Wombeyan Caves
Hit by the triple disasters of bushfires, floods and Covid, our visit to Wombeyan Caves was not as extensive as we planned. The fires of 2020 damaged the surrounding country severely, removing much of the vegetation. The heavy rain and floods that followed resulted in land slips and damage to all walking tracks. Entry to the Caves has been restricted by Covid positive visitors and most are closed.
However, we were fortunate that the Wollondilly cave reopened the day we arrived, and Fig Tree Cave had remained open. Our planned two-day visit to see three cave systems and walk some of the bush tracks reduced to one guided cave tour and a self-guided trip.
Getting There
The road into the Caves was very narrow at times making us pleased we did not meet any oncoming traffic. Although the road is being repaired and upgraded it will be some time before it is totally fixed.
Accommodation
Camp sites for caravans and tents along with cooking facilities are managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife. Booking is essential because only limited spaces are available.
Additionally, onsite self-contained cabins and the old post office are available. Again, bookings are essential due to high demand.
We stayed overnight in one of the onsite cabins which although basic was clean and comfortable. With power, air conditioning and cooking facilities, it had everything we needed for a one-night stay. Renovations to the kiosk mean you need to bring all your own food and drinks, because nothing is available at the campgrounds. Remember to bring your own bed linen and pillows too, as these are not provided in the cabins.
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
Officially proclaimed in 1865, the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve preceded the declaration of the world’s first national park at Yellowstone in 1872. Accessed from the reserve at the base of the valley the caves are in rugged but scenic country.
Surrounded by intrusive igneous rock which metamorphosed the reserve’s 420-million year old limestone into coarse crystalline marble the area has over 500 known caves.
Wollondilly Cave
Fortunately, the Wollondilly system is one of the best available, so we were very pleased to be able to see it. After buying tickets at the NPWS Office we met our guide who took us through 800m of cave.
It has 520 steps spread over five levels varying from concrete and cut marble to vertical ladders. Because the walkways are wet and slippery in places, good footwear is essential.
The tour took us through some amazing caverns, with fantastic formations. The most interesting were the rimstone pools, which look like tiny, fortified cities, although the other amazing formations are hard to beat.
Fig Tree Cave
The Fig Tree Cave is a self-guided tour, with stopping points throughout the cave where commentary plays describing the area. Purchasing a double entry to the Fig Tree and Wollondilly Caves is cheaper than buying the two individually.
Possibly the best self-guided caves we have visited, the formations are once again amazing. During our visit, no-one else was in the cave, making it even better, especially after the commentary stopped and it was silent.
The highlight of Fig Tree is the underground river that flows through it, providing a background of noise of running water. The cave’s exit is a huge cathedral-like cavern where the river enters the cave system, before disappearing underground.
Wildlife and Scenery at Wombeyan Caves
The area has a large kangaroo population which spent the day lounging on the grass reserve. Around twilight, they became more active, hopping around and finding food.
The next morning, we had alpacas looking through a neighbouring fence while we ate breakfast.
What Did We Think of the Wombeyan Caves?
If all walking tracks and caves were operating, a two or three-day stay would be needed to see them all. However, with the closures, an overnight trip was enough time to visit the two caves available. Even then the visit is remarkable and worth doing, despite the reduced activities available. We had a great time here exploring the caves.
The only downside was the access road, because it was so narrow in places.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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