Spectacular caves and thermal pool hidden away in New South Wales

Australians dreaming of a getaway can find hidden gems in their own backyard - if they know where to look Five hours from Sydney, in the Mount Kosciuszko National Park, lies the stunning Yarrangobilly caves system The six limestone caves have stalagmites, stalactites, shawls and cave corals created 440million years ago A short walk from the caves, there is a spring-fed thermal pool in a valley that stays 27 degrees year-round 

 Australian holidaymakers dreaming of a scenic getaway can find hidden treasures in their own backyard - if they know where to look. And with these spectacular caves and thermal pool tucked away in the heart of a eucalyptus forest, you could be forgiven for missing them at first glance. In the Snowy Mountains, the south-western alpine region of New South Wales, lies the Yarrangobilly caves - a sprawling system of astonishing rock tunnels that formed about 440 million years ago.

The  thermal pool is tucked away in the northern part of Mount Kosciuszko National Park, in New South Wales Snowy Mountains region 

The water maintains its toasty temperature throughout the seasons because the pool is created from rain water that seeps through porous limestone rock down to 760 metres below the ground where it is heated then forced back up through cracks as a warm spring. 

Although the landscape was ravaged by the 2019- 2020 horror bushfire season, the shrubbery has started to recover with vibrant green eucalyptus leaves climbing their way up charcoal-bitten tree trunks to regenerate. 

The unusual sight makes for a breathtaking drive through the Snowy Mountains and the national park, which is home a population of wild brumbies that you just may see through the car window if you get lucky. 

Just a five hour drive from Sydney, or three from Canberra, visiting the natural wonders can form a weekend trip away or be part of a longer holiday in the region.  

Guests can stay on site at the Yarrangobilly Caves house, lodge-style accommodation with self-contained rooms and cottages, or in hotels in nearby hubs, such as Jindabyne, Cooma, or Talbingo.  

Park entry fees apply to access the caves and the pool and it costs $4 per vehicle per day applies at Yarrangobilly Caves for motor vehicles without a Kosciuszko National Park day pass or NPWS All Parks annual pass. 

Some caves, such as Jersey and North Glory, have been closed amid the Covid-19 pandemic due to health and safety requirements. 

The Yarrangobilly Caves

              

Nestled in the northern end of Kosciousko National Park, the six limestone caves - South Glory, Jilabenan, Castle, Harrie Wood, and North Glory- feature a collection of stunning formations throughout their lofty chambers. 

Stalagmites, stalactites, shawls and cave corals grow wildly from the rock walls, created over millions of years from a chemical reaction between rain water and limestone. 

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of South Glory, the largest cave, or a guided tour through the others, with the range of sites catering to all age groups.  

But don't forget to bring your swimmers -  after a cave tour or bushwalk, tourists can take a dip in the spring-fed thermal pool, which stays a constant 27 degrees year-round.

A short (but steep) walk away down a winding track will lead you from the caves to the natural pool that basks in a valley clearing, with panoramic views of the unbridled Australian bush.