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Add a little adventure to your Central West getaway with a visit to Wellington Caves. Located near Wellington in the Dubbo region, this fascinating attraction takes you beneath the surface to discover limestone formations, ancient fossils and stories stretching back hundreds of millions of years.
With guided cave tours and plenty more to discover above ground, Wellington Caves is a great day out for families, curious kids and anyone who loves uncovering something a little different on holiday.
Head Underground
The real adventure begins when you head below the surface on a guided cave tour.
Cathedral Cave is the largest of the show caves and is home to impressive limestone and crystal formations, including the 15-metre-high Altar stalagmite. The cave also contains evidence of marine life dating back around 400 million years, offering a fascinating look at just how much the Central West landscape has changed over time.
Gaden Cave offers another underground experience, with stalagmites, stalactites and delicate coral-like formations to discover along the way.
Each cave offers something different, making a guided tour an interesting way to learn more about the natural history hidden beneath the region.
Discover Fossils and Ancient Giants
The adventure does not end when you return to the surface.
At the Fossil Discovery Lab, get a closer look at fossils dating back around one million years and discover some of the megafauna that once roamed the region. The hands-on experience gives visitors the chance to learn how fossils help piece together the story of animals and landscapes from long ago.
You can also visit the free Ancient Landscapes Gallery, which explores around 400 million years of history through ancient seas, Australian megafauna, traditional Wellington Wiradjuri stories and scientific discoveries from the area.
It is a great addition to the cave experience and gives the whole family even more to talk about on the trip home.
Explore Above Ground
There is plenty to discover outside the caves too.
Take a walk along the self-guided Fossil Trail and keep an eye out for evidence of the marine life that existed here hundreds of millions of years ago. You can also see the entrance to Anticline Cave from above and get another glimpse of the geological forces that helped shape the landscape.
Exploring above ground is an easy way to spend a little more time at Wellington Caves and see another side of this fascinating attraction.
Plan Your Wellington Caves Adventure
Wellington Caves is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 4:15 PM. Entry to the caves is by guided tour, so booking ahead is recommended, particularly during school holidays and other busy periods.
Remember to wear enclosed, non-slip shoes for your cave tour. Hard hats are provided, and it is also worth checking the requirements of your chosen tour before booking. Cathedral Cave includes around 300 stairs, while Gaden Cave can occasionally close when atmospheric conditions make access unsuitable.
Tour times and availability can change, so check the official Wellington Caves website for the latest information before setting off.
Make It Part of Your Central West Getaway
A trip to Wellington Caves is a great way to mix up your Dubbo holiday and see more of the surrounding region. Spend a few hours exploring underground, discover millions of years of natural history and then continue your journey through the Central West.
After your cave adventure, head back to Dubbo Holiday Park and settle in for a relaxing evening.
With accommodation options for families, couples and road trippers, the park makes a handy base for exploring Dubbo and venturing further afield during your stay.