Jenolan Caves
Australia's most famous limestone cave system, with dazzling stalactites and stalagmites, often combined with the Blue Mountains as a day trip.
Jenolan Caves lie in the deep Jenolan valley on the western side of the Blue Mountains, about 175 km by road from Sydney. It is one of the oldest known open cave systems in the world, with around ten caves open for guided tours. The most popular, Orient Cave, is famous for its gleaming white stalactites, drapery formations and 'shawls'. The Grand Arch, a natural archway at the entrance, and the historic Caves House hotel are also highlights. All caves must be visited on a guided tour, and tickets should be booked in advance on the official website. Note: in April 2024, heavy rain washed out the mountain access road and the reserve closed. Officials aim to reopen it in early 2027, so please confirm before you go. Once it reopens, you can drive via the Blue Mountains, a one-way trip of about 3 hours, or join a day tour from Sydney that combines the Blue Mountains and the caves.
Opening hours
Closed for now (expected to reopen in early 2027); once reopened, guided tours daily about 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
- Sea Cliff Bridge
- Nan Tien Temple
- Royal National Park
- Cockatoo Island
- Sydney Fish Market
- Darling Harbour
- Barangaroo Reserve