Abercrombie Caves

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.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference oehculture was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  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.