Inside the stunning ancient caves just a short drive from Sydney: ‘Truly breathtaking’
Hidden in the beautiful Blue Mountains lies a breathtaking cave system that is hundreds of millions of years old.
Jenolan Caves is just an hour’s drive west of both Sydney and Canberra, making it the perfect day trip destination for adventure seekers.
The cathedral-like open cave system is said to be the oldest in the world; scientists estimate it to be about 340 million years old.
A series of underground caverns and winding passageways that have to be seen to be believed extends 25 miles underground.
Visitors can venture underground to witness crystal clear turquoise lakes formed by centuries of erosion and explore the ancient passageways that are sometimes lit in rainbow colors.
Travelers flock to a spectacular cave network nestled in the Blue Mountains, thought to be one of the oldest in the world
Jenolan Caves is located just an hour’s drive west of both Sydney and Canberra, making it the perfect day trip destination for adventure seekers
The cathedral-like open cave system is said to be the oldest in the world; scientists estimate it to be about 340 million years old
From the car park, travelers can descend a short 500-metre path through a valley, through wild bush to the mouth of the tunnel, where there are picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
Cave tours are offered at varying levels of difficulty, from ‘very easy’ to ‘occasionally claustrophobic’.
Lucas Cave is the most popular site of the spectacular network due to its breathtaking underground river and magical limestone formations.
To see the incredible crystal formations of the ancient systems, the Orient and Tempe of Ball caves are a must, while Imperial Cave has another striking underground river.
One man said the caves are a must-go for adults who enjoy adventures, but warned that small children may have difficulty on slippery surfaces.
A range of guided tours of the caves are offered with a range of difficulty levels from ‘very easy’ to ‘occasionally claustrophobic’
Visitors can go underground to witness crystal clear turquoise lakes formed by centuries of erosion and explore the ancient passageways that are sometimes lit in rainbow colors
Close by is the magical Blue Lake which takes its name from its striking color and the Jenolan Caves House which makes visitors feel like they have been transported to a quaint European village
Above ground, there’s even more to explore at nearby Blue Lake, which takes its name from its striking blue color.
The color is created by a natural phenomenon that occurs when light reflects off underwater limestone deposits in the rock.
The man-made lake was dammed in 1908 to create hydroelectric power for area homes, but its builders had no idea it would become such a captivating spectacle for thousands of visitors each year.
Also close by is the historic Jenolan Caves House hotel, where travelers will feel like they have been transported to a quaint European village.
Hotel guests and day trippers can explore the grounds or have a bite to eat in the on-site restaurant, bar or café.