Veiled by eucalypts, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, 1 hour from Lithgow, Jenolan boasts Australias most spectacular cave system. A great day visit or holiday getaway, with above and below ground activities, historic hotel, restaurant, bar, shop and cafe, Jenolan is a mini-destination.
In 2006, CSIRO scientists established that Jenolan is one of the oldest (arguably the oldest) cave systems in the world – 340 million years old. Undoubtedly, Jenolan ranks among the worlds most outstanding cave systems, and is a must see on any visit to our rugged region.
All ages can explore the magical limestone caves, richly draped in crystal formations. There are pure underground rivers, fascinating cave tours, helpful tour guides, challenging adventure caving and scenic bush walks in the pristine mountain valley. In snow or heat-wave, the caves are always a cool 15 or 16°C.
Jenolan sits in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, teeming with native fauna. Visitors may glimpse lyrebirds, platypus and rare Brush-Tailed Rock Wallabies even in winter. Summer coaxes the Eastern Water Dragons out to soak up the sun, on the shores of the impossibly Blue Lake.
For millennia, the local indigenous people met at Jenolan and bathed their sick in the mineral-rich waters. In 1836, while tracking a bushranger to his lair, European settlers discovered the caves. Since then, hundreds of caves have been found at Jenolan, the largest cave system in Australia that is open to the public – so large, that its furthest reaches have not yet been discovered.
In 1872, to protect the caves for future generations, Jenolan became one of Australias first reserves. Back then, formally dressed gentlemen and ladies viewed the vast caverns by candlelight or magnesium lamp. But todays visitors enjoy safe paths and subtle, eco-friendly, LED lighting which highlights all the most treasured features of the awe-inspiring caves.
Jenolans heritage listed hotel, Jenolan Caves House, was built between 1897 and 1926 alongside the caves. Caves House is an aging beauty that exudes a comfortable, vintage atmosphere. Evening guests relax upstairs in the historic Chisolms Restaurant, grand dining room of the Edwardian era, famous for stately Art Deco features and great food.
Book online, and always check the RMS Website to check road conditions before coming. See our website to check if tours are running and if bushwalks and facilities are open.

Contact Details

Address: 4655 Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan Caves
Phone: 1300 76 33 11
Website: www.jenolancaves.org.au
email: reception@jenolancaves.org.au