Jenolan Caves
School Excursions
download Jenolan Caves School Excursion Information Pack
Students are fascinated at Jenolan Caves!
In the World Heritage listed Karst Conservation Reserve, Jenolan Caves is the ideal destination for school groups, best described as 'Nature's Classroom'. Our truly unique surrounds offer opportunity to experience rare wildlife, unchanged and contrasting ecosystems, and geological formations wilder than the imagination.
Our experienced and nationally accredited guides cater for a wide range of activities, to suit the needs of all students K to 12. Programs incorporate all areas of the school curriculum. We offer experiential learning through such activities as Adventure Caving, abseiling, bush navigation/orienteering, environmental studies walks, Stream Watch and guided tours through our ten show caves, or self guided Nettle Cave.
Choose from an existing program, or ask us to develop a package to fit the needs of your students and fulfill the learning outcomes of specific key learning areas outside the generic requirements.
Our study guides do the work.
Take the guess work out of developing interesting and relevant work units. With each excursion booked, we will provide appropriate information and worksheets for teachers and students, to help make your job easier. As an example, you can see page one of one of our worksheets below.
Study Guide - Environmental Issues Associated with Karst Land Use [PDF]
Risk Management & insurance
We will provide you with the completed risk management document, 'Venue and Safety Information for School Excursion', as required by the NSW Department of Education and Training. This document covers many issues such as first aid, bush fires, accidents and lost or missing students during both activities and while using our accommodation. Please see our 'Certificate of Currency'.
Great choice of spectacular show caves
Jenolan is renowned for our spectacular beauty.
School groups can choose to tour one or more of our ten show caves, and the tour content can be tailored to a specific study requirement.
Traditionally schools have toured the Lucas Cave, which easily takes the largest groups.
But don't forget our fabulous Chifley and Imperial Caves - also great for larger groups.
Exciting Adventure Caving - teams unite and excel!
Geared up with personal head-lamps and overalls, students learn squeezes, climbs and crawls and feel like real adventurers, while learning about the cave environment up close.
Environmentally responsible and overseen by trained guides, it is a fantastic way to explore the underworld. The students assist each other and rely on teamwork to make their way through the caves.
There are a variety of Adventure Caves to suit different ages and group sizes. Some caves incorporate an abseil into the entrance (for students 10 years and over).
Fun abseiling!
Whether first time or experienced abseilers, students are introduced gently into the art of abseiling.
There is an instructor-student ratio of 1 to 6.
Students are instructed on the use of abseiling equipment and taught how to abseil in an isolated valley.
Abseiling is an ideal way to build self-confidence. They love the challenge and the satisfaction of learning a new skill. (for students 10 years and over).
Bush navigation/orienteering
This involves in introduction to reading a map and compass. The students navigate a mapped course to discover clues, find items and solve problems. Bush navigation can be designed so that it is competitive.
Fascinating Karst Walks
Interpretative bushwalks are another popular option. Such tours provide an excellent setting to explore the ideas and examples of World Heritage protection, landforms, land use and environmental management.
More to offer than meets the eye!
Whether it be our unique performance spaces with world class acoustics or ideal tranquil setting for the arts, we have more to offer than meets the eye.
AccommodationThe Gatehouse is a comfortable 3-storey bush-walkers lodge containing 14 rooms. There are three unisex bathrooms. Common rooms have fridges and cooking facilities on two floors. Capacity is as follows:
The Mountain Lodge is our modern motel-style accommodation, with en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, television and iron. Capacity is as follows:
The Binoomea Cottage can sleep up to 24 people, over two floors, in single beds, 4 people per room. |
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Meals
Dinner and breakfast are served in Chisolm's Restaurant, a treat for many young students. We have special school menus that we fax to you closer to your arrival. Breakfast includes cereal, fruit, milk, toast, bacon and eggs. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Getting to Jenolan
Jenolan Caves is just 1¼ hours from Katoomba, 2½ hours from Western Sydney and 3 hours from Canberra.
Contact
For bookings and further enquiries please contact us. If there is an activity you want within your school
excursion and we haven't mentioned it, be sure to ask, as we cater for ALL needs.
