Our exciting news is that from April 1 to 25 we will open every day. As admission to the Jenolan valley is by ticket only, and tickets are limited,pre-booking is absolutely essential. So, lock in fun and adventure now for the school holidays, Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day long weekend. After ANZAC Day, we will return to weekends only.
The quieter days leading up to the school holidays are a perfect time for you to escape to Caves House.
And after that, we are totally prepared for the school holiday families. We're open for everyone, with great family prices - the Lucas, Chifley, Imperial (with Diamond Branch), Orient, Temple of Baal. For kids, we are offering a completely reimagined Bones & Stones experience.
These images show that nature is hard at work inside Jenolan Caves. Famous rim-pool formations, like the Crystal Cities (banner image above) in the Imperial Cave, are filling with pure water.
And water is pouring into the Binoomea Cut (also pictured), which leads to the Orient Cave and Temple of Baal Cave. Even after the rain stops, water will continue to seep through the limestone into the caves for awhile, and visitors will be able to see it. It's great - nature's way of laying down more delicate crystal for future generations to cherish.
Experience Something New in Our Old Favourite
- The Lucas Cave
What's new about our Lucas Cave tour? Longer tour and more gorgeous crystal! The old favourite Lucas Cave tour has branched out - literally. It now runs for 2 fascinating hours, rather an 1.5hrs, and includes the colourful Mafeking Branch, which is festooned with crystal stalactites and shawls.
Starting with a 300-stair step ascent, your Lucas journey still takes you into our highest and widest chambers, for which the cave is famous and into the spectacular 'Cathedral Chamber', where music and lighting showcase jaw-dropping formations.
Dine with Us, and Support Local Farmers
Love good food and wine? Our grand dining room, Chisolm’s Restaurant, is one of the last remaining grand dining rooms in Australia from the Edwardian Era. It has so much history, and has even hosted royalty, back in 1927. In April, guests can immerse themselves in the historical ambience for breakfast, roast lunch, kitchen-crafted high tea and delicious dinner. At the same time, you will be supporting local farmers.
Chisolm’s head chef, Mark Livingstone, is meticulous about buying local, and it is good to know that when you eat at Chisolm’s you are helping to support local farmers. You can savour local lamb with ‘Lamb rump tagine, lemon and almond cous cous, sauce soubise’ or local beef with ‘Slow braised Black Angus scotch fillet (240g) Bourguignon of red wine, thyme, mushrooms and onions, served with mashed potatoes and broccolini ’.
Those who can’t resist the lure of the spirit world, should note that Chisolm’s Restaurant is rumoured to be haunted, by the spirit of Miss Barbara Chisolm who used to be in charge of the restaurant many years ago. Set your spirits high, with a huge list of locally sourced gin and other tipples at Jeremiah’s Bar, right next to Chisolm’s. See the drinks menu.
Your Chance to Time Travel in April
Jenolan Caves House was built between 1897 and 1926. As guests stroll down its vintage corridors, they can almost feel the vibes from 125 years of happy guests.
In this heritage-listed grand hotel, no two guestrooms are alike. No TVs or phones? We see that as an opportunity.
Our Hospitality & Hotel Manager, Mukul Sharma, said, “We have mobile reception and wi-fi, but it is surprising how many guests say they love the absence of ‘technology’. People today use TV as a substitute for conversation, and without a TV you can feel more like you’ve stepped back in time. It's really cool to think that maybe your great-grandparents stayed in this room!”
We hope to renovate Caves House, starting in the next couple of years, so if you love to feel you've stepped back in time, book your overnight stay soon, before the refurbishment.
Adventure guide Alison, said, “We love taking people on this experience. One of the best things about it is that when participants finish, you can see that sense of achievement on their faces. Their own amazement at what they’ve done even shows in the way they walk out of the cave. The more nervous they were at first, the greater the positive impact at the end, and it’s very satisfying to see.”
Our highly experienced guides take challenge-seekers abseiling, sliding, squeezing and crawling into the heart of the mountain, speleologist-style. We kit participants out in overalls, helmet and headlamp. No caving experience is necessary, but you need a general level of fitness and a thirst for authentic adventure.
That Goldilocks Time of Year
It's that special time of year - not too hot and not too cold, but just right - perfect for bushwalking.
If you have booked and prepaid a ticket for cave tour or dining, we can admit you to Jenolan. Once in, you can stretch your legs on a self-guided bushwalk, free of charge.
For bushwalking enthusiasts, our McKeown’s Valley Track is lovely. This historic walk takes you along a shady valley floor, where you might spot birds, brush-tailed rock wallabies, echidnas and lyrebirds.
And there is also the Carlotta Arch Walk and the steep Devils Coach House Lookdown. If really keen, you can explore the Six Foot Track, as far as our Jenolan Caves Cottages. If you are thinking of exploring more of the Six Foot Track, which runs all the way to Katoomba, first check this website.
Getting to Jenolan Has Changed!
Part of Jenolan Caves Road is closed. You can still use it, but remember to DETOUR onto Duckmaloi Road, then Titania Road, Edith Road and on to Jenolan. This detour adds 30 to 40 minutes to your trip. See directions and maps here.
Stay Connected Via Optus and Telstra
Our goal is to make you forget the outside world during your time at Jenolan – but some people can’t let go!
For many years, Telstra has been our only mobile phone service. But recently, Optus switched on their new Jenolan service – great news for those who feel they need to stay connected!
Always popular before our bushfire, flood and pandemic closures, we recently reintroduced the exhilarating 
