Although often missed, my Jenolan Caves tour experience was my favourite activity while visiting the Blue Mountains! Made up of 11 illuminated caves open to visitors, Jenolan Caves is a maze of limestone rock formations, cathedral-like chasms and clear underground rivers.
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Oh, and they happen to be 340 million years old – about the oldest known cave system worldwide – originally formed from limestone, coral and shells back when Australia was still beneath the sea.
I mean, who doesn’t find that fascinating?
How to get to Jenolan Caves
It’s a three-hour scenic drive from Sydney to Jenolan Caves but many of us will visit via the Blue Mountains – from where it is a 75-minute drive!
The road from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves Australia is a stunning – if a little terrifying – winding mountain pass. You’ll know when you’ve reached the caves as you drive through the breathtaking Grand Arch. This is also the meeting point for all the tours – thankfully you can’t miss it!
Unfortunately, Jenolan Caves is not accessible by public transport. Thankfully, it is possible to take the train from Sydney to Katoomba Station. From here, you can join a couch tour.
Best Jenolan Caves tours from Sydney:
Although you can explore Jenolan Caves and other areas of the Great Blue Mountains World Heritage sites by car, the easiest option is to take a day or overnight tour if you don’t already own a car in Australia.
One convenient option is this brilliant Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountains Day Tour from Sydney. After visiting the fascinating Jenolan Caves and enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Blue Mountains, you’ll finish the day with a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River, back to Sydney Harbour.
Another option is this private Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountains day tour. You’ll take a fun drive in a Volkswagen minibus from your Sydney hotel before exploring Jenolan Caves and Blue Lake. You’ll also get to see the best Blue Mountains highlights, like Katoomba Falls, Echo Point Lookout, The Three Sisters and also Scenic World if there’s time, all with entertaining and informative commentary from your local guide.
Finally, for a full experience of all that the stunning Blue Mountains have to offer, this overnight Private Wildlife Safari of the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Cave tours, and more might be the best option for you. This tempting tour option will take you to Wentworth Falls Lookout, Cahll’s Lookout, and the Three Sisters before stopping in charming Blackheath town for a picnic lunch. The first day will finish off with views from Pulpit Rock Lookout and an amazing tour of Jenolan Caves.
After staying overnight in the heritage Jenolan Caves House, you’ll spend the second day exploring Kanangra-Boyd National Park, the Megalong Creek Estate, Bilpin Fruit Bowl and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.
These overnight Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves tours from Sydney can also be done with a more affordable group tour option – overnight Group Tour Wildlife Safari – Blue Mountains tour, Jenolan Caves and more.
JENOLAN CAVES TOURS
Jenolan Caves tours are varied with multilingual, night tours and ‘adventure tours’ available. The majority, including the famous Lucas Cave tour, is suitable for anyone with normal fitness (though be prepared for lots of stairs) yet will still keep your adventurous side happy due to the amazing sites beneath the rock face.
If you’re looking for the best Jenolan cave tour, there are a few options to choose from depending on your preference.
Jenolan Caves tickets begin at $42 for adults and $28 for children with a family pass also available.
LUCAS CAVE TOUR
I went on the Lucas Caves tour and had an amazing time! Our guide was super fun and down to earth, as well as being educational for kids (and adults). Definitely worth exploring for all ages! Lucas Cave is most well-known for its HUGE cavern including the ‘Cathedral’ and widely photographed ‘broken column’.
Lucas Cave is one of the longest tours available and begins with a 300-step ascent into the dramatic cave formations, so it’s a bit more strenuous than some other tour options. However, for anyone with moderate-good fitness levels, it’s well worth the steep climb at the beginning.
Highlights: Atmospheric music and lighting to bring the magic of the cave systems to life, huge chambers including the ‘Cathedral.’ Views down through the cave tunnels of the Blue Lake.
Time: 120 minutes
Length: 860 metres with 1000 stairs.
Other tour options in Jenolan Caves include:
Imperial
The easiest cave tour – recommended for families or anyone with mobility issues.
Highlights: following an ancient underground river through the cave system’s ‘crystal city.’
Time: 60 minutes
Length: 1070 metres with 258 stairs.
Orient
A breathtaking cave tour with endlessly fascinating rock formations – suitable for anyone with moderate fitness.
Highlights: huge stalagmites (including the ‘Pillar of Hercules’) and sparkling crystal formations.
Time: 90 minutes
Length: 470 metres with 358 stairs.
Temple of Baal
One of the most dramatic caves, with huge caverns contrasting with delicate fossils. Suitable for anyone with moderate fitness.
Highlights: Crystal formations, two cathedral-like caverns, fossils and helictites, and the magical ‘Angel’s Wing’ – a naturally formed crystal shawl.
Time: 90 minutes
Length: 470 metres with 358 stairs.
Plughole Adventure Tour
Want a more hands-on experience of journeying through Jenolan Caves? Then Plughole is the choice for you. Explorers aged 10 and over can crawl, climb, and abseil through the magical cave passages as they travel deeper into the mountain!
The experience is guided throughout, so you’ll be perfectly safe during the exhilarating cave experience. Moderate fitness and agility are required.
Time: 270 minutes
Chifley
A family-friendly tour for anyone with moderate fitness – this Jenolan cave tour is filled with natural surprises, from fossils and narrow passages to vast caverns and endless crystals.
Highlights: A beautiful spar crystal, endless fossils and its really unique – and at times bizarre – beauty.
Time: 60 minutes
Length: 690 metres with 421 stairs.
FREE ACTIVITIES AT JENOLAN CAVES…
THE BLUE LAKE
A minute’s walk from the Grand Arch is the blue lake (you can’t miss it) which is only where the COOLEST animal on the planet lives… the PLATYPUS!! The water is clear so although they only come up briefly to breathe, you may be lucky enough to see one! So sit super still and look for ripples in the water.
I was incredibly lucky as in the half-hour I was there, one surfaced about 10 times! Though of course there are no guarantees when it comes to nature, it’s worth a shot right?
So yes… if you want to spot a WILD platypus on a day trip from Sydney, this might be the place!!
The Riverwalk
Continue walking around Blue Lake to enjoy a 2.1km walk spotting lizards, birds and waterfalls. You’ll also see quaint bridges and pretty waterfalls along the way.
This is a 2.6km loop walk and easy to do before or after your Jenolan Caves tour. It takes most visitors 45-90 minutes.
If you’re interested in Jenolan’s hydroelectric history, you can reach the old Jenolan Hydro Electric Power station if you continue further downstream.
Carlotta Arch Track
Although the Carlotta Arch walk (sometimes referred to as ‘Shaping Waters Walk) is only a 2km return trail, it does get steep in places, so it does require good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.
However, it’s worth the ascent for the fabulous views over the incredible limestone rock formations and Blue Lake. After taking on many steps, you’ll get up close to the magnificent Carlotta Arch.
The track continues to the Devil’s Coach House, an epic cave chamber that is accessible without taking one of the guided tours.
You can see Nettle Cave (also free) at the same time or hike further along the valley.
The 2km track begins at car park 2 (ask at the visitor centre – where you can also purchase Jenolan Caves tickets – if you’re not sure). It usually takes 45-75 minutes to complete.
Hike to Katoomba
The famous Six Foot Track begins (or ends) at Jenolan Caves and goes all the way to Katoomba. It usually takes three days so not for the faint-hearted!
Animal spotting on the drive from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains
Further information on the Jenolan Caves history!
Imagine visiting the caves before electricity…
To avoid damaging the rocks, there are clear pathways throughout the caves these days and guides only turn on the lights in areas where their visitors are walking.
But historically, the original visitors had to enter the caves through small passageways and towering ladders – some of which are still viewable today to emphasise how terrifying it must have been, particularly with only a gas lamp strapped to your head and wearing a full-length skirt or suit!
Back then, they used to snap off stalactites as souvenirs and, because limestone is heavy, drop them on the path back to Katoomba! Of course, this sort of damage is not allowed to continue these days and conservation efforts are in place in the hope this will continue to be a fun day trip for years to come.
Exploring the Jenolan caves Sydney on foot and taking a video driving along the Jenolan Caves Road into the vast Grand Arch!
Jenolan Caves trip Q&A:
Where to stay in Jenolan Caves:
For unique and historic accommodation, stay in Jenolan Caves House:
Built-in 1897, Jenolan Caves House is a unique heritage-listed building available for those in search of historical accommodation. Their aim is to give you a similar experience to what visitors had 115 years ago, with traditional romantic decor and great hospitality. Book on the official Jenolan Caves House website.
If you’re on more of a mid-range budget, stay at Jenolan Mountain Lodge. This motel-style lodge is based right behind the Jenolan Caves lodge, and with rooms sleeping 2-4 people, it’s perfect for couples or families who can book adjoining rooms. Comfortable rooms include ensuite bathrooms, TV, and WiFi, and some suites include a kitchenette.
Places to eat in Jenolan Caves
Caves Cafe: A welcoming cafe with warm and cold food options
Chisolm’s Restaurant: An award-winning eatery a short walk away from the Caves
What to wear on a Jenolan Caves day trip?
Jeans and a normal jacket are fine – the caves stay at around 15 degrees Celcius all year round. (I thought I’d mention it since it was what I was keen to find out before I went!)
Wear comfortable shoes in case the ground is slippery, especially if you’re doing a combined Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains tour.
You should also bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a sunhat.
In winter, bring an extra warm layer. Although the weather usually stays fairly mild, the Blue Mountains are one of the few places where it – occasionally – snows in Sydney!
Can you visit Jenolan Caves without a guided tour?
Most of the Jenolan Cave passages do require a guided tour. However, you can visit Nettle Cave, Carlotta Arch and the Devil’s Coachhouse, as well as enjoy the limestone rock formations that appear overground, without a tour.
Are you considering a Jenolan Caves day trip?
And… would you still want to visit if the only access point was still these TERRIFYING LADDERS?
Ooft, those black and white people were so brave.
