the drive to Jenolan Caves

Boothy · Veteran Member

the drive to Jenolan Caves

Cloak · Guru

Geez it was back in the 70's and I was on a bike. I wouldn't tow a van up there but it's ok for a car.

jandas fun · Guru

Boothy wrote:
We are heading to the Jenolan Caves from Hawksbury River, just wondering what the drive is like, I read previously it's very steep etc.
Is it worth the trip?

http://www.jenolancaravanpark.com.au/news.asp Hi Boothy have attached a link to Jenolan caravan park at Oberon which is about as close as you will get if towing a van.

If you are refering to Bells Line of Road as the steep section, it has a 3k or so steep windy uphill section at my end and the same at the Lithgow end going down. Easy as, if you have had a van more than 6 months, you will have done far worse.

Johnw

Radar · Guru

Hi Booth,

I think if I was at Hawksbury area I would take the time to drive via Penrith and up to Katoomba to get to Jenolan Caves.

Now that said where do you park your caravan? Maybe at Hartley would be good.

The road down to the caves is windy back years ago I needed too take a loaded semi down there, so it's not impossible but don't need to be done if there is some way round it.

The caves are worth the visit I have been a few times and would go again if I am near the area. Cheers

The road up from Penrith is much more gradual then the Sharpe climb of the Bells Line and then there is some short climbs from there to Mtn Wilson where you would need to change directions. Cheers

Gerty Dancer · Guru

I think we left our caravan at Lithgow the day we went to the Jenolan caves. (No diaries here so cant be sure)

Well worth the trip, I reckon they are probably the best caves open to the public in the country.

Memem · Veteran Member

Bells Line of Road from Richmond to Lithgow is windy but fine to tow on. I've done it plenty of times with a big horse float and horses on board. The hills at either ends requires respect, and gears (not just brakes).

The Jenolan Caves rode is probably windier, but plenty of tourist buses do it. I'm not sure of parking once you get there though.....

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Found this from the Jenolan Caves website -

Is road access restricted?

The two roads leading into the Jenolan valley are winding, and the road from Oberon is steep. Therefore neither road is suitable for vehicles towing caravans.

Every day, from 11.45am to 1.15pm, we close the road to traffic leaving Jenolan in the direction of Katoomba. For 90 minutes, the road becomes 'one way', to allow large coaches to enter Jenolan safely. However, if you would like to leave Jenolan during this time, you can travel via Oberon (Edith Road).

http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/visitor-info/frequently-asked-questions/#road_closure

Cheers - John

Pejay · Guru

Having been born and bred at Lithgow and ventured to Jenolan Caves many times there is no way that I would take a van down there. Leave your van at Lithgow - both the Bells Line of Road and the Great Western Highway do respect as Memem said. Having said this, enjoy your trip to the area, there certainly is plenty to see including the Museum at the Small Arms Factory at Lithgow.

glendadon · Veteran Member

Hello I used to take a big tourist coach down there and it was a bit of a nightmare if I did not get there in the time allotted I also depended a lot on the UHF radio to find out if there was something coming towards me so I recommend you find somewhere to leave your van and only take the car as the turning point at the caves would be a nightmare to turn a van around you might become a permanent resident if you try and take it down.

Regards
Don

Friar Park · Senior Member

Hi Boothie I lived in Kurrajong on Bells Line of Road for many years. I would never consider taking my van to Jenolan. As Don and Pejay suggest don't become a reluctant permanent resident leave your van at Lithgow, Penrith, Richmond or somewhere similar. It will eliminate any stress and you will enjoy your day in the area.

Friar

Boothy · Veteran Member

thanks everyone for the heads up. will def leave the van somewhere and drive there

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.