"KANANGRA BOYD NATIONAL PARK N.S.W." Kanangra-Boyd National Park by DennyP

KANANGRA BOYD NATIONAL PARK
Located about 175 kilometers south west from Sydney ,This large National Park has a huge amount to offer outdoor hikers. Situated beside Kanangra Boyd National Park are Nattai National Park to the south east , The Blue Mountains National Park to the north east and The Wollemi National Park to the very north..These combined National Parks create a huge expanse of parklands and forrested areas..
There are many interesting sites to visit in this really wonderful National Park with The Jenolan Caves to the north west, this huge network of caves is very popular for visitors in Katoomba and the Blue mountains,further south is The Tuglow Caves, about 25 kilometers inland from there are The huge sandstone Kanangra Walls..
This is a very popular area for hikers with its wilderness and rugged terrain.along with its marvellous sandstone outcrops and cliffs,with their outstanding panoramic views along with various gorges,waterfalls and natural wildlife.
The birdlife found in the natural bushland and wildflowers is to be truly enjoyed a birdwatchers paradise.

A VIEW OF ONE OF MANY FORMATIONS IN THE CAVES

My visit today is the Wombeyan Caves System..These are limestone caves are to be found in the very southern part of this National park. Discovered in 1828 by the explorer John Oxley who was then the New South Wales surveyor general. The caves were originally shown to visitors by candlelight and magnesium flares.I'm not sure how pleasant that must have been though.and it was not until 1928 that the first electrification of the caves was installed.
To reach this area it was neccesary for me to drive along a dirt road of some fifty kilometers in some places very isolated of population with little noticeable farmland but mostly just eucalytus forrest and bushland.. The road although being very scenic is also very narrow. I would only drive this entry road in a family sedan in dry
weather..otherwise in the wet a 4x4 would be a neccesity.

When reaching the Caves sight you will find The Visitors Centre with information facilities administered by the NPWS. along with various other buildings, rangers accommodation , restaurant and coffee shop, toilet ammenities and outside many tables with seats are found.
Rangers are on hand to advise you as to what there is to view and where..They will guide groups or like myself ,I did a self guided tour on my own. The local Rangers are extremely helpful with all forms of the caves visitors needs.

ANOTHER INTRICATE LIMESTONE FORMATION VIEW

The start is a brief ten minute walk to the caves entrance ,there a token was needed for entry into the cave system. (purchased at the rangers office) I chose to view "The Fig Tree Cave" the largest one here , upon entry, sensors automatically trigger the lighting and commentary system. The lights then activate as you make your way carefully along the walkways throughout the caves..The lighting is set up to give maximum affect to the wonderful rock formations of stalactites and stalagmites..
This is a very large system so take your time and enjoy this experience..I spent about two hours within the caves but I took longer than most as I was taking photos..you will need your token to also leave the cave.
In the evenings on dusk many wallabies and eastern greay Kangaroos come out to faorrage ..there are great photo opportunities of the wildlife.
There are emergency phones located within the caves..
There is No Smoking allowed within the caves system.

• Pros:ANOTHER WONDERFULLY ENJOYABLE CAVE SYSTEM OF N.S.W.
• Cons:WATCH YOUR HEAD!!!