WHEN the going gets hot, one of the best places to chill out is in a cave. And one of the best and most compact limestone cave systems is Abercrombie Caves, off the Bathurst-Goulburn Road at Trunkey Creek.
Scheduled guided and self-guided tours are available Thursday to Monday and comprehensively introduce visitors to the breathtaking world below.
By far the largest feature at the caves is the Archway, the biggest natural limestone bridge in the southern hemisphere, surpassing the Grand Arch at Jenolan by two and a half times.
Tours of the Archway Cave can be done day or night. The self-guided day tour involves a leisurely walk over the surface area and returns through the Archway.
The guided night tour is an extended inspection of the cave and its galleries. Highly recommended, it has been compared to an evening at the theatre, with the grandeur of gothic shapes and gloomy tunnels combined with sparkling crystal.
Tours are also available to the Bushrangers Cave, the hideout of the Ribbon Gang, who fought it out with armed settlers, mounted police and an army regiment in 1830; Grove Cave, which includes an optional crawly bit known as the “Grovel”; King Solomon’s Temple, with its spectacular outlooks; and the more challenging Cathedral Cave, the highest point in the roof of The Archway.
Above ground there is plenty to see, too.
The caves are located in a nature reserve that provides several half-day bushwalks.
One walk takes you to the abandoned open-cut gold mine at Mount Gray. The miners built a dance floor in the Archway, which is occasionally used today – it has tremendous acoustics.
Another track takes you to Grove Creek Falls, a lovely spot to fish for trout or for a dip when the weather is right.
The reserve is also a wildlife sanctuary. Visitors who stay in the guest cottage or on-site units share the surroundings with wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, and many species of birds.
Hot showers and a laundry are provided. A kiosk offers snacks and drinks.
Another great way to get to the caves is from the east via Oberon and the historic villages of Black Springs and Rockley.
- For information about cave tours, schedules and bookings for the cottage and cabins, www.oberonaustralia.com.au click on Visitor Information, then go to National Parks followed by Abercrombie Caves.
