brief history ...

It is estimated that the Jenolan Caves are approximately 340 million years old, making this cave complex the world's oldest known open cave system.

First to discover the caves were the local Gundengarra Aboriginal tribes which due to superstition avoided them. First written record about Jenolan Caves was made in 1838 by James Whalan.

Jenolan Caves, at the time known as the Fish River Caves, came under New South Wales Government control in 1866 and in 1867 Jeremiah Wilson took charge of the area. Wilson discovered new caves: Imperial, Chifley, Jersey and Jubilee Caves.

In 1884 the name Jenolan Caves was adopted, an Aboriginal name meaning 'high place' and is named after the nearby Mount Jenolan.

In 1903 James Wiburd discovered five more caves: the River, Pool of Cerberus, Temple of Baal, Orient and Ribbon Caves.

Jenolan Caves are well maintained, easily accessible and are illuminated.

tourist information ...

How to get there
Jenolan Caves are located in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, 175km west of Sydney. There is no public transport but there are lots of daily tours available from Sydney. See map.

Contact details:
Phone: 1300 76 33 11
Web site: Jenolan Caves

Hours of Operation:
Jenolan Caves are opened everyday. Please check the official web site for the current times and prices.