Yarrangobilly Caves NSW
Situated
6.5 kms off the Snowy Mountains Highway, approximately 80 klms from
Tumut,
Yarrangobilly Caves is a hidden delight for those wishing to go off
the beaten track and view some of the most spectacular limestone caverns
in Australia.
Access to the Yarrangobilly Caves is via a one way, winding and steep,
dirt road, not suitable for caravans or larger vehicles such as buses.
The road can be impassable in winter due to snow, so please check for
road conditions before attempting the drive. The journey into the cave
area is well worth the effort as the caves are a wonderful insight into
the world of limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites, with
self guided and guided tours available from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily.
Inside the caves, visitors can view natures glory with a host of beautiful
and delicate straws, intricate shawls, columns and underground pools
just waiting to show their real beauty. There are are an estimated 60
caves in the area, of which just four - South Glory Cave, North Glory
Cave, Jersey Cave and Jillabenan Cave, are open to the public. Other
caves can be toured by prior arrangement with Park Management.
First
found in 1834 by stockman John Bowman, who was searching the Yarrangobilly
River area for stray cattle. Bowman found the cattle sheltering by the
huge entrance to an unknown cavern, now known as Glory Arch. Other caves
were subsequently discovered by graziers and by 1890 the caves had become
quite well known and developed into a popular tourist attraction.
The Jillabenan Cave is regarded by enthusiasts as being equally as
beautiful as any cave in Australia. Formed some 2 million years ago,
Jillabenan Cave is suitable to tour for all fitness levels with just
20 steps and only 73 meters in length.
Entrance fees are payable for all cave tours and obtainable from the
Yarrangobilly
Caves Information and Visitor Centre. Drinks, soft drinks, ice cream
and light snacks are available, along with souvenirs and mementos. There
is no cafe, so bring your own meals if you need more than potato chips
and chocolate.
The Caves Thermal Pool
The
thermal pool was built over a hot spring and maintains a permanent temperature
of 27 degrees through all seasons. A small wooden pool was originally
built over the thermal spring in 1896 and the existing concrete pool
built in 1969 when Yarrangobilly was a detention centre.
Algae grows quickly in the warm water and the pool is regularly cleaned.
Even with cleaning, the sides may be slippery so take care when going
for a swim. You do need to walk to the Thermal Pool, with a choice of
a 1.4 km river walk or the shorter, but steeper, 700 metre walk down
the dirt road. Either way you go, the walk is well worth the effort
and a dip in the warm clear water invigorating.
You may even hear the wonderful sounds of the Eastern
Banjo Frog, sometimes called a Pobblebonk. Listen for the unmistakable
banjo like bonk or plonk. The thermal pool is a breeding ground for
the Eastern Banjo Frog and is a good indication of the health of the
environment and cleanliness of the thermal pool's water.
Yarrangobilly Caves Guest House Accommodation
The
Yarrangobilly Caves House is a beautiful restored federation building.
Comfortably furnished in a style that reflects the time, the Caves House
is a fantastic way to spend quality time in quiet solitude within the
peaceful valley.
Carefully restored to offer self-contained heritage accommodation,
including a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, family/lounge room,
verandah and outdoor barbeque area.
Two wings of the Caves Guest House can be hired as accommodation but
you do need to book ahead for a minimum of a 2 night stay. One wing
sleeps 7 guests while the second wing sleeps 9 people. The cost is around
$200 per night per wing, which is quite inexpensive when booking a group
outing. Accommodation is fully self contained. Bring your own linen
or prearrange linen hire at time of booking. This is the only accommodation
at Yarrangobilly Caves, so book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
Caves
House Inquiries and Bookings
Tumut Region Visitor Information Centre
Old Butter Factory
Adelong Road Tumut NSW 2720
Phone 02 69477025
email: tumutrvc@environment.nsw.gov.au
