Wee Jasper Caves – Just on our Doorstep

Sometimes it’s the case that we don't take advantage of what’s on our doorsteps, and Wee Jasper is a case in point.

Located only 54 kilometres from Yass, the Wee Jasper area is one of the most diverse geological landscapes in Australia. The dramatic limestone outcrops of the Wee Jasper Valley are highly scenic and have significant scientific and educational values associated with their structural geology, caves and diversity of marine fossils. Add to this the natural beauty of the rolling hills, and the mix of grazing land and natural timber-clothed rises traversed by fast running streams, and Wee Jasper is an irresistible combination.

Interest in Wee Jasper’s caves was sparked in 1957 when the spine of a large extinct wombat was discovered. Following this, many of the area’s caves were explored, mapped and studied, with most of the work done by the Canberra Speleological Society.

Wee Jasper has two different types of limestone: Taemas Limestone, overlying non-carbonate rock units, and Cavan Limestone. Both of these formed about 400-415 million years ago in the Devonian period, when they were laid down in shallow marine waters populated by species of lungfish, predatory fish and an abundance of trilobites (extinct arthropods) and molluscs. Some of the world's most significant and best-preserved Devonian fossils have come from the Wee Jasper limestones.

The area’s best-known cave is Careys, with its seven decorated chambers, located just north of Wee Jasper Village. Careys Cave was discovered in the 1800s, but was not developed for guided tours until 1968. Due to being formed primarily below the water table (phreatic development), as opposed to a stream-cut cave, Careys displays unusually beautiful sculptured rock chambers, and a wealth of calcite formations. It is one of the area’s major visitor attractions.

Guided tours are available for Carey’s Cave. The tours are available during the week as well as the weekend and public holidays at 12 noon, 1:30pm, and 3pm.

Please visit the following website for details about the tours and booking information: https://www.weejaspercaves.com/cavetours.html

• Topics:

• Living and Lifestyle