How were the Jenolan Caves created?

The Blue Mountains is home to a network of natural features. With looming rock formations, deep canyons, and lush greenery of bushland, every nook and cranny is bursting with beauty.

However, one of the most popular attractions that bring a herd of travellers to Blue Mountain’s land is the Jenolan Caves. A dark, dreary, ancient wonderland that is a honeycomb network of ancient limestone tunnels, large cave openings, and even unspoiled rivers trickling through.

How the caves created?

Caves come in all shapes and sizes, from huge expansive cave systems to small hidden holes. But despite their differences, they are all made in the same way; through wearing a way of material. Erosion by continuous natural forces or the material slowly dissolving in the presence of water with a slightly acidic tinge. This can happen due to continuous wind or water thrashing against the rock, with ocean seas or rainfall affecting the rock material.

Jenolan Caves Formation

For the Jenolan Caves, the formation developed over 340 million years ago. Making them one of the oldest open cave systems in existence. The material of the cave is a Karst, forming for thousands of years as the karst slowly dissolved from the continuous rainfall and storms, cutting through the rock to form the small openings and hidden tunnels. The Jenolan caves have grown so much, it has over 300 different caves, with some caves not even discovered by humans, due to their small entrances. Travel through these caves and see the underground rivers and stunning natural archways that created a purely unique experience.

Where is the Jenolan Caves?

The Blue Mountains, a credit card’s throw from the renowned Sydney city. Travel along the windy roads for a short three-hours and find yourself immersed in the lush forestland and dark cave area of the Blue Mountains. As there is no public admission to the caves, you must join a tour to see the inside of these magnificent systems. Tours range from simple walking tours to extreme rock-climbing tours for the adrenaline junkies.

Related article: The Subterranean World of the Jenolan Caves