Jump to content

Abercrombie Caves: Difference between revisions

Edit links
Coordinates: 33°54′41.18″S 149°21′33.77″E / 33.9114389°S 149.3593806°E / -33.9114389; 149.3593806
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Edited condition of closed until 23 December 2024.
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 31 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2014}}
{{coord|-33.91307|149.35112|display=title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
[[File:Abercrombie Caves (3294433460).jpg|thumbnail]]
{{Infobox cave
Also known as Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve.
| name = Abercrombie Caves
| other_name =
| photo = Abercrombie Caves (3294433460).jpg
| photo_width =
| photo_caption = Entrance to Abercrombie Caves, undated.
| map =
| map_width =
| map_caption =
| map_alt =
| location = {{NSWcity|Bathurst}}, [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]]
| coords = {{coord|-33.91144|149.35938}}
| coords_ref =
| depth =
| length =
| height_variation =
| elevation =
| discovery = 1842{{spaced endash}}W. R. Davidson<ref name=oehculture/>
| geology = [[Limestone]]
| entrance_count =
| entrance_list =
| difficulty =
| hazards =
| access = No access - closed until 23 December 2024
| show_cave =
| show_cave_length = {{convert|221|m|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/abercrombie-karst-conservation-reserve|title=Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve: Why you should visit|work=[[National Parks and Wildlife Service (New South Wales)|NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service]]|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|access-date=26 September 2014}}</ref>
| lighting =
| visitors =
| features = ''The Archway''{{spaced endash}} the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere. Other considerable features at the site include; King Solomon's Temple, Belfry Cave, Cathedral Cave, Grove Cave, and the Bushranger's Cave.
| survey =
| survey_format =
| website = [http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/abercrombie-karst-conservation-reserve Abercrombie Caves] at [[National Parks and Wildlife Service (New South Wales)|NSW NPWS]]
}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type = protected
| name = Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
| state = nsw
| iucn_category = III
| image =
| caption =
| image_alt =
| coordinates = {{coord|33|54|41.18|S|149|21|33.77|E|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title}}
| force_national_map =
| relief = 1
| pushpin_map_caption =
| map_alt =
| nearest_town_or_city = {{NSWcity|Bathurst}}
| area = 14.34
| area_footnotes = <ref name=oeh>{{cite web|title=Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve: Park management|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkManagement.aspx?id=N0350|work=Office of Environment and Heritage|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|access-date=26 September 2014}}</ref>
| established = {{start date|1997|12||df=y}}
| established_footnotes = <ref name=oeh/>
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| visitation_footnotes =
| managing_authorities = {{plainlist|
* [[Jenolan Caves|Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust]]
* [[National Parks and Wildlife Service (New South Wales)|NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service]] }}
| url = http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0350
}}
The '''Abercrombie Caves''', contained within the [[Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve]], are a series of [[Limestone cave#Solutional cave|limestone arch]] [[cave]]s that are located in the [[Central West (New South Wales)|Central West]] region of [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]]. The caves are renowned for their [[karst]] qualities, namely the formation that has been [[erosion|eroded]] by water action that has developed from a [[sinkhole]] to become a [[blind valley]]. Several good examples of crayback formations exist in both entrances.


The {{convert|1434|ha|adj=on}} reserve is situated {{convert|75|km|mi}} south of {{NSWcity|Bathurst}} and {{convert|125|km}} north of {{NSWcity|Goulburn}}, near the small village of {{NSWcity|Trunkey Creek}}. The caves are registered as a natural heritage site on the [[Register of the National Estate]] for its large diversity of karst morphological and sedimentological features. Camping in the reserve is permitted, with sixty campground sites and two cottages. The caves are open seven days a week during school holidays; and closed on Monday and Tuesday during school terms.
'''Abercrombie Caves''' lie between [[Bathurst, New South Wales|Bathurst]] and [[Crookwell, New South Wales|Crookwell]] in [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]], near the small village of [[Trunkey Creek, New South Wales|Trunkey Creek]].
The cave complex is an example of a [[Limestone cave#Solutional cave|limestone arch]] formation that has been [[erosion|eroded]] by water action, it has developed from a [[sinkhole]] that became a [[blind valley]]. Several good examples of crayback formations exist in both entrances.


==Features and Caves==
Abercrombie's most famous feature is the 'The Archway' it is the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere. Within the Archway Cave is the gold miners dance platform built in January 1880 by gold miners, replacing a platform built in the 1860s, the 1880s platform is still used for performances to this day including the annual Carols in the Caves performance.
The most popular feature of the Abercrombie Caves is ''The Archway''{{spaced endash}} the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere. Within ''The Archway'' cave is the gold miners dance platform built in January 1880 by gold miners, replacing a platform built in the 1860s, the 1880s platform is still used for performances to this day including the annual Carols in the Caves performance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archway Cave tour |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/archway-cave-tour |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>


Other caves within the Abercrombie Cave complex are; King Solomon's Temple, Cathedral Cave, Grove Cave, and the Bushranger's Cave.<ref name=SMH>{{cite web|title=Abercrombie Caves|url=http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-factsheet/abercrombie-caves-20081113-5ykh.html|work=Newspaper|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=26 January 2012}}</ref>
Other considerable caves at the site include; ''King Solomon's Temple'', Belfry Cave, ''Cathedral Cave'', ''Grove Cave'', and the ''Bushranger's Cave''.<ref name=SMH>{{cite news|title=Abercrombie Caves |url=http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-factsheet/abercrombie-caves-20081113-5ykh.html |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=13 November 2008 |access-date=26 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820194633/http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-factsheet/abercrombie-caves-20081113-5ykh.html |archive-date=20 August 2010 }}</ref>


The ''Belfry Cave'' is another popular cave at the site which has; an extremely high roof chamber with magnificent views, a suspension bridge, ladders and tight squeezes to negotiate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belfry Cave tour |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/belfry-cave-tour |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>
==Bushrangers==


It is believed that various bushranger groups used the caves as a hideout during the 1800s. The earliest known is the [[Bathurst Rebellion|Ribbon Gang]] who used the caves in 1830.<ref name="NSW Environment Office">{{cite web|title=Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHeritage.aspx?id=N0350|work=Website|publisher=NSW Office of Environment & Heritage|accessdate=26 January 2012}}</re sm./mik
The ''Grove Cave'' is a challenging guided tour at Abercrombie Caves made up of tight narrow passages, high ceilings and white walls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/abercrombie-karst-conservation-reserve |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>


The ''Bushranger's Cave/King Solomon's Temple'' is named for the bushrangers who roamed the rugged Abercrombie Ranges in 1830, and used the cave as a shelter. The cave was once used by the notorious Ribbon Gang, made up of escaped convicts and led by young English convict-servant Ralph Entwistle. The cave's remote location and narrow passages meant it was an ideal place for the gang to hide out. Inside his cave, visitors can also visit ''King Solomon’s Temple'' chamber, crossing a suspension bridge to reach it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bushrangers Cave |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/bushrangers-cave-tour |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>
==Explorers==


==History==
It is believed that a tourist party visitied the caves in 1834 but the Caves were not 'officially' discovered until 1842 by Surveyor W.R. Davidson. Surveyor Wells discovered the Koh-i-noor, Bushranger, Long Tunnel, and Cathedral caves and the Hall of [[Terpsichore]] (The Dance Hall) in 1843. Explorer [[William Wentworth]] and [[Charles Augustus FitzRoy|Governor Charles Fitzroy]] visited Abercrombie Caves in 1844.<ref name="NSW Environment Office" />
It is believed that a tourist party visited the caves in 1834 but the Caves were not 'officially' discovered until 1842 by Surveyor W. R. Davidson. Surveyor Wells discovered the Koh-i-noor, Bushranger, Long Tunnel, and Cathedral caves and the Hall of [[Terpsichore]] (The Dance Hall) in 1843. Explorer [[William Wentworth]] and [[Charles Augustus FitzRoy|Governor Charles Fitzroy]] visited Abercrombie Caves in 1844.<ref name=oehculture/>


It is believed that various [[bushranger]]s used the caves as a hideout during the 1800s. The earliest known is the [[Bathurst Rebellion|Ribbon Gang]] who used the caves in 1830.<ref name=oehculture>{{cite web|title=Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve: Culture and history|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHeritage.aspx?id=N0350|work=Office of Environment and Heritage|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref>
==Gold==


Gold was discovered in the area in 1854. A gold exploration community was established at Mount Gray, just above the caves. Miners from many of the surrounding communities would often visit the caves for recreation.
Gold was discovered in the area in 1854. A gold exploration community was established at Mount Gray, just above the caves. Miners from many of the surrounding communities would often visit the caves for recreation.
Line 24: Line 84:
The caves were originally known as Burragylong Caverns and during the mining period they became known as Abercrombie caves.
The caves were originally known as Burragylong Caverns and during the mining period they became known as Abercrombie caves.


Vandalism occurred in the early days when many pieces of white marble were carted away by the visitors as souvenirs and the miners damaged many of the formations by firing rifles at them, some graffiti name carvings can still be seen inside the caves from the 19th century period.<ref name="NSW Environment Office" />
Vandalism occurred in the early days when many pieces of white marble were carted away by the visitors as souvenirs and the miners damaged many of the formations by firing rifles at them. Some graffiti name carvings can still be seen inside the caves from the 19th century period.<ref name=oehculture/>


== Other information/Summary ==
==External links==
All caves at Abercrombie Caves are guided. Visitors who wish to visit the caves will need to join a tour to be admitted inside.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/abercrombie-karst-conservation-reserve |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>
*[http://www.abercrombiecaves.com Abercrombie Caves]

*[http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service]
* ''Archway Cave Tour''
* Suitable for all ages. The tour is a 1.4km walk, with 202 steps, and takes about 1 hour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archway Cave tour |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/archway-cave-tour |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>

* ''Belfry Cave Tour''
* Grade: Hard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belfry Cave tour |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/belfry-cave-tour |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Grove Cave Tour''
* Grade: Hard. Suitable for adults and children 7 years and over. Not suitable for children under 7 years. The tour takes about 45 minutes. Cost: Adult $24 per person. Senior $21 per person. Pensioner/child $18 per person. Family $60 for 2 adults and 2 children.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grove Cave tour |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/grove-cave-tour |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Bushranger's Cave/King Solomon's Temple Tour''
* Grade: Medium. Suitable for adults and school-age children. The tour includes moderate walk, climbing down a step ladder and crossing a suspension bridge. It takes about 1 hr 40mins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bushrangers Cave |url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/bushrangers-cave-tour |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NSW National Parks |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{stack|{{portal|New South Wales|environment}}}}
* [[List of caves in Australia#New South Wales|List of caves in New South Wales]]
* [[Protected areas of New South Wales]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/abercrombie-karst-conservation-reserve Abercrombie Caves at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au]


{{Nature reserves of New South Wales |state=autocollapse}}


[[Category:Nature reserves in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Nature reserves in New South Wales]]
Line 37: Line 117:
[[Category:Limestone caves]]
[[Category:Limestone caves]]
[[Category:Central West (New South Wales)]]
[[Category:Central West (New South Wales)]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1997]]
[[Category:1997 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Caves of New South Wales]]




{{NewSouthWales-geo-stub}}
{{NewSouthWales-protected-area-stub}}

Latest revision as of 09:39, 8 October 2024

Abercrombie Caves
Entrance to Abercrombie Caves, undated.
LocationBathurst, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates33°54′41″S 149°21′34″E / 33.91144°S 149.35938°E / -33.91144; 149.35938
Discovery1842 – W. R. Davidson[1]
GeologyLimestone
AccessNo access - closed until 23 December 2024
Show cave length221 m (725 ft)[2]
FeaturesThe Archway – the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere. Other considerable features at the site include; King Solomon's Temple, Belfry Cave, Cathedral Cave, Grove Cave, and the Bushranger's Cave.
WebsiteAbercrombie Caves at NSW NPWS
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
New South Wales
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve is located in New South Wales
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
Nearest town or cityBathurst
Coordinates33°54′41.18″S 149°21′33.77″E / 33.9114389°S 149.3593806°E / -33.9114389; 149.3593806
EstablishedDecember 1997 (1997-12)[3]
Area14.34 km2 (5.5 sq mi)[3]
Managing authorities
WebsiteAbercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
See alsoProtected areas of
New South Wales

The Abercrombie Caves, contained within the Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve, are a series of limestone arch caves that are located in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia. The caves are renowned for their karst qualities, namely the formation that has been eroded by water action that has developed from a sinkhole to become a blind valley. Several good examples of crayback formations exist in both entrances.

The 1,434-hectare (3,540-acre) reserve is situated 75 kilometres (47 mi) south of Bathurst and 125 kilometres (78 mi) north of Goulburn, near the small village of Trunkey Creek. The caves are registered as a natural heritage site on the Register of the National Estate for its large diversity of karst morphological and sedimentological features. Camping in the reserve is permitted, with sixty campground sites and two cottages. The caves are open seven days a week during school holidays; and closed on Monday and Tuesday during school terms.

Features and Caves

[edit]

The most popular feature of the Abercrombie Caves is The Archway – the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere. Within The Archway cave is the gold miners dance platform built in January 1880 by gold miners, replacing a platform built in the 1860s, the 1880s platform is still used for performances to this day including the annual Carols in the Caves performance.[4]

Other considerable caves at the site include; King Solomon's Temple, Belfry Cave, Cathedral Cave, Grove Cave, and the Bushranger's Cave.[5]

The Belfry Cave is another popular cave at the site which has; an extremely high roof chamber with magnificent views, a suspension bridge, ladders and tight squeezes to negotiate.[6]

The Grove Cave is a challenging guided tour at Abercrombie Caves made up of tight narrow passages, high ceilings and white walls.[7]

The Bushranger's Cave/King Solomon's Temple is named for the bushrangers who roamed the rugged Abercrombie Ranges in 1830, and used the cave as a shelter. The cave was once used by the notorious Ribbon Gang, made up of escaped convicts and led by young English convict-servant Ralph Entwistle. The cave's remote location and narrow passages meant it was an ideal place for the gang to hide out. Inside his cave, visitors can also visit King Solomon’s Temple chamber, crossing a suspension bridge to reach it.[8]

History

[edit]

It is believed that a tourist party visited the caves in 1834 but the Caves were not 'officially' discovered until 1842 by Surveyor W. R. Davidson. Surveyor Wells discovered the Koh-i-noor, Bushranger, Long Tunnel, and Cathedral caves and the Hall of Terpsichore (The Dance Hall) in 1843. Explorer William Wentworth and Governor Charles Fitzroy visited Abercrombie Caves in 1844.[1]

It is believed that various bushrangers used the caves as a hideout during the 1800s. The earliest known is the Ribbon Gang who used the caves in 1830.[1]

Gold was discovered in the area in 1854. A gold exploration community was established at Mount Gray, just above the caves. Miners from many of the surrounding communities would often visit the caves for recreation.

The caves were originally known as Burragylong Caverns and during the mining period they became known as Abercrombie caves.

Vandalism occurred in the early days when many pieces of white marble were carted away by the visitors as souvenirs and the miners damaged many of the formations by firing rifles at them. Some graffiti name carvings can still be seen inside the caves from the 19th century period.[1]

Other information/Summary

[edit]

All caves at Abercrombie Caves are guided. Visitors who wish to visit the caves will need to join a tour to be admitted inside.[9]

  • Archway Cave Tour
  • Suitable for all ages. The tour is a 1.4km walk, with 202 steps, and takes about 1 hour.[10]
  • Belfry Cave Tour
  • Grade: Hard.[11]
  • Grove Cave Tour
  • Grade: Hard. Suitable for adults and children 7 years and over. Not suitable for children under 7 years. The tour takes about 45 minutes. Cost: Adult $24 per person. Senior $21 per person. Pensioner/child $18 per person. Family $60 for 2 adults and 2 children.[12]
  • Bushranger's Cave/King Solomon's Temple Tour
  • Grade: Medium. Suitable for adults and school-age children. The tour includes moderate walk, climbing down a step ladder and crossing a suspension bridge. It takes about 1 hr 40mins.[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve: Culture and history". Office of Environment and Heritage. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  2. ^ "Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve: Why you should visit". NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve: Park management". Office of Environment and Heritage. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
  4. ^ "Archway Cave tour". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Abercrombie Caves". The Sydney Morning Herald. 13 November 2008. Archived from the original on 20 August 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  6. ^ "Belfry Cave tour". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Bushrangers Cave". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  9. ^ "Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Archway Cave tour". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  11. ^ "Belfry Cave tour". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Grove Cave tour". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Bushrangers Cave". NSW National Parks. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
[edit]



Stub icon

This New South Wales protected areas related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Abercrombie_Caves&oldid=1250071570"