Wombeyan Caves reopens after $9.6 million upgrade

15 March 2024

The remarkable Wombeyan Caves visitor precinct is welcoming back visitors following a $9.6 million makeover which has transformed the much-loved site into a first-class regional tourism destination.

A family of 2 adults and 2 children on a viewing platform inside Fig Tree Cave, admiring the stalactites

The revitalisation includes upgraded camping and visitor amenities – additional powered sites, a new office, visitor centre, kiosk – improved roads and parking and a new accessible viewing platform at the entrance to the spectacular Victoria Arch in Fig Tree Cave.

Set in a secluded valley, the vast Wombeyan Caves system is a maze of underground passages, streams and caverns adorned with striking and delicate rock formations. In 1865 it was the first area in Australia to be reserved for the protection of its caves.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) improvements to the visitor precinct mean the site can provide a unique natural setting suitable for family camping and potentially small-scale events and ecotourism activities in the future.

Visitors can explore the Wollondilly, Kooringa and Mulwaree caves on a variety of guided tours while Wombeyan’s Fig Tree Cave is regarded as the premier self-guided cave experience in New South Wales.

Funding for the upgrades was from the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.

For more information on Wombeyan Caves visit the NPWS Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve website.

Quotes attributable to NPWS Blue Mountains Branch Director David Crust:

'It is wonderful to see this beautiful and popular destination welcoming back visitors.

'Wombeyan is a major tourist drawcard for the area and has long been a favourite family holiday spot where you can bring your caravan, tent, motorhome or even stay in a cabin.

'This $9.6 million upgrade significantly improves accessibility to this unique natural wonder so it can be enjoyed by even more people.'

Wombeyan facts

‘Wombeyan’ comes from local language meaning 'wombat' or 'home of the wombat'.

Wombeyan Caves are believed to be part of an Aboriginal travel route.

The Dreamtime story of Gurangatch relates to the forming of Wombeyan and Jenolan caves.

1828 Wombeyan Caves reported by John Oxley.

1865 Reserve established to protect the caves.

1890s First accommodation provided at the site for visitors.

1927 Caves wired for electricity; previously cave viewings were by candlelight.

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