The Jenolan Caves: An Excursion in Australian WonderlandCook, Samuel
History
The Jenolan Caves: An Excursion in Australian Wonderland
Cook, Samuel
Australia -- Description and travel; Caves; Jenolan Caves (N.S.W.)
On the south side of the Grand Arch are several known caves. The curator
has been lowered about 100 feet into one of small dimensions, with a
large chamber from it, containing many sonorous stalactites of large
proportions, as well as much elaborate formation. Next to this is a
cavern called the Specimen Cave. It is about 20 feet deep, with a large
number of bones on the floor, which has been broken away. The fracture
shows that it was largely composed of red clay. The broken face is full
of bones. This cave would be worth special examination, because it is
believed many of the bones belonged to animals which have disappeared
from New South Wales. Farther on is a cave into which, five years ago,
the curator was lowered about 240 feet. At a still greater distance,
three miles from the Cave House, is a cave, with a strong stream of
water flowing out of it. That is the farthest limestone visible on this
side of the mountain. The stream sinks into the ground at a short
distance after it leaves the mouth of the cave. It is believed that this
water runs underneath all the caves on the south side into the Lucas
Cave, and is not seen again until it re-appears under "The Bridge." The
range of limestone rocks seen from the Cave House extends north and
south five-and-a-half or six miles. At each end water in considerable
volume sinks into the earth suddenly and re-appears in caves near the
centre of the valley; the northern stream flowing through the Imperial
Cave, and the southern through the Lucas Cave. Both streams come to the
surface in Camp Creek, and chatter away towards the sea.
CHAPTER XXXI.
CONCLUSION.
The journey from Sydney to the Caves is long and expensive, but the
route is interesting all the way. Thirty-six miles from the city after
crossing the Emu Plains and the magnificent bridge over the Nepean at
Penrith, 87 feet above sea-level, the train begins to climb the mountain
range, and after travelling 52 miles it attains an altitude of 3,658
feet. The first zigzag up Lapstone Hill brings into view a splendid
panorama, and, notwithstanding the disregard of railway surveyors for
fine scenery when it is placed in the balance against economical
construction, there are many glorious glimpses to be obtained from the
carriage windows during the journey between Sydney and Tarana. If the
traveller has time to stop _en route_ he will find much to interest him
round about Lawson and Katoomba, Blackheath and Mount Victoria. The
great Zigzag into the Lithgow valley is one of the most remarkable feats
of engineering in the world. There is a fall of about 230 yards in five
miles of running. Even after this sudden descent the country is still
very elevated, and at Tarana, where it is necessary to take coach for
the Caves, it is upwards of 2,500 feet above the level of the sea.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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