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| 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
Floodwayı 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:
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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 Wollondillyı is said to mean
running water over stonesı in the language of the local
Wiradjura Aborigines.
2. Kooringa Cave
The Kooringa (Aboriginal for Kingı) 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 chain 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.
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Wombeyan Caves
