4WD Adventure @ Wombeyan Caves

4WD Adventure @ Wombeyan Caves

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Posted 2013-07-17 by M@ysiefollow
If you own a 4WD and have never taken it off road, this is the perfect track to test out its capabilities. The track is not for the faint hearted but I guarantee it will be a winner. Hold your breathe because the destination will be worth it.

This track is rated easy by 4x4 Earth which means it is suitable for 2WD, AWD and 4WD. However, I think this track is best for AWD and 4WD as most of the track is unsealed and rough.

The drive takes approximately 3 hours and 50 mins from Sydney via the Hume Highway, exiting at Mittagong, merging into Old Hume Highway then turning right into Wombeyan Caves Road. Stay on this road until you reach the Wombeyan Caves Reserve.

The track is sealed up to the township of High Range, eventually changing terrain into an unsealed road as it approaches the township of Bullio. You will then pass through the historical 22 metre long single lane tunnel carved through the sandstone ridge, located within the Nattai National Park.

The plaque outside the tunnel states, "The tunnel was completed in 1899 as part of a new tourist road linking the Southern Highlands to Wombeyan Caves. Officially opened on 29 January 1900, the road was originally named Duprez Road in honour of Adolphe Prosper Duprez of Bowral who was the driving force behind its construction.'


Past the tunnel, up the hill, you will reach a lookout on the right offering sweeping views to the Blue Mountains in the distance.


The unsealed road will become more rough, rugged and steep as it begins to wind down the valley before crossing the Wollondilly River below. There are some lovely camping spots right by the riverbank, perfect for summer.

At this point, the road condition further deteriorates and is very steep and narrow as it winds back up the mountain. As your approach gets closer to the Wombeyan Caves Reserve, you will notice signage that reads "Sound Horn at Blind Curves". You will be passing many blind curves so there will be lots of beeping, and hopefully they are all from your own car because there is not much room along the cliff's edge and there are no guardrails for protection either. The road conditions has deteriorated severely over the years due to lack of funding for maintenance. There has been many incidents on the road and extreme care and responsible driving is highly recommended.

For updated information on the Wombeyan Caves Road condition, please visit WCRoad.com.au .


Then finally, with great relief you will see the big blue sign welcoming you to the Wombeyan Caves Reserve. I was blown away by the green lushness of the bushlands, camping grounds and green open space. We even spotted a few local residents, the good old kangaroo jumping around and lazing about.


The view of the Victoria Arch from the walking track leading up to the entrance of the Fig Tree Cave is breathtaking, but...


The view from inside the cave looking out of Victoria Arch is even more spectacular - there is light at the end of the tunnel!


For more details about The Wombeyan Caves please visit Kaye's article .

Note: This track is not recommended after heavy rain and please be careful of falling rocks and on-coming traffic at blind curves.

#adventure
#day_trips
#family
#outdoor
#places_of_interest
%wnsydney
102216 - 2023-06-12 09:57:49

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