FAQs
Is there public transport to Jenolan Caves?
No. You must self-drive, and currently no tour operators are coming to Jenolan. Full details
Can I get a taxi or a rental car nearby?
We do not favour any particular taxi or rental car company, but can help with phone numbers.
How much time does it take to get to Jenolan Caves?
Travel time varies, depending on where you start, and also on delays and stops that you might make along the way. Because Jenolan Caves Road no longer goes through to Jenolan, you must detour onto Duckmaloi Road, then Titania Road and then Edith Road, adding an extra 30 to 40 minutes to the trip. Generally, if you do not stop or experience delays, it takes approximately 2.5 hours from Penrith to Jenolan Caves. It takes 2 hours from Katoomba, 1 hour from Bathurst and 3 hours from Canberra. If you are following a GPS or Google maps, their timings are often inaccurate. Allow at least an extra 1 hour on top of its estimated arrival time. Details
Is road access restricted?
Jenolan Cave Road is currently closed for major repairs. Because Jenolan Caves Road no longer goes through to Jenolan, you must detour onto Duckmaloi Road, then Titania Road and then Edith Road. All vehicles must use Edith Road, which is very steep, narrow and winding with several tight hairpin bends. Edith Road is not suitable for vehicles towing caravans or any vehicle larger than a 12-seat minivan. On Edith Road, 3 kms before Jenolan, at the top of the steep valley descent, STOP AT THE BARRIER. The descent is now one-way, so Transport for NSW will escort your vehicle 3km down to our carpark. Then, catch our free shuttle bus, down to caves and hotel. Escort vehicles run every 20 minutes. To be on time for your tour, please arrive at the barrier (3km from the caves) *** AT LEAST 1 HOUR BEFORE YOUR FIRST BOOKED ACTIVITY.*** Escort vehicles leave our car park every 20 minutes, to accompany vehicles back up the hill.
How long before my tour should I arrive?
Arrive at least 1 hour before your first activity.
If I'm running late will the tour wait for me?
No, the tours need to run on time and to schedule, if you are running late try to inform the Guides Office so they can either move you to the next available tour or convert your tickets to a voucher.
How much parking is there and does it cost anything?
Please park in our upper carpark. You will see parking signage when you arrive. Parking is free. From the carpark, there is a lovely walk (approx. 500m) down to Caves House. If you not wish to walk, or are unable to, we have a regular complimentary shuttle bus service that can take you down the hill, and back up again to your car.
No. We do not sell fuel at Jenolan. The closest fuel is available at Oberon (30km). Please plan to buy fuel on your way to the caves.
Are there concession prices available?
Yes. reductions are available for Australian Aged pension and Australian Seniors card holders only.
Is there a discount for Defense Force personnel?
Yes, a 10% discount applies to all cave tour tickets for Defense Force personnel, their spouse/partner and their immediate family. However, this discount is not available for online bookings. Please pre-book by phone, so that we can make a note of your Defense Force ID. On arrival, show your Defense Force ID card to our ticket seller, and pick up your tickets. This discount applies to all cave tours, including Adventure Caving.
What age constitutes a child ticket?
For cave tours, it's 4-15 years old. For meals in Chisolm's Restaurant, it's 4 to 12 years old.
If my child is under 4, do they still need a ticket?
Yes, they need an infant under 4 ticket (0-3). It is free.
Can I take a baby pram or stroller in the caves?
No. You cannot take a pram or stroller through any of the caves at Jenolan. Also, we strongly recommend that you do not use backpack child carriers on cave tours.
Is it cold in the caves?
Temperature inside the caves does not change with the seasons. It is always approximately 15 degrees Celsius, comfortable for walking and climbing stairs.
What should I wear for my cave tour?
Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and comfortable clothing, similar to what you would wear for a bushwalk. High heels and 'thongs' are not recommended for any tour.
Can we still visit the caves if it is raining?
Yes. The caves are safe in all weather conditions, and tours are unaffected by rain.
Should I pre-book a tour?
Yes! Absolutely! Each tour has a limited number of available places. Pre-booking is mandatory.
I Booked my tickets online but I can't print them, can I just show the email?
Yes, having the email is enough, taking a screenshot of the ticket before arrival is also recommended as reception can be patchy or unavailable.
If I booked my tickets over the phone do I receive a confirmation?
If you provide your email address we can send you your tickets and receipt, otherwise the tickets will be in the Guides Office under your last name.
I'm trying to book online but I can't select the time I want?
This normally means the tour is sold out or has insufficient vacancy for your group size.
Can I use other vouchers (prize vouchers etc.) online?
No, for other voucher sales you will need to make a phone booking.
Can I get a refund if I changed my mind?
We do not offer refunds for change of mind. We can however move your tickets to another cave with space available of the same or lesser value.
Are any tours suitable for 'disabled' visitors?
Generally, all caves are difficult to access. None of our standard tours can accommodate wheelchairs. However, we can arrange a special tour into the first part of the Orient Cave, which is wheelchair accessible. To enable us to arrange a guide, you must book in advance, for this special tour. For those with reduced mobility, we recommend The Imperial Cave, our easiest 'standard' tour.
Is 'disabled' parking available?
Yes. We can arrange for a 'courtesy bus' to escort your vehicle from the main car park down to the caves precinct. Please ask at the Ticket Office.
Does Caves House have wheelchair access?
Caves House has one guestroom which has a wheelchair-friendly ensuite. At the front of Caves House, a short ramp leads into the main foyer. From there, you can access the gift shop and elevator, however the toilets off the foyer are not accessible. Taking the elevator upstairs, you can access the bar and Chisolm's Restaurant on the first floor and your guestroom on the second or third floor. However, the toilets nearest to Chisolm's Restaurant do not have wheelchair access, and there is also no access to the sunken lounge next to the bar.
At the rear of Caves House, near the disabled parking space, a ramp leads to the back door, which opens on approach. From there, you can access the Caves Cafe, front verandah, disabled toilet and guest lounge. The front verandah also has motion-sensing doors.
However, there is no wheelchair access to the Kanangra-Boyd Function Room or to the pre-function room (with pool table).
Are pets or assistance (service) animals allowed at Jenolan Caves?
Jenolan is in a dedicated conservation and wildlife reserve. Pets are not allowed within this reserve.
However, you can bring your trained and accredited assistance (service) animal, for example, your guide dog or hearing dog. However, you must also bring and show your animal's official certification as an assistance animal. Your assistance animal must remain on a lead at all times while on tour, in the surrounding area, in the car park and while on any part of the reserve. This helps to protect the unique flora and fauna on the reserve. Also, as the NPWS conducts aerial baiting, to irradicate foxes and wild dogs, keeping your animal on a lead at all times also safeguards them.
What food is available for people on restricted diets?
For breakfast and dinner at Chisolm's Restaurant, the menu includes vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free choices.
Our Caves Cafe offers vegetarian choices throughout the day, for snacks and light lunches.
Please note that our food is neither kosher nor halal. if you bring your own food, you are welcome to use our picnic areas.
Are there BBQ facilities available?
No.
Can I get all-day breakfast in Chisolm's Restaurant?
No. We have multiple dining options, such as High Tea. Also, the Caves Café serves food such as sandwiches, burgers, pizza, fish & chips etc. and other pre-packaged foods through the day.
What is the best cave to see?
There is no such thing as the ‘best cave at Jenolan’, as they are all very different. It is like asking what is the best food on a menu. It is a subjective choice. Your choice depends on several factors, including your fitness level and tour duration. Age is also a factor, as not all caves are suitable for younger children, and some caves are too strenuous for less mobile adults.
Can I take photographs in the cave?
Yes. Photography is permitted on all tours, although flash photography is discouraged. Tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not allowed on tours, and may not be brought into any cave.
How many cave tours can I do in a day?
In a single day, the average adult can comfortably visit 3 show caves.
Is there camping at Jenolan Caves?
No. There is no campsite at Jenolan.
Does Caves House have Wi-Fi?
Yes we do have free wi-fi on the ground floor of Caves House. It is good enough to send texts and emails but cannot stream videos or video calls. We are constantly working to upgrade the bandwidth with our suppliers. When we upgrade the hotel, we will ensure there is wi-fi throughout.
Can I check in early?
Yes. Please contact us and put in a request. We will do our best to accommodate special circumstances.
Can I leave my luggage somewhere after checking out?
Yes. Please as our team at Caves House Reception.
Can I pay by Amex or Ali Pay?
Not yet. We will update our website, when we are able to accept any new mode of payments.
Can I get hypoallergenic linen in my room?
No, due to the heritage nature of the building and remote location. We are working with our suppliers to add this as a service. Until then, may we request you to carry your own.
Do you have room service and after-hours meals?
No. We will add this feature after the planned hotel upgrade and renovations in 2022.
What entertainment options do I have for my kids?
Mainly nature - caves and bush walks. Being a heritage building in a remote area, we request families to explore the flora and fauna around the Jenolan precinct. Please carry your own devices, board games, books or other items of interest.
What pillow options do I have?
No. We can provide extra pillows, but we do not have a pillow menu.
Where is the nearest chemist?
Oberon, 30 km from Jenolan. Open 7 days, please check timings on https://www.oberonpharmacy.com.au/
I tried to pre-book and the date I want to tour is not available. Can I just turn up?
No, pre-booking is a condition of entry. If a tour is not available to book unfortunately you will need to pick another date. We apologise for the inconvenience.
What is your booking/refund/cancellation policy?
Our staff are happy to assist you by booking alternative dates, or providing a 3-year voucher. If you require assistance, please call us on 1300 76 33 11.