The Chifley displays all the stunning limestone formations for which Jenolan is famous including delicate straws. One of Jenolan’s best examples of exquisite ‘spar’ crystal can be seen in the Chifley.
One of our shorter and less strenuous cave tours the Chifley amazes young and old. This tour does not retrace its path so you always wonder what is around the corner.
The Chifley has a fascinating history and was the first cave in the world to be lit with electric light – as early as 1880. In fact it was one the earliest places in the world to use light bulbs – remarkable at the time.
Two of its beautiful grottoes are still illuminated with historical coloured lights a reminder of its unique heritage – children find these fascinating.
Jenolan was a protected reserve before the Chifley Cave was discovered. So its natural beauty has been preserved.
The Chifley is regarded as one of Jenolan’s less strenuous caves with only 421 stair steps. So the tour guide can take visitors into this cave at an easy pace.
The first major chamber is called the ‘Margarita Chamber’ which in 1860 was the setting for Jenolan’s earliest experiments with modern lighting. This is the first cave to ever be illuminated by a light bulb something we all take for granted these days. Some of the cave’s historical coloured lights can also be experienced in this chamber – children love this. A century ago coloured lights were the fashion in cave lighting. These days they are retained as part of Jenolan’s unusual history.
Next the group enters the ‘Madonna Chamber’ and then into the beautiful ‘Lucinda Chamber’. The ‘Lucinda Chamber’ is rich with beautiful cave shawls and delicate crystal straws – breathtaking!
Next the group descends into ‘Katie’s Bower’ a massive cavern and into ‘Upper Katies’ rich with pure white crystal and a stunning view into ‘Katie’s Bower’ below. On the way out of the Chifley Cave the group sees the best examples of delicate ‘spar’ crystal at Jenolan.
The Chifley displays all the stunning limestone formations for which Jenolan is famous including delicate straws. One of Jenolan’s best examples of exquisite ‘spar’ crystal can be seen in the Chifley.
One of our shorter and less strenuous cave tours the Chifley amazes young and old. This tour does not retrace its path so you always wonder what is around the corner.
The Chifley has a fascinating history and was the first cave in the world to be lit with electric light – as early as 1880. In fact it was one the earliest places in the world to use light bulbs – remarkable at the time.
Two of its beautiful grottoes are still illuminated with historical coloured lights a reminder of its unique heritage – children find these fascinating.
