A Must-Read Guide To Exploring Jenolan Caves

A vast and ancient network of limestone chambers, Jenolan Caves is an unmissable Blue Mountains highlight.

Whether you’re a fan of geology, mythology or simply want to go underground, Jenolan Caves will ignite both your scientific fascination and wild imagination. The solidified beauty of stalactites, stalagmites and limestone structures is nothing short of astonishing as you wind deeper into the Earth.

Exploring this karst landform, where underground rivers pool into basins of pale-blue water and dark tunnels open out into vast theatres, is truly one of the most unforgettable things you can do in the Blue Mountains. From guided tours to adrenaline-spiked adventures, be sure to fasten your head torch before diving into this ancient wonder.

What to expect at Jenolan Caves

Descending into the cool underworld of these limestone caves near the Blue Mountains is akin to entering another dimension. Ancient, expansive and labyrinthine, this natural spectacle draws you deeper below with its enigmatic and otherworldly beauty.

From cavernous chambers and crystal basins to underground rivers and cathedral-like caves that bring to mind the dominion of Hades, this enigmatic underworld is, astonishingly, the oldest open cave system in the world.

guests navigating Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — Step into the world’s oldest open cave system. (Image: Destination NSW)

However, don’t expect to turn up and simply wander into the caves, you’ll need to book ahead (a minimum of two weeks’ notice) for a guided tour. Or, better yet, stay onsite to make the most of this fantastical wonder. For those who prefer to admire rock formations from above ground, there are also walking tracks in and around the valley, such as the Carlotta Arch Walk, McKeown’s Valley Track, Six Foot Track and the Devil’s Coach House Lookdown.

guests climbing up the River Cave system atJenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — Explore impressive stalactites inside the cave. (Image: Destination NSW)

The history of Jenolan Caves

Predating dinosaurs, the formation of the caves and their continual evolution is almost unfathomable. In 2006, scientists from the CSIRO dated their existence at 340 million years old, far older than originally thought. This long history begins with a coral reef, which eventually compressed into limestone, rose from the ocean and formed part of a mountain range. Add some volcanic action, minerals, radioactivity and many millions of years, and the Jenolan cave system is formed.

a huge hole in Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — The formation of Jenolan Caves is a fascinating history lesson in geology. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Considering the Blue Mountains themselves only came into being 100 million years ago, what lies beneath them is very ancient, indeed. Of course, the history of the caves is not dormant, as water-soluble limestone continues to transform what lies beneath in an ever-evolving subterranean landscape, slowly excavating more spaces that will exist for millennia more.

the river cave system inside Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — The underground waters inside the caves are truly magnificent. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

The local Gundungurra people have long been connected to the caves, which feature in their dreamtime stories and where the underground waters were deemed to have special healing powers. The Gundungurra would travel long distances carrying their sick and infirm to bathe them in the waters of what they call Binoomea, or ‘dark spaces’.

exploring Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — Don’t forget to look up and around while exploring inside the cave system. (Image: Destination NSW)

While the caves remain a sacred place for the Gundungurra, things changed with white settlement when the caves were found and recorded by pastoralist James Whelan in 1838. Eventually the area came under government control and in the 1880s the underground network became a tourist destination, which today, still draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

people inside Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — Explore the majestic subterranean landscape. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Top Jenolan Caves attractions

How deep you’re willing to go will determine the attractions you unearth at the caves, but even for those hesitant to burrow down into squeezy tubes and abseil into the depths, there are plenty of easily accessible spaces to marvel.

the Imperial Cave in Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — Follow your guide through the impressive Imperial Cave. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Of the 22 known caves in the Jenolan network, 11 are open to the public as show caves, including Imperial, Chiefly, Lucas, Orient, Temple of Baal, Diamond, and the Pool of Cerebus.

dining at Chisolm’s Restaurant in Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — Step into the elegant dining space at Chisholm’s Restaurant. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

But while you’re here, be sure to check out some aboveground attractions and local wildlife, such as platypus, rock wallabies, echidnas and bats. There’s also incredible dining at Chisholm’s Restaurant and the Caves Café, not to mention heritage accommodation at the historic Caves House.

people inside Caves Cafe in Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — Stop for a coffee and lunch at Caves Cafe. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Jenolan Caves Tours

With nine different tours to choose from, you’ll find one to suit your appetite for subterrestrial adventure. If you’re ready for deep-down thrills, opt for the 2.5-hour Plughole Tour, which calls for abseiling, squeezing and climbing. You’ll need to be 10 years or older with average fitness, but there’s no experience necessary.

a group passing through the River Cave system atJenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — Take your pick from nine different tours. (Image: Destination NSW)

For a lighter approach, go for the Imperial, the easiest of the tours, which is open to kids aged four and up and follows a riverbed to ‘Crystal Cities’ and the magnetic blue waters of the underground river. For budding fossil fans, send them to the deep on the Fossil Hunters Tour that runs during the school holidays for kids aged 5–12.

the blue waters of Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — Find an underground labyrinth of caves to explore. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Grand Tour takes guests through two spectacular caves, from Orient, then along the Crystal Basin and down Mud Tunnels to ascend to Temple of Baal and out into the bright light of day. Check the Jenolan Caves website for all the tours, including prices and minimum ages. Remember, you’ll need to arrive at the Jenolan Caves car park one hour ahead of your tour.

the Temple of Baal in Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — Enter the breathtaking cavern at the Temple of Baal. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Jenolan Caves accommodation

Caves House Hotel

Built in 1897 as a wilderness retreat, this historic hotel has long attracted visitors looking to revive in the fresh mountain air and spend time dwelling below ground.

friends walking outside Caves House, Jenolan Caves — Check into the iconic Caves House. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Elegant in its Federation, Arts and Crafts architectural style, iconic Caves House is a grand yet cosy escape that’s beautifully furnished with sensitivity to its original aesthetic.

the Caves House, Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — Caves House is a wilderness retreat nestled in the mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Dine at the onsite Chisholm’s Restaurant and enjoy a post-exploratory drink in Jeremiah’s Bar. If you’re a guest of the hotel on a Saturday evening, your stay unlocks the opportunity to visit the caves at night – just be sure to book ahead.

dining and drinking at Jeremiah's Bar, Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains — Have a tipple at Jeremiah’s Bar. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Binda Bush Cabins

These refurbished, two-bedroom abodes are perfect for families visiting Jenolan Caves. Self-contained and set in a eucalypt forest, Bind Bush Cabins allow guests to immerse in their bushland surroundings and make friends with local fauna. While the road between the cabins and caves is currently closed, you can reach the Jenolan Caves car park for your tour via a 50-minute drive through stunning high-country scenery.

Mountain Lodge

Recently renovated in a contemporary but classic style, Mountain Lodge looks as though it could be set in an Austrian village, but here it sits in the Blue Mountains. Located just a five-minute walk to Caves House, Caves Cafe and the caves themselves, its easy access makes it a good choice for exploring Jenolan. With king and family rooms available, the motel-style hotel has all the necessary comforts for a relaxed stay.

Camping around the caves

If you’re keen to pitch your tent or pop the top of your camper trailer, book a site or a cabin at Jenolan Holiday Park in Oberon. A 30-minute drive to the caves, it’s a good option for low-key accommodation and is also close by to Mayfield Gardens, Bathurst and other Blue Mountains attractions.

an aerial view overlooking the scenic grounds of Mayfield Garden,Oberon — Stay near Mayfield Gardens for an easy drive to the caves. (Image: Destination NSW)

Jenolan Caves tickets

Given its enduring popularity, be sure to book at least two weeks ahead for your Jenolan Caves tour, and preferably earlier for holiday periods. Prices for the nine different tours vary but start from $46 for adults and $33 for children, infants are free. Book online in advance .

the Jenolan Caves Directory — It’s easy to find your way around the village when visiting Jenolan Caves. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

Getting to Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves is a three-hour drive from Sydney or you can hop a train to Katoomba, and then catch a bus to the Jenolan Caves Carpark. If you prefer, you can join a guided tour that takes you to the caves. If driving, once you arrive at the gate at the top of the steep valley, you’ll need to follow the escort vehicle, which runs every 20 minutes, down to the car park. From there, you can catch a free shuttle or walk 500 metres downhill to the caves and hotel.

the signages to Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — Follow the signs leading to Jenolan Caves. (Image: Destination NSW)

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

A must-read guide to exploring Jenolan Caves