Modern history

Jenolan Caves has an enthusiastic historical society (Jenolan Caves Historical & Preservation Society). See their informative website.

Traditional Custodians

Jenolan Caves are known to the local Gundungurra people as Binoomeal, "Dark places".  To find out what we know about the traditional history of Jenolan Caves, see our Aboriginal Culture section.

Colonial Exploration

Colonial exploration of the area began in 1838, with the first recorded discovery by a local pastoralist, James Whalan. Whalan was not the first European to set eyes on the caves. That honour goes to James McKeown, an ex-convict and possibly an outlaw, reputed to have been using the valleys as a hideout.

Over the succeeding years, James Whalan and his brother Charles discovered several openings. The Elder cave was discovered in 1848.  It was the first ‘dark cave’ explored. In 1860, the Lucas cave was discovered by Nicholas Irwin and George Whiting. Then known as the ‘New Cave’, it is the largest of the show caves. It was not until 1866 that the caves were brought under direct government control.

In 1867, Jeremiah Wilson was appointed as 'Keeper' of the 'Binda', or 'Fish River' Caves.  The Aboriginal word 'Jenolan' (high mountain) was not adopted until 1884.

Government Protection

Despite government control, the caves initially enjoyed little protection. In the early years, much damage was done. That damage is visible today, in caves including the 'Elder' and the 'Lucas'.

It was not until 1872 that this practice became illegal, thanks largely to the efforts of John Lucas, the local member of Parliament. The Lucas Cave bears his name, to commemorate his part in the preservation of this fragile and irreplaceable environment.

Tourism & More Discoveries

In the 1880s, Jenolan began to emerge as a genuine tourist destination. Jeremiah Wilson had explored to the end of the Elder Cave. In 1879 he descended a shaft and rock pile to discover the 'Imperial Cave'. This was soon followed by the discovery of the 'Left Imperial' cave in 1880, renamed the Chifley Cave in 1952, after Prime Minister J.B. Chifley.

Development began within the caves, including pathways and the protection of formations. An accommodation house was constructed. 

Wilson continued his exploration, discovering the 'Jersey Cave' in 1891 and the glorious 'Jubilee Cave' in 1893.

The present day Caves House was constructed in stages from 1898 after fire partially destroyed the original buildings.

By the turn of the century, Jenolan was a well-established tourist destination.  However, some of the greatest discoveries were yet to come. In 1903, James Carvosso Wiburd was appointed Superintendent of Caves, initiating one of the most successful periods of exploration. Wiburd, along with Jack Edwards and Robert Bailey, pushed ever deeper into the caves lying south of the Grand Arch.

The 'River' and 'Pool of Cerberus' Caves were discovered in 1903, followed by the 'Temple of Baal', 'Orient' and 'Ribbon' Caves in 1904.

All exploration was done by candlelight. The discoveries made by Wiburd truly elevated Jenolan to the status of a world class cave system, with the opening of the River (1904), Temple of Baal (1909) and Orient (1917) as show caves.

Work at the caves continues, with major upgrading of the show cave system and the visitor precinct.

Over 160 years since the first Europeans stumbled upon the vast openings of the Grand Arch and the Devil's Coach House, the magic of Jenolan is still leaving its mark on visitors. Jenolan is a world of its own.

Royal visit 1927, looking down into the Blue Lake.

J. C. Wiburd. Photo: Frank Hurley

European discovery

Colonial exploration of the area began in 1838, with the first recorded discovery by a local pastoralist, James Whalan. Whalan was not the first European to set eyes on the caves. That honour goes to James McKeown, an ex-convict and possibly an outlaw, reputed to have been using the valleys as a hideout.