The path to the caves at Wombeyan Caves

Wombeyan Caves
Difficult to access but very attractive collection of limestone caves.
Located 176 km south-west of Sydney the Wombeyan Caves (a network of over 230 caverns) have a well deserved reputation as one of the countryıs most attractive cave systems. The name is of Aboriginal origin meaning 'grassy flats between two mountains'.

There is no easy access to the Caves. By far the best access to the caves is via Goulburn and Taralga, on the Oberon Road. The journey takes an hour from Goulburn and only the last 25 km is unsealed.

The visitor seeking the scenic route can leave the old Hume Highway at either Mittagong or Berrima. From Mittagong head out of town on the old highway. After 4.5 km take the right turn into Wombeyan Caves Rd. From Berrima turn left into Greenhills Rd at the northern end of town. Follow it north for 6.7 km to Joadja Rd on the left. Continue northwards on what becomes Wombeyan Caves Rd. From this point it is a very windy, if picturesque, drive on a narrow dirt road. At various points the road offers an excellent view of the Burragorang Valley, passes through a lengthy sandstone tunnel and crosses the Wollondilly River. The total distance is 65 km and the journey takes around 1.5 hours.

It is worth remembering, as you navigate another ŒFloodwayı or sharp curve, that the first Europeans were on their fifth night out from Berrima - on horseback - when they discovered the caves

The patient driver is rewarded. The Caves are under the management of the Tourism Commission of NSW and the camping and recreation areas, with their rows of poplars and willows growing along the banks of the Wombeyan Creek, offer dozens of shady spots for picnickers and campers.

The Caves House was burnt down in 1935 and has not been replaced. However the campsite, which is rarely full, is well-maintained and the Barmah kitchen buildings are a reminder that good planning and good design can really enhance a tourist area.

Wombeyan Caves were discovered in 1828 by a party led by John Oxley and John Macarthur. Oxley, who died later that year at the youthful age of 42, was responsible for much of the early exploration of the Southern Highlands. Macarthur, known to many as the founding father of the Australian wool industry, had accompanied Oxley in the hope that he would find suitable new grazing lands.

The party camped near the site of the present kiosk. During the night the horses strayed downstream and the subsequent search led the explorers to the Victoria Arch entrance to the Fig Tree Cave. The journals of the journey make no mention of the explorers entering the cave.

In 1842 a Reverend Denning was the first European to explore the Fig Tree Cave. However it wasnıt until 1865, with the appointment of Charles Chalker as first caretaker, that the system was explored in any detail.

Chalker discovered some nine major caves. Today the Basin Cave, Tinted Cave, Glass Cave, Forest Creek Cave, Guineacor Cave and Grantıs Cave, many of which are inaccessible, are closed to the public for reasons of preservation.

Things to see:  

Visiting the Caves
If you are not a speleologist or a caving enthusiast then your need to clamber around dripping pieces of limestone will probably be adequately catered for by the self-guided tour of the Fig Tree Cave. Tokens for the automatic turnstiles can be purchased at the superintendent's office. By proceeding through the cave, and pressing a series of buttons as you progress, the main features are lit and a pre-recorded description is played. It is worth remembering that prior to 1928 all visitors were issued with a candle and the guide pointed out main features with a magnesium flare.

More serious caving enthusiasts can go on guided tours of the other four caves, available between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. every day.

1. Wollondilly Cave
The Wollondilly Cave (Aboriginal for 'running water over stones') was discovered by Charles Chalker in 1865 and opened to the public in 1885. It is regarded by many as the best of the five caves. A guided tour of the cave takes about 1 5 hours. The word ŒWollondillyı is said to mean Œrunning water over stonesı in the language of the local Wiradjura Aborigines.

2. Kooringa Cave
The Kooringa (Aboriginal for ŒKingı) Cave was discovered by Charles Chalker in 1865 and opened to the public in 1875, Although only a small cave - the tour lasts an hour - its shawls and stalagmites are outstanding.

3. Mulwaree Cave
The Mulwaree Cave was discovered in 1865 and opened in 1885. It has spectacular stalactites close to the pathways which have led the guides to call it the Connoisseur's Cave. Mulwaree is said to be Aboriginal for Œchain of pondsı.

4. Junction Cave
The Junction Cave was discovered by T.M. Chalker in 1897 and opened to the public in 1906. 1.2 km from the kiosk it takes 1 5 hours to inspect. Formations called Chalkers Blanket, The Rapids and the Grand Column are regarded as highlights.

A lengthier Adventure Tour is available (with full or half-day options). It is suitable for those aged 15 and above but requiring no more than average fitness (it is designed for fun, not thrillseeking). Maximum group size is ten and abseiling instruction is an optional extra. Two guides and all necessary equipment are provided with each such group. All you need is a packed lunch, joggers with tread (or walking boots), an old jumper and old clothes or overalls.

A two-hour Mini Adventure Tour caters to the young and those who don't want TOO much adventure (minimum age is seven).

The three-hour guided Heritage Tour takes in many sections of the caves and recreates an older experience by utilising torches (no crawling is necessary).

Before visiting the caves it is wise to telephone the superintendents office on (02) 4843 5976 where details of tours, camping, road conditions etc. can be obtained. The book The Wombeyan Experience, available at the kiosk, is excellent and comprehensive.

There is bushwalking in the 345-ha reserve, leading not only to the bush, but also to waterfalls, mountain lookouts and a spectacular limestone canyon which is ideal for swimming. There is accommodation, a kiosk, barbecue facilities and an abundance of flora and fauna. The rock wallabies come out to feed at dusk. There is also a substantial marble quarry at Wombeyan.

The Caves area has a self-contained guest cottage, cabin units, cabin vans, eight-bed units for groups, a caravan park, and a camping ground with cooking facilities.

	Tourist Information
	Wombeyan Caves Information P.O. Box 18 Taralga Wombeyan Caves NSW 2580 Telephone: (02) 4843 5976 Facsimile: (02) 4843 5988
	Caravan Parks
	Wombeyan Caves Camping Reserve & Accommodation Wombeyan Caves Rd Wombeyan Caves NSW 2580 Telephone: (02) 4843 5976 Facsimile: (02) 4843 5988