Jenolan Caves Accommodation, Hotels, Tours & Information

Jenolan Caves

Around 450 million years ago when Australia's eastern coastline was further inland, coral atolls developed around a series of partially submerged volcanoes, The coral became compressed and developed into Australia's most spectacular lime-stone caves. James McKeown, as escaped convict and bushranger is the first white man known to have entered the caves, using them as a hideaway. About 1840, James Whalan had a horse stolen and tracked it to McKeown's Valley. Whalan saw the immense opening in the limestone as they rode by. His brother, Charles was in interested in the report and eventually discovered the caves. Fame spread and visitors not only explored the caves but took many pieces away with them. The government appointed Jeremiah Wilson as guide and caretaker of the caves in 1867. The name was changed to Jenolan, Aboriginal for 'high mountain' in 1884. Visits to the cave were quite primitive with candles in holders the only lighting and nights spent camping in grand arch in minimum comfort. Improvements were gradually made to the caves with cement floors and handrails added, and electric lighting in 1887. In the late 1880s the road from Mount Victoria and Hartley was built allowing carriages to drive all the way. In 1884 the 'six foot track' was built. Many more caves were discovered, the last being the River Cave in 1903. Jenolan Caves are world famous limestone caves containing amazing rock formations. Guided tours of caves take about two hours and contain many steps.