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Blue Mountains native wildlife at Jenolan

The Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve (approximately 2,422 square hectares) has World Heritage status, as part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.  It is a nature reserve, home to native Australian wildlife.  Most shy native animals do not venture into the immediate vicinity of the caves, and being nocturnal, are rarely seen. We do not  feed or encourage native animals to become tame. However, with patience and careful observation, when you visit the caves, you might spot wild animals during the day. For your own safety (and for the health of the native wildlife), do not approach them or feed them.

Blue Mountains wildlife. Platypus are commonly glimpsed in Jenolan Caves' Blue Lake. blue mountains wildlife - Rare Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby and baby Cunningham's Skinks are sometimes seen basking in the sun, at Jenolan Caves.
blue mountains wildlife - Water Dragons are frequently seen at Jenolan Caves Kangaroos are very common at Jenolan Caves, especially around the Jenolan Caves Cottages, where they graze. Echidna are often seen crossing roads on the way to Jenolan Caves.
Spotted Quolls are very rare, but have been seen at Jenolan Caves in recent years. Swamp Wallabies have been spotted at Jenolan Caves, even in the visitor area. About the size of a small coin, cave spiders dwell in the Grand Arch.
Several varieties of 'micro bats' live in the caves and are sometimes glimpsed during cave tours and underground concerts. This photo of Eastern Bentwing Bats was provided by Clive Barker for the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage. Brush Tailed Possums are very common after dark at Jenolan Caves. It is rare to see a wombat during the day. But if you stay overnight, you might spot a wombat near Caves House.
Lyrebirds are very common at the caves, in the early morning especially. Crimson rosellas are extremely common at Jenolan Caves. They can bite, so try not to feed them! Sooty Owl at Jenolan Caves

Biodiversity Survey

In the Office of Environment & Heritage, the Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Section, supported by staff from the Karst and Geodiversity and Trust, completed a two week vertebrate fauna survey of the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. The survey extended to above and below ground environments.  Findings supported previous assessments that the reserve is a significant site for biodiversity, with a broad range of species.  To read the highly informative vertebrate fauna survey, click here.

Naturalist Narawan Williams studies an Eastern Bentwing Bat at Jenolan Caves. Image by Anne Musser.