Fact Sheets & Video - Jenolan Caves

Discover the "oldest discovered open cave system in the world" - in our own backyard!

Did you know that Australia is home to the "oldest discovered open cave system in the world"?

Jenolan Caves, 2.5 hours from Sydney, was recently proven to be more than 340 million years old, despite scientists who up until 20 years ago, believed the Caves were no more than a few thousand years old!

Today, Jenolan Caves attracts over 250,000 visitors a year, making it one of regional NSW's most visited attractions, but it has a long history of attracting visitors from far and wide.

There are currently 11 show caves open for viewing by the public, offering an amazing array of natural wonders. Highlights include:

* The Nettle Cave, which was only reopened in December 2006 after 74 years behind closed doors! Its brand new digital audio tour allows you to explore on a self-guided basis, leading you through the famous Devils Coach House on the way into the Nettle Cave.

* The Temple of Baal, which was discovered in 1904 and first opened to the public in 1907. It is renowned for its beauty and spectacular features and consists of two massive chambers, one of which is 42metres high and dominated by the huge 9-metre long shawl formation called the Angel's Wing - one of the largest cave shawls in the world.

In 2006 the Temple of Baal was transformed with a state-of-the-art light and sound show designed to highlight the cave's stunning features while protecting its environment.

* The Lucas Cave was discovered in 1860 and is the most popular among visitors - in fact if you visited Jenolan on a school excursion, you probably visited the Lucas.

Offering both the highest and widest chambers at Jenolan, as well as a glimpse of the underground river, it is home to the most photographed formation at Jenolan, the Broken Column and it's highest chamber, the Cathedral (54 metres) is used for Jenolan's popular Concerts in the caves' series. Celebrated performers like Dame Nelly Melba, Joan Sutherland and the Vienna Boys Choir have performed in the Cathedral Chamber. Joan Sutherland reputedly called it "the hall with the best acoustics I ever sang in". 2007 is the 10th Anniversary of the Concerts in the Caves' series and visitors attending the concerts are likely to be entertained by the fabulous Georg & Gustaw of the Paginini Duo.

And no visit to Jenolan Caves is complete with out an overnight stay at the charming, heritage listed Caves House. It was first built in 1896 with additions being made to the imposing hotel up until around 1927. Today, it is one of the few remaining mountain guesthouses of its type and is restored to its original Victorian grandeur, in a 'modified Queen Anne style'. A range of accommodation options are available at Jenolan, from Superior suites to self-contained bush cottages catering to all budgets.

Further Information:

Jenolan Caves, NSW

Jenolan Caves

Entry from $25 adult

1300 763 311

www.jenolancaves.org.au

Caves House

Jenolan Caves House

From $85

Be one of the first 100 callers to book a two night stay and you'll receive a "Great Outdoors Jenolan Caves Pass" valued at $100 per couple and $150 for a family pass.

1300 76 33 11 - press 1 for caves house enquiries

Paginini Dus

George Mertens (guitar) & Gustaw Szelski (violin)

www.georgcello.com