ABERCROMBIE RIVER NATIONAL PARK

The 19,000 hectare park protects an important area of remnant bushland within the south-western central tablelands helps to preserve the pristine quality of river environment.

Abercrombie River National Park is situated off the Goulburn-Oberon Road, 40km southwest of Oberon. The park offers solitude and great camping sites along the River Oak lined creeks and rivers. Other recreational opportunities include fishing, picnicking, canoeing, swimming and bushwalking. The camping area at Bummaroo Ford on the Abercrombie River has toilets, fireplaces and information. This is the only section of the park accessible by 2WDs and trailers. All other access is by 4WD only. For more information on Kanangra-Boyd or Abercrombie National Parks please contact NPWS Oberon Office phone 02 6336 1972.

ABERCROMBIE CAVES

Abercrombie Caves, off the Bathurst/Goulburn Road, Trunkey Creek, are spectacular limestone caves located in a nature reserve. The Abercrombie Caves are one of the most spectacular limestone caves systems in Australia. They consist of a large arch claimed to be the largest natural limestone tunnel in the Southern hemisphere and has a number of smaller passages leading from it.

While the cave system is small as a whole, the Abercrombie Archway is one of enormous dimensions surpassing the size of the Grand Arch at Jenolan by two and a half times. In 1854 gold was discovered in the area. Mount Gray, just above the caves, was established as a gold mining community covering over 20 hectares. Miners from many of the surrounding communities would often visit the caves. In the early 1860's the miners constructed a small platform for dancing. A larger structure was built in 1 880 and is still used today for functions - this venue has exceptional acoustics. Regular musical events are held here.

The first white visitors to the caves appear to have been bushrangers. In 1 830 armed settlers, mounted police and an army regiment fought it out with The Ribbon Gang near the caves. Convict leg irons have been found in Bushranger Cave. A severe flood hit the archway in April 1950. This flood was reported to be 7 metres up the walls and many of the tracks were washed away. The caves were closed for two years while the debris was removed. The caves were reopened for public inspection in 1952.

The caves are being constantly developed and maintained. In 1979 the new electrical installations were officially switched on and a time capsule was placed near the dance platform to be opened in 2079.

Visitors may swim or fish for trout in Grove Creek, try their hand at fossicking or explore the bush on a half day walk along marked tracks, including one to Grove Creek Fails. There is a camping area and on-site vans. Cave tours are conducted daily. Phone 02 6368 8603.