3. ABERCROMBIE CAVES

ABERCROMBIE CAVES

Image from NPWS

The Abercrombie Caves are located about 70 km south of Bathurst. They lie on Grove Creek, a tributary of the Abercrombie River.  The dominant feature is the archway through which Grove Creek passes.

The Limestone Deposits of NSW (Lishmund et al) has this to say about the geology of the area. "The Abercrombie Caves limestone deposit is part of the Kildrummie Formation which here consists of quartz-rich slate and chert, thick limestone units, and thin horizons of  basic volcanics. The limestone is thickest near the arch at Abercrombie Caves where it is about 300 m thick. North and south of the caves it decreases quite rapidly." Fossils within these strata date from the late Silurian period. As with most of the Lachlan fold belt, the folded strata and volcanics crop out in zones which run generally north-south.

History of the area.

The local indigenous people no doubt used the archway for protection against the weather and probably as a meeting place because of its obvious spiritual significance.

A group of escaped convicts and desperadoes, known as "The Ribbon Gang" began using the caves as a hideout around 1830. Their activities led to a showdown with the police and local settlers. Lives were lost on both sides, but most of the gang was taken prisoner. 10 of them were hanged in Bathurst on 2nd November 1830.

There was an "official discovery" of the caves by Surveyor WR Davidson in 1842 when the name Burragylong Caverns was used. The present name, though apparently Scottish, soon took over but who was responsible for the name is unknown.

The Sydney Morning Herald (Tuesday 25th April 1843) has a report of an expedition to the caves (earlier that month) titled "Interesting Discovery Near Bathurst" The writer acknowledges the work of Surveyor Davidson, gives details of the route then launches in to an exploration of the caves. 

"The Burrangilong Creek, receiving the waters from the numberless neighbouring mountains, and these waters accumulating in the Glen, and there "cabin'd cribb'd confined" have worn or burst on outlet through the rock and thus created one of the largest tunnels in the world. You enter at the north, the tunnel having a serpentine direction to the south, and the first sublime object to rivet your gaze is the magnificent span of the grand entrance arch, with the lofty roof receding into the dim distance, scooped into ten thousands cells, and frosted and festooned with stalactitae of every form ...." The report goes on for much longer. Read it yourself here.

Today Abercrombie Caves have been "tamed", but the thrill of exploration is experienced by most visitors. Bridges, steps and lights are obvious features put in to make your visit safe and enjoyable. The video references which follow will tell you about the various caves open for inspection, accommodation (on site and in the neighbourhood), wildlife, walking tracks and much more. By all means go there to enjoy the experience, but keep safe by following all rules, remembering that many people will come after you who deserve the same experience you are having.

Abercrombie Caves Bathurst here

 Abercrombie Caves Campground here

Adventure Wild. Abercrombie Caves here 

Exploring Appletree Cave near Abercrombie (a wild cave) here

Abercrombie Caves Booklet by Oliver Trickett (1906) here

See also: Good information from The Oberon Visitor Information here 

Oliver Trickett's map of Abercrombie Caves (from the Annual Report of the Department of Mines NSW for 1899. I haven't been able to improve the download quality.)

Guide to NSW Karst and Caves. 

page 8 10104nswkarstcaveguide.pdf