A century and a half ago, Wombeyan was the first cave system in the country to receive official protection, and it’s now part of the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve.

The caves lie 180km southwest of Sydney and can be reached in around three and a half hour’s drive from the city. The reserve is open year round and the caves can be explored at your leisure or as part of a guided tour.

While most visitors are keen to tick off a visit to the caves, as the area’s primary attraction, there’s certainly plenty to keep you occupied for a weekend visit.

There’s a well catered campsite located within the reserve so you can base yourself right on site, plus a couple of popular bushwalking routes that will allow you to get a glimpse of the park’s wildlife and waterfalls up close.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING: Access is via the partially unsealed Wombeyan Caves Road. It’s a fairly gentle drive, although road condition worsens somewhat after descending through the valley and crossing the Wollondilly River.

THE CAVES: The area’s primary attraction. Figtree Cave is a popular and safe to explore on your own, while a guided tour is necessary to check out some of the other caves.

BUSHWALKING: The Waterfall Walk is 4km each way and culminates at the Wombeyan Waterfall, which is very impressive after rain. Allow about three hours each way.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: The Wombeyan Caves are located 180km southwest of Sydney and can be reached in about three and a half hour’s drive. Access is via the Hume Motorway and Wombeyan Caves Road.

CAMPING is available at the Wombeyan Caves Campground. Full amenities including hot showers, toilets, drinking water and barbeques are provided. For bookings contact the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve NPWS office on (02) 4843 5976.

FUEL is available in Mittagong and Bowral.

MORE INFO is available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au