Karst conservation reserves
What is karst?
Karst landscapes are named after the great limestone Karst Plateau in Slovenia. These landscapes are formed from rock that dissolves in water, such as limestone, dolomite or chalk.
Over vast lengths of time, water erodes crevices in the rock, forming deep vertical gorges. Streams disappear underground, trickling into cracks to eventually hollow out underground caverns. As water drips and seeps over cave walls it leaves calcium carbonate deposits behind, in the form of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and shawls.
On the surface above, depressions (called dolines) are gouged out of the landscape - some of them very deep and wide. Exposed limestone beds are sculpted into sharp-edged grooves, flutes and pits called karren.
Karst conservation reserves in NSW
Karst conservation reserves are outstanding cave areas that offer unique experiences with their spectacular beauty and stunning surroundings. There are four in New South Wales: Jenolan, Wombeyan, Borenore and Abercrombie.
These diverse cave systems offer unique experiences with their beauty and spectacular surroundings. They're all found in the rich countryside bordering the western side of the Blue Mountains. You can spend a day at one of the caves, or take a few days on the round-trip 'four cave tour'.
The guided and self-guided tours will open your eyes to the stunning and distinctive formations in each cave system. For the more adventurous, squeezing through the tiny passageways of 'wild' caves makes for an exhilarating adventure experience.
Accommodation is available to suit most budgets at Abercrombie, Jenolan and Wombeyan caves. The camping areas are shaded by well-established trees and provide hot showers and laundry facilities. Alternatively, you can enjoy the fresh and cool mountain air, staying in a cabin or cottage constructed in harmony with surrounding reserves.
Detailed information about each karst conservation reserve
- Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
- Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve
- Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
- Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
Distance and approximate travelling times to the caves
| Route travelled | Distance | Time |
| Sydney to Abercrombie Caves via Bathurst | 270 km | 4 hrs |
| Sydney to Borenore Caves via Bathurst | 277 km | 4 hrs |
| Sydney to Jenolan Caves via M4 Motorway & Great Western Highway | 175 km | 2½ hrs |
| Sydney to Wombeyan Caves via Mittagong (some steep winding roads) | 180 km | 2½ hrs |
| Sydney to Wombeyan Caves through Goulburn via Hume Highway | 270 km | 3 hrs |
| Jenolan Caves to Abercrombie Caves via Oberon/ Rockley/Trunkey Creek (unpaved sections) | 107 km | 1½ hrs |
| Jenolan Caves to Borenore Caves via Oberon/Bathurst/Orange | 139 km | 2 hrs |
| Jenolan Caves to Wombeyan Caves via Oberon/Black Springs/Taralga (unpaved sections) | 115 km | 1½ hrs |
| Wombeyan Caves to Abercrombie Caves via Tuena/Laggan (unpaved sections) | 119 km | 2 hrs |
| Wombeyan Caves to Borenore Caves via Black Springs/Oberon/Bathurst/Orange (unpaved sections) | 226 km | 3 hrs |
| Abercrombie Caves to Borenore Caves via Trunkey Creek/Blayney/Orange | 118 km | 2 hrs |