A challenging road through Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains
Located in New South Wales, Jenolan Caves are the largest and most famous tourist caves in Australia. This underground drive-through is quite a unique experience. It’s one of the few roads in the world that runs through a cave.
Where are Jenolan Caves?
The caves are located near Oberon, about a three-hour drive from Sydney, in the heart of the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. This 2,416-hectare reserve, situated in the Central Tablelands region, is dedicated to protecting the area’s rich plant and wildlife diversity.
Why are Jenolan Caves Famous?
Tucked away to the southwest of the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves are the most well-known limestone caves in Australia. They have been open to the public for over 150 years, with European settlers believed to have first explored them in 1838. Today, they are the most visited show caves in the country, attracting approximately 240,000 visitors annually.
How Many Show Caves Are at Jenolan?
It’s common in Australia for cave systems to be developed with multiple show caves, and Jenolan is considered the pioneer of such cave networks. Over the nearly 200-year history of public tours, numerous cave branches have been developed as show caves. While the number of available show caves changes periodically, there were nine caves open for public viewing when initial records were made in the 1990s.
What Are the Main Attractions in Jenolan Caves?
The centerpiece of Jenolan is the area around Blue Lake, surrounded by spectacular natural bridges including the Grand Arch, Carlotta Arch, and Devil’s Coach House. An extraordinary feature of the caves is the presence of a living fossil, a blind white shrimp species found in the underground waterways.
How Old Are Jenolan Caves?
In 2006, the age of the cave sediments was determined using geophysical methods, revealing that the caves are approximately 340 million years old. This makes Jenolan Caves the oldest known caves in the world. At that time, the second oldest caves were in the Guadalupe Mountains, New Mexico, dated at 65 million years. Since then, other ancient caves have been discovered, such as the Sudwala Caves in South Africa, which are around 200 million years old. Most karst caves worldwide are relatively young, typically up to 5 million years old.
Can I Drive Through Jenolan Caves?
A minor paved road, known as Jenolan Caves Road, runs for 150m (492ft) through the Grand Arch, a massive open cave before leading into the Jenolan Caves system. Over the years, the road has suffered significant damage from storms, fires, and flooding, causing landslips. Despite repair efforts, the road remains narrow and challenging, making it suitable only for careful drivers.