In the heart of New South Wales lies Wellington Caves, an amazing place for travellers, explorers, and families. This complex of limestone caves is famous for its stunning stalagmites, intricate stalactites, and historical finds, including ancient fossils of Australian megafauna. A visit to Wellington Caves is an adventure into geological history and into the depths of Australia’s past, where drip water and cave deposits have created some of the most beautiful formations on earth. For those looking to explore the surrounding areas, Blue Mountains day tours provide an incredible opportunity to discover more of New South Wales.

Just 8km from the quaint town of Wellington, these caves offer a journey through time, with Cathedral Cave, Gaden Cave, and Anticline Cave being the main attractions. As you enter these caves, you’ll see impressive crystal formations, a huge stalagmite at Altar Rock, and the water droplets that shape this underground world. Pairing a visit to Wellington Caves with a Blue Mountains tour or even a Blue Mountains tour from Sydney can enhance your travel experience. There are plenty of Blue Mountains tours to choose from, offering a blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Geological Wonders of Wellington Caves

Wellington Caves are part of Australia’s geological treasures, one of many limestone caves throughout the country. Like Jenolan Caves and Abercrombie Caves, Wellington Caves have formations millions of years in the making, formed by slow drip water hydrology and calcite crystal accumulation. These caves have a wide range of formations from baby stalactites to beautiful limestone formations shaped by acid water and the water table deep underground.

The Fossil Trail at Wellington Caves is a must-see for anyone interested in vertebrate fossils and megafauna bones. Paleontologists and scientists have conducted many surveys for fossils and found thousands of bones of ancient creatures that lived here millions of years ago. The caves are a chance to learn about Australian fossils and get an insight into Australia’s past. The Visitor Experience Centre has displays that explain how the caves were formed, their history and the finds made here.

Cathedral Cave – The Gem of Wellington Caves

One of the most popular caves in Wellington Caves is Cathedral Cave, an incredible cave that has one of the tallest stalagmites in the Southern Hemisphere. Altar Rock is over 15m high and the calcite formations sparkle under the cave lights. The size of this huge stalagmite and the stalagmites throughout the cave will leave you breathless.

In Cathedral Cave, you’ll see crystal formations that show the slow but powerful drip of water work over millions of years. The water droplets from the ceiling create the perfect environment for these natural sculptures to grow year after year. No wonder it’s one of the most visited caves in the area. Thousands of people visit every year.

Gaden Cave and Anticline Cave – Wellington Caves Hidden Gems

Cathedral Cave gets all the attention, but Gaden Cave and Anticline Cave are just as special. Gaden Cave is all about the delicate formations – baby stalactites and a whole bunch of stalactites that create a surreal landscape. Gaden Cave is all about the details – calcite formations and cave deposits that show layers of history visible to the naked eye.

Anticline Cave is all about the folds – giving you a glimpse into the earth’s history over millions of years. These folds are a testament to the power of geological processes – tectonic plate movement and underground water flow. With every step into Anticline Cave, you go deeper into the natural world.

Fossil Trail – A Journey Through Time

One of the best bits of Wellington Caves is the Fossil Trail, a walk through the history of vertebrate fossils found in the area. The bone caves in this region have yielded countless fossils of ancient megafauna, including marsupials that lived over 100,000 years ago. Megafauna is on show here, with researchers still analysing fossil material from the caves.

In the 19th century gold rush Wellington Caves were famous not just for their beauty but for the discovery of Australian megafauna fossils. Today you can see the bones of extinct animals and learn how isotopes in stalagmites help scientists study the earth’s climate from long ago. The Visitor Experience Centre has exhibits, interactive displays and heaps of information on the fossils and geology of the area.

Outdoor Activities Around Wellington Caves

Outside of the caves themselves, Wellington has heaps of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The Wellington Caves Caravan Park is a great base from which to stay and explore the area, surrounded by trees and meandering paths. Nearby are Cameron Park, Burrendong Botanic Garden and Mount Arthur Reserve, each with stunning views and walking trails.

For water lovers, Lake Burrendong is great for water skiing, and the waterways around here are perfect for kayaking and fishing. The Burrendong Dam Adventure is also an option for those who want to get outdoors and stay close to Wellington Caves. With its high biodiversity and native wildlife, this is a nature lover’s paradise.

Plan Your Visit to Wellington Caves

• Location: 8km from Wellington, NSW
• Best time to visit: Open all year, but cooler months, April to September, are best
• Tour duration: 1-1.5 hours, extra time to spend in the Visitor Experience Centre and Fossil Trail
• Level of fitness required: Medium, uneven surfaces and stairs. Wear enclosed shoes and dress for the cave climate.
• Nearby attractions: Cameron Park, Mount Arthur Reserve, Toyama Osawano Japanese Garden, or take a short walk for great views of the surrounding area.

FAQ

What makes Wellington Caves different to other caves in Australia?

Ancient fossils, megafauna bones and stunning stalagmites and stalactites like the one in Cathedral Cave. Geologically and historically significant, a glimpse into prehistoric life.

Are the Wellington Caves suitable for children and families?

Yes, family friendly cave tours for all ages. Easy to walk on but children should wear enclosed shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces.

How long does the visit take?

It takes 1-1.5 hours, but visitors often spend extra time on the Fossil Trail, Visitor Experience Centre, and nearby parks.

What to wear?

Comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes as the terrain is uneven. The cave climate is cooler so bring a light jacket.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes, but no flash. They are overposting the deposits and the stalagmites and stalactites.