Because everyone loves a good cave, and there’s a great one about 45 minutes out of Canberra that you could be checking out right now.
Nestled in the hills of Wee Jasper, less than two hours drive from Canberra in the picturesque Yass Valley, are the underground treasures of Carey’s Cave.
With its stunning crystals, sculpted rock surfaces and impressive column formations, Carey’s Cave is described as one of the most beautiful and fascinating cave systems in Australia.
Down a flight of concrete stairs are seven impressive chambers each with a wealth of underground secrets, from aquatic fossils providing evidence of an ancient sea, through to perfectly preserved graffiti dating back to the late 1800s.
A tour through Carey’s Cave is not just a simple walk-through. Tour guide and manager Geoff Kell has mastered the delivery of a unique, entertaining and informative experience that provides opportunities not generally found on conventional cave tours.
This includes turning off all artificial light sources in the cave and allowing visitors to experience complete darkness for several minutes, as an experiment to see how long vision takes to adjust.
And to satisfy children’s natural desire to touch the delicate cave walls (a definite no-no), there is a touch table where the kids can hold the different types of rocks and crystals and see up close how they formed.
With its superb acoustics and lack of echo, Carey’s Cave is perfect for concerts and regularly holds performances during the year. Musicians are welcome to bring their instrument on a tour to try it out inthe space, and it’s also perfect for singers.
A keen musician himself, Geoff has been taking groups through Carey’s Cave for more than 20 years,and is a wealth of knowledge on all things to do with the caves. The stories of the amazing crystals androcks, along with a range of surprises and secrets, are all revealed on a Carey’s Cave tour.
Carey’s Cave is just one of the great experiences on offer in the Yass Valley. With a proud heritage connection to early rural Australia, a modern and well renowned food and wine scene, touring around Yass Valley is an experience not to be missed. www.yassvalley.com.au
WHAT: Carey’s Caves
WHERE: Wee Jasper, NSW (approx 50 minutes from Yass)
WHEN: Tours held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays (check website for times)
ACCESS TO CAVES ONLY POSSIBLE ON A TOUR
COST: Adults – $15.40 Children – $9.90 Family – $40.70
NO EFTPOS OR CREDIT CARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE
WEB: www.weejaspercaves.com
