Why is jenolan caves significant

Jenolan, New South Wales The Jenolan Caves form an important part of the region. These limestone caves can be found in the heart of the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve in the middle of the Central Tablelands region.

As one of the most-visited set of limestone caves in the country, the Jenolan Caves proffer a fascinating and lengthy history that covers both Aboriginal legend and a fascinating geological timeline. Today, they remain the most ancient, open caves that have been discovered on the planet. Within their ancient depths, you can spot marine fossils and calcite formations which are often pure white and incredibly surreal. Underground, the caves follow a network of tunnels and caverns that run alongside a subterranean section of the Jenolan River.

Beneath ground level, there are around 40 kilometres of multi-level passages and more than entrances along its route. Even today the many different cavities of the cave system are being explored and, for tourists, there is a small section that is lit up and open to the public to discover. Scientists have determined, through the examination of the clay found in the caves, that the Jenolan subterranean system is around million years old.

This makes it the oldest known and dated open cave system in the world, and it is still being heavily researched today. The caves themselves have been formed over millions of years due to erosion and the natural weathering from the Jenolan River and its natural surroundings.

The Jenolan Caves are in an area where karst forms. This tour is fantastic for those who don't like enclosed spaces! In this place of haunting beauty, Legends, Mysteries and Ghosts tour will make you shiver to tales of the unexplained. Range of Accommodation Because there is so much to do at Jenolan Caves, some visitors stay several nights. Caves House built in , is one of few remaining guesthouses of the Victorian era. We offer a range of accommodation from the old-world ambience of Caves House itself, to the modern, motel-style Mountain Lodge to the backpacker lodge and self-contained cottages.

Caves House features the magnificent, award-winning restaurant, Chisolms, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The Caves Cafe offers al fresco dining throughout the day. Victoria on the Great Western Highway. Turning left, this road passes through Hampton and finally Jenolan Caves. Please note when planning your trip, the last section of the road into the Jenolan Valley is one way from Visitors can leave Jenolan during these times via the Oberon Road which is now fully sealed.

There is no fuel at Jenolan. When travelling from Sydney the last service station is at Mount Victoria or Lithgow. When travelling from Bathurst, the last service station is at Oberon or Bathurst. There is no camping ground at Jenolan. You can leave your caravan at Lithgow or Oberon. Photo Gallery. The guiding staff continued to push beyond the known boundaries of the cave system. In more recent years, registered speleological societies have explored the caves, and made discoveries, including the discovery of the Spider Cave in , by Bruce Welch.

The often asked question, "How many caves have not yet been discovered? But the potential for further exploration is enormous. Today, Jenolan is the most popular tourist destination in country NSW, with over , visitors annually, enjoying the wonders of the eleven show caves, and an ever increasing number entering into the world of adventure caving.

Work at the caves continues, with major upgrading of the show cave system and the visitor precinct. Over years since the first Europeans stumbled upon the vast openings of the Grand Arch and the Devil's Coach House cave, the magic of Jenolan is still leaving its mark on visitors.

Jenolan is as timeless as it is unforgettable. Aboriginal Beginnings Jenolan Caves were known to the local Aboriginal population for many thousands of years as Binoomea, "Dark places". European Exploration European involvement in the area began in , with the first recorded discovery by a local pastoralist, James Whalan.

It was not until that the caves were brought under direct government control. Government Protection Despite government control, the caves initially enjoyed little protection.

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