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NEW SOUTH WALES - Jenolan Caves

The Jenolan Caves are made up of a number of individual caves, just 175km from Sydney. They are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are the best known karstic caves on the continent. Karstic caves are characterised by irregular limestone, eroded to form fissures, sinkholes and underground streams.

They are also the oldest discovered open caves in the world, having been explored for the first time in 1866. Although scientific research dates these caves as far back as 340 million years, their existence was first recorded in about 1835. It was at this time that 3 brothers were exploring the area, likely in search of lost cattle, when they discovered the caves.

Today, the Jenolan Caves present their 250 000+ annual tourists with awe-inspiring sights of stalagmites and
Image of NEW SOUTH WALES - Jenolan Caves
New South Wales, Jenolan Caves
stalactites, columns and waterfalls. The calcite formations are spectacular and many are of such purity that they are completely white. Regular tours are conducted in 9 of the caves and special tours are available in additional structures, if desired. The frequented caves are well lit and many have simplified access to make it easier for tourists to enter them and appreciate some of the world’s most beautiful sights. Caving experiences include:

1. The Lucas Cave – This is the most popular cave for tourists and includes a number of chambers within its confines. The Cathedral Chamber is known locally and abroad for its excellent acoustics and is used for events such as weddings and musical performances. It is 50m high.
2. The River Cave – This is the largest of the show caves and includes the River Styx, which was once crossed regularly by a small boat within the cave. A bridge has since been built, negating the need for this vessel.
3. Chifley Cave - This was the first cave in the world to enjoy the splendour of electric lighting, which casts shadows on some areas and illuminates others in a haunting display of the natural forms.
4. The Imperial Cave – This cave has a rich supply of fossilised remains and is the easiest to navigate for inexperienced cavers.
5. The Orient Cave – Some of the most spectacular formations of the Jenolan Caves is found in the Orient. These are complemented by LED-based lighting and carefully constructed pathways.
6. The Jubilee Cave – This is the longest of the show caves, and is home to beautiful formations, promising a most rewarding experience for all visitors.

In addition to these are the Temple of Baal Cave, Nettle Cave, Elder Cave, Aladdin Cave, Jersey Cave and Arch Cave. These larger-than-life sights give an entirely new perspective to the natural abundance of New South Wales and the lives that have left their mark in the rock faces.

For more info, please vist: http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/