Jenolan caves
Australia, the land of natural marvels is home to many stunning locations. The coastlines are amazing, the mountains are fabulous, the lakes are serene, the waterfalls are tranquil, the large forests, the fauna and the flora are unbelievable and the list has no end. The Jenolan caves are one of them. Discover the world’s oldest caves – one of the most impressive cave systems in the world. Jenolan Caves are both the largest and most spectacular caves in Australia. A strikingly amazing limestone cave.
These limestone caves are very popular and one of the most visited caves as compared to their counterparts. They are the most archaic discovered limestone open caves in the whole world. Inside the cave, you will find many Silurian marine fossils and calcite formations which are pure white. They look very stunning. The cave is a massive one. It covers a huge area. The cave follows the course of the Jenolan River’s subterranean section. The multi-level passages are spread for over 25 mi, i.e., 40 km. The caves have more than three hundred entrances. The caves are still under active exploration. There are 11 caves where tourists are allowed.
Jenolan caves Location
The Jenolan Caves are situated in the west of the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, in eastern Australia. They are located in the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve which is in the Central Tablelands region. The caves and the reserve are located around 109 mi (175 km) west of Sydney, 12 mi (20 km) east of Oberon and 19 mi (30 km) west.
History
The caves are believed to be 340 million years old. If history is to be believed, the Jenolan area was an important part of the culture of the indigenous people. It is believed that these people got inside the caves in the initial years of the 20th century to bathe sick people, as they believed that the subterranean water has curative powers. The first European to discover the caves was Charles Whalan, while some believe that it was James Whalan, his brother.
The cave was earlier known as Fish River Caves, but later the name was changed to Jenolan Caves in the year 1884.
Names of the Caves
Only 11 caves are open for tourism. They include- Lucas Cave, River Cave, Chifley Cave, Imperial Cave, Orient Cave, Ribbon Cave, Pool of Cerberus Cave, Jubilee Cave, Temple of Baal Cave, Nettle Cave, The Grand Arch Cave, Elder Cave, Aladdin Cave, Jersey Cave and Arch Cave.
Things To Do
Visiting the caves is an amazing experience, especially for the adventure-loving crowd. Many companies carry out day tours to the caves. There are also self-guided tours which are multi-lingual, children tours, night tours and bushwalks inside the caves. Jenolan Caves are also a favourite place for school excursions.
The night tour, especially the ‘Legends, Mysteries & Ghosts’ tour is quite popular. Exploring the caves during the night give goosebumps. The adrenaline junkies can also experience Adventure Caving. The bushwalks are also amazing. Finding the fossils during your excursion inside the cave is a bonus.
Just don your helmet and headlamp and get ready to explore an amazing world inside the dark and mysterious Jenolan Caves.
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