Jenolan: Caves, heritage and nature

Jenolan brings together guided cave tours, heritage-listed architecture and natural features such as a river, lake and above-ground karst formations. This means there’s more to explore than the caves themselves: Jenolan Caves House tells the story of the area, while the walking tracks take in the Blue Lake, waterfalls, bridges and distinctive karst landscapes. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these experiences and check the access arrangements for each.

Guided tours of the show caves

Jenolan Caves offers guided tours through more than twelve unique show caves. If you want to make the cave world the focus of your trip, you’ll find a dedicated guided tour offering here. Access is currently affected by a closure in 2026. Before you travel, check access arrangements for your intended visit date.

Caves House and the history of the reserve

The present-day Jenolan Caves House opened in 1898 and is heritage-listed. The building contains one of only two surviving grand dining rooms in Australia—a notable architectural detail. Jenolan Caves Reserve is of state significance for its historic, aesthetic and scientific values, as well as its rarity. In Jenolan, the history of a particular building meets the broader significance of an entire reserve.

If you’re interested in heritage, these two aspects offer different perspectives: Caves House represents architectural history, while the reserve is significant for its historic, aesthetic and scientific values, and its rarity. Together, they add another dimension to the destination alongside the cave tours, without reducing Jenolan to a single experience.

Tracks between water and karst

The Carlotta Arch walking track reaches the freestanding Carlotta Arch and offers views of the Blue Lake. It is also part of the Jenolan Caves network within the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Area. The Jenolan River walking track offers different highlights: it passes the Blue Lake, waterfalls and bridges, and brings Jenolan Caves’ hydroelectric heritage to life. There’s also a chance to see the platypus that lives in the lake. A detour downstream leads to the old Jenolan Hydro Electric Power Station and a picnic area.

The McKeown's Valley walking track crosses the Jenolan River and passes above-ground karst features, including a blind valley. It also leads into the open cave known as Devil's Coach House. The tracks offer distinct experiences: the Carlotta Arch track focuses on a striking rock formation and views, while the Jenolan River track features water, bridges and hydroelectric heritage.

The Carlotta Arch walking track, Jenolan River walking track and McKeown's Valley walking track are closed until early 2027 for repairs. The Blue Lake is also closed until early 2027 for repairs. Take these access arrangements into account when planning a visit.

Nature and accommodation planning

Jenolan Caves is a nature reserve and a protected area for Australian wildlife. This protected status adds a natural perspective to the area's architectural and cave history; the chance to spot a platypus is specific to the Jenolan River walking track. If you’re looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Jenolan, first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay: cave tours, heritage, or nature and river scenery. Also consider your travel dates and check the relevant access information before booking.

Discover more destinations: Gunnedah, Wollongbar, Scone, Breadalbane, Canowindra, Mourquong, St Marys, Kootingal.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.