, cave corals and the rest of the caves’ natural embellishments. South Glory is Yarrangobilly’s largest cave.
After walking through the caves, you can also swim in a thermal pool located above ground.
3. Jenolan Caves
Considered as the most spectacular caves and famous caves in Australia, the Jenolan Caves offer the world’s oldest limestone caves which were determined to be approximately 340 million years old. There are 11 show caves that won’t fail you to see the awe-inspiring cave formations and underground rivers.
Its popularity makes it easier for tourists to have an adventure through the caves with the great selection of tours offered. First, there are the cave tours with different difficulty levels depending on how fit the tourists are, and if they’re walking with kids or the elderly. Moreover, most of the caves are easy to walk through. Specialty tours are also offered for those who’d want a different take on the Jenolan Caves, like learning more about the caves’ mysteries or geology.
The Jenolan Caves are situated in the Blue Mountains wilderness, 175 km west of Sydney, and near the town of Oberon.
4. Wombeyan Caves
Wombeyan Caves became the first area in Australia to be reserved for protection with its limestone caves which are already between 400 and 430 million years old. You can even still see some of its structures from the early 1900s. The caves are just a short drive from Sydney, Canberra or Wollongong.
There are five show caves wherein you can go in for an adventure: the Figtree Cave (self-guided), the longest Wollondilly Cave, the colorful Junction Cave, the smallest Kooringa Cave, and the shiny Mulwaree Cave.
5. Wellington Caves
The Wellington Caves are located in an outcrop of the 400-million-year-old Early Devonian limestone, part of the Garra formation. The Wellington Caves have two show caves: the Cathedral Cave which is famous for Altar Rock, a huge stalagmite with a 32-meter circumference and over 15- meter height; and the Gaden Cave, known for its beautiful cave popcorn.
After the Wellington Caves, you can also visit the preserved Phosphate Mine for mega fauna fossil bones and other pre-historic fossils.
