Jenolan Caves

Jenolan is a limestone system in the ranges west of the Blue Mountains, and the clay deposits in it have been dated to an age that makes it one of the oldest open cave systems known. Above ground, the Grand Arch is a cavern so large that the access road once ran straight through it. Below, around a dozen show caves are open, each on its own guided tour: Lucas with its high chambers, Orient with dense formations, River with pools and low passages, Imperial as the easiest option. Outside, the Blue Lake holds an unnaturally blue colour from dissolved limestone, and platypus are sometimes seen there in the early morning.

What you actually see

• The Grand Arch - a vast open cavern that the road once passed directly through.
• Lucas Cave - the largest chambers and the most-taken tour, heavy on stairs.
• Orient Cave - dense columns and shawls on a slower, more decorated route.
• The Blue Lake - a limestone-coloured pool outside where platypus occasionally surface.

When to go

The caves hold a steady cool temperature year-round, so the season matters mainly for the drive in. Weekends and school holidays sell out the popular tours, and midweek mornings are much quieter. Check road access before travelling, as the approach roads have been subject to closures for repair work at various times.

Honest expectations

Every cave is guided and timed, so you go at the group's pace and cannot linger. Tours involve hundreds of steps, tight sections and low headroom, which rules out some visitors entirely. The access road is narrow and steep with sharp bends. Photography in the low light is harder than most people expect.

Nearby

Katoomba and the Blue Mountains lookouts are to the east, with Oberon and the Kanangra country to the west.