The Wombeyan Caves (http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/wombeyan-karst-conservation-reserve) are situated between Taralga and Mittagong. They became the first protected caves in Australia in 1865. The tour will include a guided cave (Kooringa) and a self-guided cave (Fig Tree Cave). For the more adventurous participants, the self-guide cave (Tinted Cave), followed by a strenuous undulating bush-walk to our research cave (Wildman’s Cave) and return would be another option.
Dates: Saturday 7th September
Duration: 7am-7pm
Start from/return to UNSW (~3.5 hours drive) by bus
Price: 100$/person (includes transport and entry to the caves)
Min/Max number of persons: 20-45
Attendees need to be physically fit as this field trip includes a strenuous bush-walk of a few km, including steep slopes, steps and vertical fixed ladders.
What to bring: Water, packed lunch and snacks for the day. Appropriate clothing for bush-walking (hiking boots, sun hat, sun screen, backpack for water bottles and snacks). Please be aware of snakes and dress accordingly.
Children: Delegates with young families could choose to take the coach and not do all (or even any of) the tours, and instead enjoy the wildlife and some shorter walks on site. Hundreds of very tame kangaroos are guaranteed. Wombats, snakes, echidna, lyre birds, possums and gliders are all possible.
There is a kiosk at the Wombeyan Caves that sells a very basic range of food (canned drinks, ice cream, microwave pies, coffee, etc.). Water is available on-site, but we would recommend to pack enough water and food for your needs for the whole day.