Today we decided to go down to the Jenolan Caves a beautiful spot with myriads of limestone caves along the Great Dividing Range approximately 164 Kms away from Sydney. The history of the place is fascinating and the geology absolutely astounding.
We decided to head down to the Blue Mountains through the M4 Motorway with a short break at the Peppers Fairmont Resort, Leura — all setup in autumn colours. Such a splendid view indeed. Fairmont, for those that have been there you would know its the place to be in Leura. After our little break there we headed down only stopping for a short lunch at a very small village with only about 4 houuses — Hampton. This was the only place that seemed like a petrol station plus a restaurant plus a cafe plus your ordinary corner store. It was all you would need in a village. So we walked in. It felt so weird. Antiques hanging everywhere. The gentleman and his wife(probably) run the show here. Definitely monarchists(the whole royal lineage framed up on the wall). The couple would be in their mid 70′s going strong and the food – well I don’t remember having had a better pumpkin soup ever! They were Austrian, very hospitable but the place was rather quiant! One that takes you back about 30 or even 40 years. Hmmm! Not sure that’d be a great feeling, LOL.
On to Jenolan in a few more minutes down the windy road and chilling breeze. It was cold! When there we went into the Imperial Diamond Cave that encompassed a walk of about 385 steps but we were lucky the guide took us down to the very base of that cave where there is alittle trickle of a river flowing — another 66 steps down below. Our guide Ford was very well read on the subject in fact he was a geogologist himself. Caves were a part of his passion anyway and you can tell when someone speaks from the heart. It makes all the difference. It was sheer joy listening to his explanation and how he corelated the history of the caves along with the other events of life that went around these very caves as time went by including the reason why they do not like tourists as much damamge is done to the caves over time. I do agree by and large tourists are bad for any world heritage tour.
Ford seemed a bit opinionated but can understand his point consider this is his life, his passion. By the time we got out the cave it was dark, the caves look spooky in the night! We headed down to the big trout in Oberon that night it has been a great day surely.
My friends took me there just before I left Sydney and I had quite a nice time. All those stalactites and stalagmites that I only read about in geography class were there on full display
I think I still have some pictures somewhere. The resort picture looks beautiful!
My son Amit along with some of his friends took my wife my me to Jenolan caves. The stalactites and stalagmites were really the wonder of nature. They have been formed by contemporary geophysical and geochemical effects. They were really splendid! The correct explanation and demonostration given by our experienced guide Mr. Ford were so simple and to the point that we cannot forget them ever.
The blue mountains can’t be beaten for a great weekend away! If you are into adventure sports too, there are loads of great abseiling and mountain climbing opportunties! Last time I went, I caught the direct train up from Sydney so easy, relaxed and beautiful scenic views.