South Glory Cave is one of the many caves in the Yarrangobilly area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. Like many national parks across New South Wales National Parks, the South Glory Cave is currently closed due to the Covid19 pandemic. However, reopenings are planned from 1 June 2020 and will be announced
here following risk assessments for each.
Pathway to the South Glory Cave
There are a number of other caves that offer guided tours
in the Yarrangobilly region. However, the South Glory Cave is a special place for families to visit as self-guided tours are permitted here. This experience is augmented by the booking process (1300 072 757), which ensures that large numbers of people aren't exploring the cave system at the same time - perfect for those seeking a social-distancing adventure underground.
The incredible high arched entrance to the South Glory Cave
The South Glory Cave entrance is within the Glory Arch, and the tour pathway forms a loop of sorts to exit the cave close to the visitor carpark. The South Glory Cave is quite a spectacle in its own right, opening to the sky above the huge mound of rubble that was once its roof. Unfortunately, the interior of South Glory Cave is not accessible to wheelchairs since the 470m pathway includes 206 steps and a number of ramps. Although this sounds fairly grueling, our primary school-aged children loved the tour and managed the pathway with ease.
One of the many sets of steps inside the South Glory Cave
Located in the Snowy Mountains, this cave system has water running through it at all times. Because of this, many formations are still actively forming.
South Glory Cave has excellent examples of actively forming stalactites and stalacmites
The track inside the South Glory Cave is relatively easy to traverse, although visitors should bring torches (something the NSW National Parks website neglects to mention to potential visitors), and children should remain under close adult supervision. Supportive walking shoes are also recommended, especially as the path can be slippery in places.
Our kids really enjoyed exploring the caves features
Beautiful stalactites, stalacmites, and flows can be viewed along the path through the cave system. One of the beauties of the tour is it's self-guided so each visitor can take the time that they want to explore and view all of the features. We visited the South Glory Cave during a summer heatwave. This was a perfect activity for the searing hot day, with the moderate underground temperature far more pleasant than that outside. Similarly, in winter the air in the caves, at around 9-11 degrees celsius, will often be warmer than the air outside.
One of the many beautiful formations inside the South Glory Cave
To get to Yarrangobilly Caves, follow the Snowy Mountains Highway between Cooma and Tumut, and turn into the signed Yarrangobilly Caves Entrance Road. Follow this for about 6km until you reach the caves. Although Yarrangobilly Caves, including the South Glory Cave, are accessible with 2 wheel drive vehicles, snow chains are required on all vehicles after snow.
