Wombeyan Caves tourism project

Project stakeholder news – December 2023

The project

In 2020 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was awarded $9.6 million from the Infrastructure NSW Restart Fund to deliver the Wombeyan Caves tourism project.

NPWS published the Wombeyan Cave Visitor Precinct Plan in December 2021, which identified a scope of works to improve day visitor and overnight guest experiences.

A detailed Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve – Review of Environmental Factors and Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit were prepared which informed the detailed project design and assessment process involving specialist landscape architects, building architects, ecologists, engineers and the Aboriginal community. Protection of site values underpinned the design of the work and the way the project has been delivered.

Carfax Commercial Constructions commenced work at Wombeyan Caves to deliver the project in August 2022.

Aerial view of a white path leading through poplars and parkland to a small buildlng

Improvements to visitor arrival and safety

On-park roads and parking have been improved, accessible parking has been installed, with wayfinding and building identification signage upgraded. Interpretations and information signage are being designed for the site, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders and interested parties.

New visitor facilities

In the day-use area NPWS have replaced the old office building and Kui Kiosk to build a visitor hub, office, amenities, and café space all together, and new picnic facilities have been provided including shelter and barbecue facilities.

Improved access to Victoria Arch

A new accessible path from the parking area has been constructed providing a major improvement in access for visitors to experience the spectacular Victoria Arch.

The design of the raised viewing platform within the arch was finalised following consultation with the Karst Management Advisory Committee and addressed the protection of subaerial stromatolites (craybacks), which are a significant feature within the arch. The new facilities provide improved accessibility, and protection of cave features and the Karst environment.

Improved accommodation precincts

Facilities in the camping area have now been upgraded and include the provision of 18 powered sites, group camping areas, and bookable campsites with improved road access and parking. The final touches to the accommodation precinct, including camp site signage and wayfinding will be complete before opening.

Small amenities building with shaded verandah, poplars in foreground

3 sinks, 3 mirrors and 3 wall-mounted soap dispensers with toilet cubicle doors reflected in mirrors

Barmah building

Access to the Barmah building and pedestrian connections across the site have been improved. The common area and kitchen are now connected by an accessible covered breezeway. Disabled access to these buildings has also been improved through the installation of a ramp and provision of a disabled parking space.

The building has been sympathetically modified to increase natural lighting, improve amenity, and to promote the building and surrounds as a social activity hub, with increased areas for outdoor dining and activities.

When will the precinct and caves re-open?

NPWS currently anticipates welcoming back visitors to Wombeyan Caves in late February 2024 or early March 2024 pending Council road re-opening.

A shaded road fringed by poplars and trees in autumn colours.

After the precinct was closed to visitors in July 2022, flood events caused damage to walking tracks, roads and other visitor infrastructure in and around the caves, and delayed project delivery.

Major infrastructure works within the reserve have now been completed and both Upper Lachlan and Wingecarribee Shire councils have started work to improve Wombeyan Caves Road on either side of Wombeyan Caves.

While Wombeyan Caves remains closed for the duration of Council roadworks, NPWS will continue to prepare for the return of visitors by repairing damaged walking tracks and establishing new landscaping such as grass in the camping area.

Accommodation bookings will reopen once Council roadworks are completed. For camper trailer and caravan access, the recommended route into Wombeyan Caves will remain Wombeyan Caves Road (access from Taralga Road).

Page last updated 29 January 2024

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