Yarrangobilly Caves

Yarrangobilly lies in a belt of limestone in the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park, where a river has cut a gorge and dissolved caves into the rock over hundreds of thousands of years. Several caves are open: Jersey and Jillabenan are shown on guided tours, and the Glory Hole is self-guided along a lit path, with formations including flowstone, shawls and helictites. Outside, a thermal pool fed by a spring holds a constant 27 degrees and sits in a clearing above the river, reached by a steep path, which makes swimming pleasant even when snow lies around it in winter. A restored 1900s guesthouse operates as accommodation.

History

The caves formed in limestone 440 million years old, and the stockman John Bowman was the first European to come across them, in 1834. Caves House, the largest building on the site, went up in 1901, when the caves were the most popular resort in New South Wales, and Leo James Hoad, linked with the caves from 1904 to 1950 and their official caretaker from 1919 to 1946, discovered the Jillabenan Cave in 1910 (Wikipedia, Yarrangobilly Caves).

What you'll find

• The show caves - guided and self-guided routes through decorated limestone chambers.
• The thermal pool - spring-fed water at a steady 27 degrees year-round.
• The limestone gorge - the river valley and bluffs around the caves.
• The old caves house - the restored 1900s guesthouse in the reserve.

When to go

October to April for the easiest access; the road in is steep and unsealed and can be difficult in snow, though the thermal pool in winter is a memorable experience if conditions allow. Guided tours run to fixed times and should be booked in holidays.

Before you go

The access road descends steeply and is unsuitable for caravans. The walk to the thermal pool is a solid climb back up. Caves are cool at around eleven degrees regardless of season. Park entry is charged on top of tour tickets.

Nearby

Kiandra and the Snowy Mountains Highway pass above; Tumut lies northwest.

Key facts