Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves is an extensive limestone cave system in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, located at Jenolan in the Oberon Shire, about 180 kilometres west of Sydney. Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, it is one of the world's oldest and most decorated open cave systems, featuring eleven show caves with stalactites, stalagmites and underground rivers. The reserve also includes historic Caves House hotel, walking tracks and Blue Lake.

Visitors can explore a network of limestone show caves on guided tours through chambers with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, shawls and underground rivers, illuminated for viewing. The surface reserve offers heritage buildings including Caves House, Blue Lake, bushwalking tracks along the Jenolan River, lookouts, cafes and accommodation. Tours vary in difficulty and duration, with some involving many stairs and narrow passages, while surface walks and exhibitions are accessible without entering caves.

The caves were first documented by Europeans in 1838 when local pastoralist James Whalan discovered them, with James Wiburd appointed as first caretaker in 1867. Declared a reserve in 1866, it is Australia's oldest cave reserve. Caves House and associated infrastructure were developed from the late 1890s to accommodate early tourism. The limestone is dated at approximately 340 million years old, considered among the world's oldest open cave systems.

The area lies within the traditional lands of the Gundungurra and Wiradjuri peoples and holds significance for Aboriginal cultural heritage. Since the 19th century it has been a major Australian tourism and conservation site, recognised as part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area for its karst and natural values, and for its historic tourism architecture.