 The reward from this sporty cave adventure is the physical workout, meeting the challenges and the thrill of completion. Central River is a serious undertaking. No pretty chambers here, and despite the many watery names, not much water! Instead there are muddy passages, climbs, squeezes and twisting rockpiles. The 7-hour Central River trip also visits the Mammoth Cave but is more advanced, with demanding climbs, a visit to the second of Mammoth's rivers and two underground abseils!
Begin with gear and briefing in the Old Schoolhouse, then walk down Mckeowns Valley to Mammoth Cave. Your tour starts with a dramatic 30m abseil into the massive Entrance Chamber of the cave - just you and your headlamp descending through space. Remember to have a good look as you go - the views are spectacular! Look up from your landing point too, to check out how far you've just come! Now you have a chance to warm up your caving muscles as you head down the Railway Tunnel to your next abseil pitch. The abseil down into Davy Jones Locker may not be as long as the entrance pitch but it is sporty and challenging.
Lunch in Davy Jones provides a welcome break and a chance to compare abseiling experiences with the rest of your group. From here, you set off through The Rift and lots of muddy passages before reaching the tape climb. If you are in luck you may see Central River flowing, but this is not always the case. After this we explore the Middle Bit Rock Pile, which may not sound all that exciting, but it is full of both caving and navigational challenges to keep you on your toes. After reaching Waterfall Passage and Dry Siphon we have a snack at the Encampment before retracing our steps to Central River. We take a different route back to the Railway Tunnel, including the memorable Birth Canal - you'll emerge a new person!
After heading up through Cold Hole and the Entrance Chamber, we emerge weary but triumphant into the daylight and head back down McKeowns Valley and through the Devils Coachhouse.
| Cost: |
$200 per person
$1600 - group bookings of up to 8 people |
| Age: |
minimum - 16 years
no maximum |
| Fitness: |
Must be fit and agile. You must have completed the Mammoth Cave Adventure Tour or provide proof of equivalent experience. |
| Times: |
Only 4 times a year, on the 3rd Saturday in Feb, May, August and November. The adventure runs for a full day, 6 -7 hours. |
| We supply: |
all equipment, lights and protective clothing |
| You supply: |
clothes that can get dirty and sneakers/joggers or bushwalking boots. For more information about what to bring with you, please contact our Guides Office on 1300 76 33 11. |
Our other Adventure Caving tours
Aladdin Adventure Tour
Plughole Adventure Tour
Mammoth Adventure Tour
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