5. ROSEBROOK CAVES

                           The Rosebrook Caves have been formed in an extensive belt of limestone (the Bunyan Limestone) a few km north-west of Cooma in southern NSW. The caves described below are located in the northern part of the outcrop. Some of karst features in the limestone appear to be quite ancient. Fossils are relatively rare.

The first mention of Rosebrook Caves that I have found was in the DailyTelegraph (Sydney) Tuesday 26th January 1892.

"CAVES DISCOVERED NEAR COOMA, Monday. 

Last week a few persons descended a hole on Rosebrook Station, six miles from Cooma,

From Carne & Jones. The cave
is under the M of "Woolumla"

which has been known for years,in the hope of finding a cave. After descending about 60ft. they came to a chamber 30ft. high by 20ft. wide by 40ft. long. The cave was surrounded by splendid formations of stalagmites and stalactites, many of which were accidentally broken off. There is a considerable draught in the chamber, indicating the presence of other chambers. Other cave holes than the one descended are known, but no explorations have been made. The specimens of formations brought to town are very beautiful."

Similar articles appeared in other publications at the time.

Several months later a visit was made to the caves by WS Leigh, whose official title was "Superintendent of Caves" for the NSW Department of Mines. The Daily Telegraph report below closely copies much of Leigh's report, which can be found at "Records of the Geological Survey of New South Wales. Volume 4, Part 1, 2, 3 & 4 1894".

"Daily Telegraph (Sydney) Wednesday 20 April 1892.

 

THE ROSEBROOK CAVES. REPORT BY MR. LEIGH. A report has been received by the Minister for Mines from Mr. WS Leigh, Superintendent of Caves, as the result of an inspection of the caves recently discovered at Rosebrook, near Cooma. In the inspection he was accompanied by Mr E H Harnett and Mr. Huslingdcn, of Roscbrook station, the latter gentleman providing assistance and the requisite material for effecting a descent into the caves. The caves are within two and a half miles from the Bunyan railway station and nine miles from Cooma, and arc easily accessible by an excellent road. The limestone surface in this locality is between 30 and 40 chains wide and running in a southerly direction, crops out at intervals for a distance of four miles. Four openings in the limestone, in close proximity to each other, which may lead to caves are

From Lishmund et al

known, two of the principal being not more than six chains apart. The first is situated on the Limestone Reserve, No. 1034, 30 chains north, 89 deg. east of south-west in the corner of that reserve. The cavity is about 10ft. in length, by 2ft. in width, and is formed by a fracture in the limestone boulders, the lower parts of which meet and become wedged together at 5ft. below the surface, terminating in a hole less than 1ft. in diameter. A stone dropped into this opening can be heard falling for several seconds, and it is evident from the nature of the sounds produced that there are large cavities below. An entrance cannot be effected into this cave before the boulders which block up the mouth are removed, an undertaking comparatively easy of accomplishment in the hands of a practical miner. The other opening is situated within the adjoining portion No. 125, Mr. Harnett's c.p. 81,594, 220a., and about six chains due south of the one just referred to. The top layer of rocks having been removed the opening is now 6 ft. square on the surface and an almost vertical shaft 60ft. deep has to be negotiated with the aid of ropes before the main cave is reached. At 20ft. below the surface the shaft narrows considerably, the hole at this point becoming circular and not more than 2ft. 6in. in diameter. Descending 30ft. more through this natural funnel a landing is made on a narrow ledge of rock projecting over an immense cavity. After a further descent of 32ft. into space the floor of the main cave is reached. This, the largest chamber of the series, averages about 40ft. in length by 20ft. in width, and in places over 30ft. in height. The floor immediately below the entrance shaft is covered with limestone debris, its sombre appearance being in marked contrast to the other portion, which is thickly covered with some of the prettiest forms of stalagmatic growth. An embankment at each end, the full width of the chamber, is coated with a pure white, coral-like formation. From the roof and rugged projections of the walls depend long, tapering stalactites and "shawls", relieved here and there by patches of crystallised and ripple-marked rock. Leaving this chamber at the northern end over a gently sloping embankment and following a generally north-westerly course, a series of narrow, circuitous passages are traversed for a distance of 50ft. The whole surface of the passage floor, roof and sides is one mass of white glistening calcareous growths. At present it is impossible to travel through this part of the cave without damaging to some extent the brittle ornamental excrescences projecting on all quarters. Emerging from this passage a grotto about 20ft. in length by 8ft. wide is entered,  which, so far as at present known, forms the terminal chamber and the prettiest part of the whole cave. It might well be termed the coral grotto, as about one-half the floor surface represents exactly a bed of pure white and very delicate coral. It also contains some fine specimens of "shawls" and other drapery-like hangings, intermixed with other long and tapering stalagmitic growths. These, being mostly pure white and sparkling, stand out in bold relief on one side of the chamber against a ripplc marked, chocolate-colored wall, the contrast producing a pleasing effect. The cave, on the whole, although not very spacious, is strikingly pretty and interesting, and can be traversed from the entrance a distance of about 130ft. Small openings are met with at different points, which, if opened out, might lead to other branches. A striking feature of the cave is the great amount of white, coral like growths met with all over the stalagmitic floors. As regards this class of formation, considering its size, it compares most favorably with any of the other known caves. This cave alone, if opened up, will be well worth a visit; and if the openings on the reserve be enlarged other good caves, probably more extensive than the one explored, maybe met with. In that case the Rosebrook Caves, on account of their proximity to a railway station and the town of Cooma, would certainly become a popular resort for sightseers. The limestone in the locality docs not appear to be very fossiliferous, the specimens traced being few and far between." 

Some of the numbers are hard to read in the original text and may have been copied incorrectly.

Goulburn Evening Penny Post Thursday 15 October 1896, page 4.

"Lost in the Rosebrook Caves." Cooma, Monday.

A party, consisting of a number of young fellows from Cooma visited the Rosebrook Caves on Sunday, and had rather an unpleasant experience. They were exploring the caves, and were unable to find the aperture through which they had entered. After groping along several passages for about three or four hours, they found a place of egress. One of the party proceeded to ascend a rope ladder, and after getting up about 15ft. the rope gave way, and precipitated him to the bottom, with about half a ton of earth. The explorers felt the first symptoms of suffocation, as there was no ventilation except by the caves cell entrance."

Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 9 May 1900, page 10.

ROSEBROOK CAVES. COOMA, Tuesday.

"On Sunday morning Messrs. A. B. Jones, J. Perkins, C. Collings and F. Stapleton visited the unopened Rosebrook caves, seven miles from Cooma.

These caves are very extensive, being, it is believed, about three miles long, and with the ex-ception of an occasional visit of adventurous parties, who are only able to see a very small portion of their beauties, have been unexplored. The only ingress to the caves is by descending a shaft about 110ft. deep in three stages of 20ft., 50ft., and 40ft. Three of the party descended, Mr. Stapleton taking the camera to endeavour to obtain photographs by magnesium light. At the bottom there is a large room, 50ft. by 23ft., in which they discovered a decayed rope ladder and an old lamp, left there by a party who had a terrible experience about five years ago. A dead snake 6ft. in length was also found. The flies were numerous, and extinguished the candles many times.

The morning was spent in taking photos, and some beautiful specimens of stalactites and stalagmites were obtained. In the afternoon they intended to thoroughly explore some of the numerous caverns, but through the many openings being too small to admit of the passage of a man they were content to traverse one on the hands and knees with a guiding string. The party returned about dusk. They are confident that the caves are worth opening up. Some years ago the Government spent money on them, but little has been done. Those who visited them five years ago state that they succeeded in entering one cave, where they met with a tremendous precipice with water at the bottom."

Goulburn Evening Post, Wednesday 24 August 1949, page 1

"ROSEBROOK CAVES  Cooma Council Discussion.

Further investigation of the extent of the Rosebrook Limestone Caves near Bunyan and their possible opening up for public inspection, were discussed at Cooma Municipal Council meeting following submission by Ald. A. E. Howe of certain particulars supplied by Mr. J. A. Perkins who stated that between 40 and 50 years ago he and others had made a number of visits to the caves, says the "Cooma Express.'"

Ald. Howe said that Mr. J. A. Perkins, former M.H.R., for Monaro, had, at his request, sup-plied him with the following particulars, viz.: ROSEBROOK CAVES The limestone caves at Rosebrook (Homeleigh Station) were known to exist for many years prior to any attempt being made to enter them. In 1892 Mr. James Phillips was instructed to enlarge the opening and make an entry thereto. He and his assistants at the work did so, and reported the cave as a single large chamber containing some fine stalagmites of which samples were procured. No further exploration work was done at the time, and it was not till 1895 that they were again visited by some young folk from Cooma led by Mr. Frank Spicer. The following year (1896) another party of young men from Cooma - consisting of J. A. Perkins, A. E. Jackson, C. C. Collings, T. H. Willis, C. F. Welch Jr. and others visited the caves and made a stay of several hours searching below for entrances to other chambers. Ald. Dakin agreed that the matter should be investigated. Speaking as perhaps the only alderman who had been down he could say that the present descent was quite a difficult and steep one, the bottom of the cave being 80 or 90 feet from the top and the last 20 or 30 feet being a sheer drop. The lighting was a difficulty. The cave he was in was an active one. He moved that the Council write to the Geological Department of Sydney University suggesting that students undertake an investigation in their holidays. Seconded by Ald. Bookallil. Ald. Williams said that when he was at school a party went down with a teacher in charge. The motion was adopted."

The Canberra Times Thursday 5th August 1965 page 24

CAVING CLUB GOES BELOW World's End-under a paddock 

By CARIEN STOCKER

"A cut lunch, a strong pair of jeans, sandshoes, sturdy gloves, and I was ready for my first underground adventure - a trip to the Rosebrook Caves with the ANU Caving Club.

There were five in the party when we left Canberra - the leader, Mike Webb, Mick

Henry, Helen Finlay, Byron Deveson, all experienced "spelios," and I.

On a property near Bunyan seven miles from Cooma, we were joined by Andrew Bray and set off on the trek across the paddocks to the cave entrance. Puffing under the weight of a 60 ft. rope ladder, and tripping over rocks, I was relieved when we reached

the cave.

Cave! It was just a hole in the middle of a bare paddock. Two members set the ropes and ladder and two lit calcium carbide lamps. Then, helmeted and with a torch dangling from my belt, I left the clear sunny day and scrambled down an earthy, rocky shaft, clinging to the terrifyingly thin half-inch rope. 

Footholes lost and found. It took nearly 10 minutes of finding and losing footholes in the darkness before I was sitting next to Mike on a small ledge from which the ladder dangled into black nothing. The light of his smelly carbide lamp at the bottom of the ladder showed Mick 50 feet below in what seemed to me to be a vast cavern. My sudden fright - I had never been on a rope ladder before - must have communicated itself to Mike.

"I'm going to belay you down the ladder," he reassured me. "Go down one 

rung at a time and hold on to the rope sides. That's safer - sometimes the rungs break under the pressure of hands."

The ladder swayed, banged me against the wall and the rungs dodged away from my feet, but somehow I landed on the clay and limestone alongside Mick.

Frog with no eyes

"Look," he said, "this frog has no eyes. It has been down here for a very long time." The frog hopped off, but not before I saw the two black bumps where its eyes had been.

Peering up into the roof, I saw a myriad winking eyes, sparkling pinpoints like plankton in the sea at night. It was the water dripping off the end of the stalactites.

The limestone was in the most extraordinary shapes - thin lines like wriggly snakes ran down the walls, shawls spread in dragon wings, and great stretches of coral formation. They coated the whole cave. One wall was a velvety red-brown threaded with milkstone, like strips of crocheted lace.

Then everyone was down except Mike, who was going to show us how to abseil American-style.

We took three or four minutes to climb down the ladder, but he was down the cave wall in about 50 seconds.

Deep treasure trove

This was an average size cave compared with the ones at Wee Jasper and Wyanbene, I was told. In a tunnel leading to the second cavern I heard a familiar buzz. A blowfly, 60 feet underground? Nobody could tell me why blowflies should like it - but in a little cave we found later, the bodies of at least 20 lay on the coral stone.

We spent three hours mostly on our backs or bellies, like worms, or occasionally attempting a more sophisticated approach on hands and knees. The sharp coral hooked clothes or tore them, and jutting rock attacked us from all sides.

I slithered after Helen into World's End, where we sat crampcd together in a two foot six inches high and four foot long cave which had some of the most glorious and delicate stalactites, stalagmites and halactites, all in miniature, in the whole Rosebrook catacomb.

If anything was filigree it was the pure milkstone contrasted against cauliflower formations tinted with salmon pink like clouds in a setting sun. But the treasure trove of the trip was Hope Cave, the deepest one in this section. We stood 105 feet underground in the cave, which was divided into three chambers by stalactites and stalagmites. The limestone columns and every square inch of area in the 40-foot long cave were completely encrusted with coral rock, and the phosphorescent effect of the lamp light was eerie and fantastic.

Back into the night

Then back through the caves, rocks and tunnels we went, and up the ladder and the rope in the shaft, one after another, until we were above ground again in the frosty night.

The caving club is a member of the Sports Union at the university, and now I knew why bushwalking, often for miles, climbing, and resisting dampness, gases, bats,frogs and sometimes snakes, would make anyone physically fit."

. ABOVE: Caving is hard on the scat of one's jeans. The only way to get across this gaping void over a 27 ft drop was to wriggle through in a sitting position and reach for a foothold. RIGHT: Mick Henry, perched in The Pulpit, * a formation of white and pink stalactites and crystal coral stone 40 ft up on the wall of the main Rosebrook Cave, surveys the rest of the party on the cave floor 90 ft underground. Leaning close against the wall, Helen Finlay looks down the 27 ft crevice which leads to Hope Cave. The gardening gloves protect her hands front the sharp stones. Mike Webb descends to the floor of the main cave at Bunyan. With one foot in a loop of the rope which slips through a steel link on his belt, he can control his speed with one hand. : < Help

"Caving is hard on the seat of one's jeans. The only way to get across this gaping void over a 27 ft drop was to wriggle through in a sitting position and reach for a foothold."

. ABOVE: Caving is hard on the scat of one's jeans. The only way to get across this gaping void over a 27 ft drop was to wriggle through in a sitting position and reach for a foothold. RIGHT: Mick Henry, perched in The Pulpit, * a formation of white and pink stalactites and crystal coral stone 40 ft up on the wall of the main Rosebrook Cave, surveys the rest of the party on the cave floor 90 ft underground. Leaning close against the wall, Helen Finlay looks down the 27 ft crevice which leads to Hope Cave. The gardening gloves protect her hands front the sharp stones. Mike Webb descends to the floor of the main cave at Bunyan. With one foot in a loop of the rope which slips through a steel link on his belt, he can control his speed with one hand. : < Help

"Mick Henry, perched in The Pulpit, a formation of white and pink stalactites and crystal coral stone 40 ft up on the wall of the main Rosebrook Cave, surveys the rest of the party on the cave floor 90 ft underground."

. ABOVE: Caving is hard on the scat of one's jeans. The only way to get across this gaping void over a 27 ft drop was to wriggle through in a sitting position and reach for a foothold. RIGHT: Mick Henry, perched in The Pulpit, * a formation of white and pink stalactites and crystal coral stone 40 ft up on the wall of the main Rosebrook Cave, surveys the rest of the party on the cave floor 90 ft underground. Leaning close against the wall, Helen Finlay looks down the 27 ft crevice which leads to Hope Cave. The gardening gloves protect her hands front the sharp stones. Mike Webb descends to the floor of the main cave at Bunyan. With one foot in a loop of the rope which slips through a steel link on his belt, he can control his speed with one hand. : < 

Help

"Leaning close against the wall, Helen Finlay looks down the 27 ft crevice which leads to Hope Cave. The gardening gloves protect her hands from the sharp stones."

. ABOVE: Caving is hard on the scat of one's jeans. The only way to get across this gaping void over a 27 ft drop was to wriggle through in a sitting position and reach for a foothold. RIGHT: Mick Henry, perched in The Pulpit, * a formation of white and pink stalactites and crystal coral stone 40 ft up on the wall of the main Rosebrook Cave, surveys the rest of the party on the cave floor 90 ft underground. Leaning close against the wall, Helen Finlay looks down the 27 ft crevice which leads to Hope Cave. The gardening gloves protect her hands front the sharp stones. Mike Webb descends to the floor of the main cave at Bunyan. With one foot in a loop of the rope which slips through a steel link on his belt, he can control his speed with one hand. : < Help

"Mike Webb descends to the floor of the main cave at Bunyan. With one foot in a loop of the rope which slips through a steel link on his belt, he can control his speed with one hand."

REFERENCES

Guide to NSW Karst and Caves

The Limestone Deposits of New South Wales (Carne and Jones 1919) (DIGS R00050689)

The Limestone Deposits of NSW (1986) Lishmund, Dawood and Langley (DIGS R00056921)