Explore Geological Marvels at Jenolan Caves
Going underground doesn’t get much more spectacular than at Jenolan Caves. The oldest known cave system in the world, Jenolan’s vast network of limestone chambers dazzles with incredible crystal formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and mysterious underground rivers.
Part of the beautiful Blue Mountains World Heritage site, Jenolan Caves occupies an area rich with ecological splendour and biodiversity. Just 252km from Canberra, Jenolan Caves can easily be reached with one EV full charge. Only accessible by guided tour, let’s reveal the best ways to experience this prehistoric subterranean wonder.
Best for casual explorers: Imperial tour
Jenolan Caves’ easiest and most accessible tour, this one-hour experience descends 258 steps down into the bowels of the Imperial cave. You’ll take a mostly flat route, winding through the stalactite-lined cave system following an ancient underground riverbed.
The Imperial tour will lead you to the caves’ famous 300-million-year-old ‘crystal cities’ where you will be in the presence of the ‘Gem of the West’ – a wall of twinkling pure white crystal. You’ll learn how the caves came into existence and what makes them so magical.
Best for budding adventurers: Plughole tour
If you’d favour a more hands-on Jenolan Caves experience, then get your hands dirty on the Plughole tour. This two- and half-hour expedition will guide you intimately through the caves’ nooks and crannies in the glow of your headlamp.
Prepare to abseil, crawl and squeeze your way through tight spaces and narrow passages as you navigate deep into the caverns. The Plughole tour offers a truly authentic caving experience and is fully guided for maximum safety, so you don’t need to be a seasoned caver to participate.
Follow up your exhilarating Plughole tour with a mouth-watering lunch at Chisholm’s, Jenolan Caves’ award-winning modern European restaurant.
Best for kids: Fossil Hunters tour
During school holidays, kids from five years and up can channel their inner archaeologist on the Fossil Hunters tour. Once kitted up with hardhats and headlamps, they will head to the Bone Cave to search for ancient fossils. A fully interactive experience, this tour will immerse them in the history of fossils, bones, and the incredible cavern system.
Parents can join in the action themselves, enjoy their own tour, or simply unwind at Jeremiah’s Bar while their children dig for treasure.
Jenolan Caves at a glance
- Jenolan Caves are a three-hour drive from Canberra.
- Jenolan Caves are part of the Blue Mountains World Heritage site.
- Visitors can experience the caves on one of eight different cave tours.
- Eleven show caves make up Jenolan Caves.
- At 300 million years old, Jenolan Caves are the world’s oldest known cave system.
- The Gundungurra tribes of Australia refer to Jenolan Caves as ‘Binoomea’ or ‘Dark Places’.
Who are Jenolan Caves good for?
Children, young and older adults, groups, budding geologists and adventure seekers.
About the ActewAGL evHub
There are now over 20 models of electric vehicles that can go 400kms in a single battery charge ensuring an EV fits seamlessly into your leisure lifestyle. If you need help to find an EV, finance an EV or charge an EV, then visit the ActewAGL evHub today.
For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.
Kevin Wheatley VC Rest Area
Wall port (AU/NZ) – 1 available
4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan NSW 2790, Australia
Best Western Plus Goulburn
Type 2 – 2 plugs available
77 Lagoon St Goulburn 2580 NSW
Jenolan Caves House
Tesla – 2 plugs available
Three phase – 1 plug available
Wall port (AU/NZ) – 1 plug
4654 Jenolan Caves Road Jenolan 2790 NSW