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New South Wales (Sydney Region) |
| Jenolan Caves | |
| The
Jenolan Caves lie 30km southwest across the mountains from Katoomba
on the far edge of the Kanangra Boyd National Park - over 80km by road -
and contain New South Wales' most spectacular limestone formations. There
are nine visitable caves with entry prices ranging from $12 to $20 (daily,
guided tours every 30min 9.30am-5pm). They are set amidst a
2416 hectare reserve that abounds with an incredible variety of unique
flora and fauna. Jenolan Caves offers something for everyone.
If it's a gentle introduction to the underground world, you can join any of the nine cave tours. Your guide's enthusiasm for these speleological wonders is infectious as they speak of 'stalagmites', 'stalactites' and 'helictites'. Imagine the awe and wonder inspired by the first sight of this, the Indian Canopy. The men who found it claimed it was the most beautiful cave they had ever seen, and beyond their power to describe. The Giant Shawl formed over thousands of years by water slowly flowing over the formation. Each drop of water deposited calcite to create this paper-thin feature. The coloured bands are caused by other minerals present in the water. And then there is the Minaret, a magnificent milk-white stalagmite. Calcite-rich water drips onto the floor of the cave depositing calcite which builds upwards to form the stalagmite. The Minaret has been growing a very long time. The Pool of Cerberus is five metres deep, and forms part of the Styx River that flows through the lowest level of the southern caves system, and re-appears above ground at the Blue Lake. |
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The Jenolan Caves and their amazing formations were explored by men slithering up and down muddy slopes and through impossibly small openings with only candlelight to guide them. If you want to experience the mud and tiny tunnels you might enjoy an Adventure Tour. These tours can be specially designed to suit your needs. Be prepared for an exhilarating experience and to get very dirty. Advance booking is essential. If you're coming for just a day, plan to see one or two caves: the best general cave is the Lucas Cave ($12), but a more spectacular one is the Temple of Baal ($14). Visitors are treated to stalactites and stalagmites that have dripped into weird contortions and have been given names, such as the "Sword of Michael" and "Gabriel's Wing". The system of nine limestone caves is surrounded by the Jenolan Caves Reserve, a fauna and flora sanctuary with picnic facilities and walking trails to small waterfalls and lookout points. You may prefer bright, open spaces or perhaps above ground activities between cave tours. If so, there is plenty for you to do. Accommodation |
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