Jenolan Caves

Jenolan is a spectacular natural wonder, located in protected wilderness, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.  Jenolan is Australia’s most awe-inspiring cave system and is amongst the world’s finest.  The dazzling crystal formations and pure underground rivers are a celebration of nature’s glory.

The caves were ‘discovered’ by white settlers in 1838.  James McKeown was said to have stolen cattle from local pastoralists, who pursued and captured him near what is now the Grand Arch. In 1866, Jenolan Caves and surrounding area were proclaimed a Government Reserve - one of the world’s oldest.  In 2000, The Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve became a World Heritage site, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.  In 2006, scientists confirmed that Jenolan is the world’s oldest cave system – 340 million years!

The caves are in the traditional lands of the Gundungurra Aboriginal tribe.  They carried their sick over great distances, to be healed in the subterranean water.  Their ‘Dreamtime’ stories say that a giant eel tunnelled through the mountain to create the caves.  He was pursued by a giant native cat, which speared the limestone, forming cave entrances.

Your iVenture  Card provides a choice of 3 cave tours. If you have more time, experience Jenolan’s range of award-winning underground experiences:

• 10 awe-inspiring show caves, for a range of fitness levels
• ‘Adventure Caving’, for challenge seekers
• Self-guided, multi lingual cave tour
• Cave tours for children  (NSW school holidays)
• Night tours, such as ‘Legends, Mysteries & Ghosts’
• Underground performances
• Bushwalks, from easy to strenuous. Walkers may spot shy native animals, including water dragons, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, lyre birds and platypus.

Meals and accommodation are available at the grand Caves House hotel, next to the caves.

* Please note that only one of the tours can be taken with the Attractions Pass per day.