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Saturday 1 September 2018

Jenolan Caves: REVIEW

Have you been to Jenolan Caves of late?

I'm not talking your school excursion back in the 1980s. I mean a recent trip to rediscover this incredible Australian gem!




It is a true 'bucket list' item, and if you're a Sydney resident, there is simply NO reason not to take a day trip to rediscover (or experience for the first time) this natural beauty. Go on, get in the car 


A little heads up - walking shoes and plenty of water and a good research of he guided tours offered are essential - don't worry about doing a shorter tour or one that is the least strenuous - you will still see SO much of the beauty of Jenolan Caves and experience it as much as the super fit people who take on the longest, most strenuous ones!


When you're planning to visit Jenolan Caves, check out the walks HERE.
 




There are NINE spectacular caves, which feature pure underground rivers and truly beautiful limestone formations.


There are guided tours as well as multi-lingual tours, plus children's tours and even night tours, including the popular 'Legends, Mysteries, and Ghosts' tour.


Feeling super adventurous?


Try the 'adventure caving' experience! We saw some people kitted up for this and I personally thought: OH, not for me! But if you're up to it: do it! It'll take your bucket list adventure to another level.


There are also bushwalks, and more underground activities to suit all fitness levels.














The best part?


Even in the middle of summer, or even in snowy conditions outside, the caves are a constant 15 degrees celcius all year round!


Jenolan Caves is an award-winning experience for all walks (pardon the pun) of life!


Hungry after of burning energy? Stay for dinner! We stayed for dinner at Chisholm's restaurant and it was worth the experience of seeing 


It is the perfect end to a day of climbing and exploring. Before you tuck into dinner, relax in the adjoining rooms where you can relax in the library area and get yourself ready for your cosy dinner.














Here is the current menu:


Starters:


Pumpkin, chilli and lemon myrtle soup (v)



Shanghai sticky pork belly, quinoa granola, shallots and oyster mushrooms (gf, df)

Caves chicken liver parfait, melba, Cumberland sauce and cornichons
Mains:
Roast chicken and brie roulade, smooth polenta, capsicum coulis and kumara chips (gf)
Braised lamb shank with potato gratin and a warm broccolini and hazelnut soil (gf)
Hot and sour goat curry (gf, df, cn)
Barramundi geng gari, choy sum and sprout salad (gf, df, cn)
Char grilled Oberon Black Angus tenderloin (200g) with béarnaise, French fries and arugulas (gf)
Char grilled Oberon Black Angus scotch with mash, cress and a mixed mushroom sauce
Parsnip and sweet potato strudel with garbanzos and Arrabiata sauce (v, veg opt)
Prawn and ocean trout risotto with saffron and fresh parsley
From the Grill:
Char Grilled Oberon Black Angus tenderloin (200g)with béarnaise and araugalas (gf)
Char grilled Oberon Black Angus scotch and mixed mushroom sauce
On the Side:
Rocket, pear and walnut salad, blue cheese and pomegranate (v,gf)
Creamy mash potato
French fries
Mixed leaf lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, cucumber and capsicum (v,veg,df,gf)
Fragrant Rice Pilau
Desserts:
Sascha torte with chantilly cream
Blueberry cheesecake with mango and strawberry ice cream (upon request)
Pear Tart Tatin with vanilla ice cream (upon request)
White chocolate bavarois with nectarine and raspberry compote
Visiting at Christmas time? Chisolm's Restaurant even has an Xmas lunch buffet. And in July, the restaurant offers Yulefest or Christmas in July!
On selected July evenings, they have a special festive menu (even a kids' Yulefest menu) and a special hand out of small gifts, with Santa making an appearance INSIDE one of the caves!
You can just picture it, right! Cosy nights at Jenolan (and yes, it gets REAL cold!) enjoying the unique beauty of the Blue Mountains region, having a special meal at the restaurant or bistro, then retiring to bed amongst the unique caves atmosphere.









Caves House is an icon of Blue Mountains accommodation. In 1897, NSW Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon, designed and built the grand Jenolan Caves House, only a minute's stroll from the Grand Arch, as a wilderness retreat for wealthy travellers. At the time, o expense was spared. He used the alpine, picturesque  'Federation, Arts and Crafts' style. 
Caves House has even been listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, with Jenolan Caves House identified as meeting a range of cultural standards - aesthetic, historic and social, which make it significant for past, present or future generations.
Ready to book accomodation? CLICK HERE.
The accomodation here is varied! It incorporates romantic style rooms, historic guestrooms, modern rooms, backpacker lodging, and bush cottages. Caves House retains all of its beauty and elegance, and offers warm country hospitality. Caves House prides itself on having hosted visitors from all walks of life, from honeymooners, families, backpackers, international tourists, celebrities, even royalty. The hotel tariffs vary for all needs and budgets.
Here is the style of accomodation on offer:
  • the iconic Jenolan Caves House, with charming decor, reflecting the late Victorian era - every room is different - no two rooms are alike!
  • motel-style Mountain Lodge, with modern decor, very popular with families
  • the Gate House (backpacker lodge), for budget-minded travellers
  • self-contained Binoomea Cottage, for large families and groups of friends
  • idyllic Jenolan Caves Cottages, set amongst kangaroos and native wilderness, a short drive from the caves.
Jenolan Caves is open for tours every day, for people of all ages.   

Visiting Jenolan 4 hours or more from now? Book online. Visiting within 4 hours? Book by phone.

Do it! Experience Jenolan Caves all over again! Or marvel in it for the first time.


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