Abercrombie Caves
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.
| Abercrombie Caves | |
|---|---|
Entrance to Abercrombie Caves, undated. | |
| Location | Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia |
| Coordinates | 33.91144°S 149.35938°E |
| Discovery | 1842 – W. R. Davidson |
| Geology | Limestone |
| Access | No access - closed until 31st March 2024 |
| Show cave length | 221 m (725 ft) |
| Features | The 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. |
| Website | Abercrombie Caves at NSW NPWS |
| Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve New South Wales | |
|---|---|
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature) | |
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve | |
| Nearest town or city | Bathurst |
| Coordinates | 33°54′41.18″S 149°21′33.77″E |
| Established | December 1997 |
| Area | 14.34 km2 (5.5 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities |
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| Website | Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve |
| See also | Protected areas of New South Wales |
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.