A challenging road through Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains
Australia, oceania
N/A
150 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to New South Wales? You HAVE to check out Jenolan Caves! I mean, we're talking the biggest and most famous caves in all of Australia. But get this – you can DRIVE through them! Seriously, it's one of the only roads *in the world* that tunnels through a cave.
You'll find these bad boys near Oberon, about a 3-hour trip west of Sydney, smack-dab in the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Think rolling hills and tons of protected wildlife.
Hidden on the southwest side of the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves are the most well-known limestone caves in Australia. People have been exploring them for over 150 years and they get about 240,000 visitors a year.
What makes these caves special? They're the pioneer of cave networks and have been developed as show caves for almost 200 years. While the number of available show caves changes, there were nine caves open for public viewing when initial records were made in the 1990s.
Don't miss Blue Lake, ringed by those incredible natural bridges like the Grand Arch! Oh, and keep an eye out for the blind white shrimp living in the underground waterways – talk about a unique critter!
Scientists figured out these caves are around 340 million years old, making them some of the oldest caves *ever*.
Now, the road itself, Jenolan Caves Road, is only about 150 meters long as it passes through the Grand Arch. But here's the thing: it's been through a LOT. Storms, fires, floods...it's seen it all! That means it's pretty narrow and can be tricky to navigate, so drive carefully! But the scenery? Totally worth it. Get ready for a wild ride!
Where is it?
A challenging road through Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -23.2829, 133.0672
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Max Elevation
- 150 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -23.2829, 133.0672
Related Roads in oceania
extremeCan you drive to the Remarkables?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising up to the Remarkables ski resort is an absolute must-do if you're in Otago, South Island, New Zealand! This isn't your average drive; you're heading way up to 1,622m (that's over 5,300 feet!). Starting just south of Queenstown and Frankton where Remarkables Road peels off from State Highway 6. It's about 13 km (8 miles) to the resort. The road even climbs to 1,844m (6,049ft) via a service road! Okay, so it used to be known for being a bit wild, but they've added a bunch of safety rails, so it's much tamer now. The first 10km are sealed smooth, and the last 3km are gravel but usually in good shape. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns where you'll want to drop it into low gear. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots! You'll gain 1296 meters in elevation, with an average grade of almost 10%. The road’s generally open all year, but after a good snow, it can get pretty slick. Definitely check if you need chains, especially if you're not in a 4WD. And hey, if you're not feeling confident driving, there are shuttle buses available! Oh, and why the name? Some say it's because it's one of the few ranges that runs perfectly north to south. Others say it's because the sunset views from here are, well, *remarkable*! Trust me, the views are worth it. The whole drive takes about 25 minutes if you don't stop, but you *will* want to stop. Seriously, even from the start, it is breathtaking. There are killer viewpoints around the 4km and 6km marks where you can soak in the views of the lake and where the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meet. It's pure New Zealand magic!
moderateIs Mount Hotham paved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to Victoria, Australia? You HAVE to check out Mount Hotham! At 1,862m (that's over 6,100 feet!), it's the highest point on the legendary Great Alpine Road (B500) and the highest paved road in the whole country! This stretch of the Great Alpine Road runs for about 32.6km (around 20 miles) connecting Harrietville and Hotham Heights. The whole Great Alpine Road is a mammoth 303 km (188 mi) long. Now, heads up: this is the Victorian Alps, so weather can be a bit wild, especially between Harrietville and Omeo. They usually keep it open in winter, but snow can close it down. If you're going during snow season, you'll need snow chains – you can rent them on either side of the road. The climb from Harrietville isn't crazy steep, but pay attention! The road's paved, but it can get a little tight with oncoming traffic in spots. Plus, some sections have serious drop-offs right next to the road, and not always with barriers. But the views? Totally worth it! Prepare for incredible scenery!
hardTake the Scenic Road and Discover French Pass in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Want to get off the beaten path in New Zealand? Head to French Pass, a sleepy little village at the top of the South Island! The road there, winding through the Marlborough Sounds, is a stunner. The road to this timeless seaport (also called Te Aumiti) is an adventure in itself. Picture this: mostly gravel, one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and some seriously narrow bits with steep drop-offs. It's a real "Kiwi" road! Keep an eye out for sheep and cattle roaming free – and plenty of cattle stops (and gates!). You'll want to secure anything loose in your car before you hit the first one! Starting from Ōkiwi Bay, the road stretches for about 38 km, climbing to 413m above sea level near Saddle Hill. This twisty road was built way back in 1957. It'll probably take you an hour or two to drive without stopping, and you might not even see another car the whole way. This isn't a popular tourist route, but that's part of its charm! Prepare to be amazed by the scenery – rolling farmland, a unique mineral belt, lush native bush, and those incredible sea views of the French Pass and d’Urville Island. Oh, and did I mention French Pass has some of the fastest tidal flows in New Zealand?
extremeWhere does Waterfall Way start and finish?
🇦🇺 Australia
Waterfall Way in Northern NSW is an absolute stunner of a drive! Think rainforests, river valleys, and, of course, waterfalls galore! You'll cruise right through the incredible New England and Dorrigo National Parks. This 170km (106mi) stretch of road kicks off from the New England Highway near Armidale and winds its way to the Pacific Highway close to Urunga (just a quick 20-minute jaunt south of Coffs Harbour). The road's fully sealed, but be warned: it can get pretty narrow and twisty, especially with a steep, winding 14km section west of Thora. Some spots are carved right into the mountainside, while others are built up with stonework – so keep your eyes peeled! Overtaking can be tricky, especially on the Dorrigo Range. And watch out for wildlife! While undeniably gorgeous, this route has seen its fair share of accidents in the past. Take it slow, stay focused, and you'll be golden. Plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Waterfall Way is a detour that's more than worth it, with everything from pristine coastal beaches to lush rainforest and wide-open plains. Keep an eye out for heavy trucks and slow-moving caravans. And if you're driving at night near Ebor, you might even spot a spotted-tail quoll – if you don't hit a kangaroo first! Don't forget your insect repellent, and be aware that mobile reception can be spotty along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!