Boys, Bombs, Big Brother and Other Great Memories of 1949!
Recently, we received a fascinating little item from 1949, in the mail. Wendy Schuetz of Kewarra Beach, Queensland, found it while delving into treasures of her late father, David Darr. Wendy was kind enough to post it to us. She then followed it up with some info and a photo of her Dad, which made us think about 1949 – the world, Australia and Jenolan’s place in it.
The world changed radically in the 1940s. 1949 can be described as early ‘Atomic Age’ or early ‘Cold War’ era. America had already demonstrated its nuclear power, and in 1949, the Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb. What else was brewing overseas? What was happening in Australia? What was Jenolan Caves like in those days? And what was the little item that Wendy sent to us?
We were able to open for small tour groups during the week for the school holidays, from Christmas Eve to January 9! Visitors adventured through caves and crystal, had high tea on the terrace and slumbered in history.
We took the opportunity to reopen the Plughole Adventure Caving Experience, which had been closed for 2 years. As expected, many happy adventure-seekers took up the challenge.
They got dirty! They abseiled, squeezed, climbed and crawled deep into the heart of the mountain, in overalls and helmet, with only their headlamps to light their way!
Some people really know how to have fun!
Cameras were clicking as we lead visitors through the mighty Lucas Cave once again, after 12 months closure.
As always, everyone was gob-smacked by its massive chambers and enormous formations that make you feel very small.
But what about pretty crystal? Yes, there's plenty of that too, in the Procenium and in the Mafeking Branch - the Lucas has everything!
Our 2021 festive Christmas Lunch, upstairs in Chisolm's Restaurant, was a big success.
One heart-warming review said, "Amazing Christmas Day lunch. We felt very spoilt by the team members and it was truly a magical day."
Comments like that make it all worth while.
We've packed up our giant Christmas tree and decorations, but we will bring them all out again in July for Yulefest (Christmas in July) - so keep an eye out!
Also in the holiday, when the warm sun beckoned, we tried something new with our high tea - moved it outside! Usually, we serve our rustic high tea in historic Chisolm's, but we discovered it is just as magical outside, in the fragrant shade of the wisteria.
So now, you have a choice for high tea - upstairs in historic magnificence or outside in the company of wild rosellas. How will you choose?
Historic Chisolm’s Restaurant, upstairs in Caves House, has been serving up delicious dishes since 1916. This grand dining room has so much history, and has even hosted royalty, back in 1927. This summer, make the time for a leisurely lunch or dinner, in heritage surroundings.
Our shady McKeown’s Valley track is just the thing for a summer’s wander. Don't forget water, as this historic walk includes lots of stairs. Ramble along a valley floor, where you may spot brush-tailed rock wallabies, echidnas and lyrebirds.
After dinner, take a romantic moonlit stroll from Caves House up to the dramatic Carlotta Arch.
High Tea has been a popular new addition to our list of temptations – a generous 3-plate tower of scones, sandwiches and sweet treats, entirely made in-house, and served in historic Chisolm’s Restaurant. You can even include a glass of sparkling wine. Cheers!
Heritage-listed Caves House has always been known for romance. If these walls could talk! Each guestroom is unique.
Since 1897, Caves House has been the go-to place to stay for honeymoons and anniversaries. But why wait for a special occasion!
Leave technology behind, and drift gently back to 1897.
Check Livetraffic.com First
Jenolan Caves Road is closed. You can still turn onto Jenolan Caves Road, but you must then DETOUR onto Duckmaloi Road. See Google Maps. This detour will add about 40 minutes to your trip.
Pre-booking before arrival is mandatory. So before you start out for Jenolan, please check you have your tickets, and check www.livetraffic.com.
Aim to arrive in our carpark around 45 minutes before your first booked activity, so you can catch our shuttle bus down into the valley, use the restroom, etc.
Our 2021 festive Christmas Lunch, upstairs in Chisolm's Restaurant, was a big success.
Also in the holiday, when the warm sun beckoned, we tried something new with our high tea - moved it outside! Usually, we serve our rustic high tea in historic Chisolm's, but we discovered it is just as magical outside, in the fragrant shade of the wisteria.
