Wellington Caves – “Discover the Underground”
Step back in time and take a glimpse at pre-history in Wellington Caves, site of the first major discovery of megafauna in Australia way back in 1830, and home of Australia’s largest collection of Pliocene-Pleistocene mammal fossils.
This amazing underground landscape is not only home to incredible fossils, it offers a rare opportunity to take an up-close look at Australia’s geological and evolutionary history. Even Charles Darwin was enthralled by the surprises he found hidden within the caves during his visit in the 1830s.
Comprising part of the Garra Formation, the Wellington Caves complex includes an extensive network of more than 40 caves. Though many of the caves in the complex are quite small, they contain complex crystal and rock formations and a wealth of bone fossils dating back to the Devonian period between 419 and 358 million years ago.
The Caves are one of the world’s most significant sites for mammal fossils, which are still being examined by paleontologists today.
Information on Wellington Caves
Situated in Central NSW, Wellington Caves are located on Caves Rd, Wellington (via the Mitchell Highway), approximately 58km south-east of Dubbo. Wellington Caves has three significant cave sites which can only be explored via 1-hour guided tours, conducted daily:
Cathedral Cave
The Cathedral Cave features a dazzling 15m high limestone and crystal formation, while also offering visitors the opportunity to view remnants of a Palaeozoic coral reef that dates back 400 million years to the Devonian period.
Phosphate Mine
The Phosphate Mine cave is accessed via a restored WW1-era mine shaft. The cave is a pre-history lover’s dream, with thousands of mammal bone and fossil deposits dating to over a million years ago studding the walls. The Phosphate Mine also offers visitors an educational experience, where they can learn more about the process of mining natural resources early in the twentieth century.
Gaden Cave
Currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions). While the Gaden Cave is the smallest of the three caves, what it lacks in size it makes up for with its stunning formations and intricate maze of crystal stalactites, stalagmites, and cave corals hidden within or, for those who would prefer to remain above ground, a self-guided surface tour offers visitors the opportunity to view some of the site’s many and varied marine fossils.
While you’re there, take a look at the Visitor Experience Centre – visit the Discovery Lab and examine some amazing million-year-old fossils, explore the interactive displays, and purchase your very own fossil. If you’re in need of sustenance after your cave adventure, grab a drink or a snack from the café, or take advantage of the BBQ facilities.
Affordable Dubbo Accommodation Near Wellington Caves
If you’re planning a trip to the Wellington and Dubbo region, or you’re looking for Dubbo accommodation near Wellington Caves, The Palms Motel, Dubbo is a top choices for visitors to the area.
With an excellent range of affordable king- and queen-sized rooms, The Palms Motel Dubbo provides all the comforts of home including luxurious towels, comfy bedding, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.
For your entertainment, The Palms Dubbo also offers free Wi-Fi, a 55” flat-screen TV with free Stan and Netflix and access to over 40 TV channels.
After getting your daily exercise exploring the incredible Wellington Caves, relax by our saltwater swimming pool and make use of our barbecue area, or just chillout in your room with 24-hour room service and breakfast tray service to your door.
For comfortable and affordable Dubbo accommodation near Wellington Caves, call The Palms Motel Dubbo on 02 6881 8155, email us at bookings@tpmd.com.au or book directly on our website.
DUBBO PALMS MOTEL FACILITIES
Staying at The Palms Motel Dubbo, you will be close to the Dubbo attractions and activities, shops, restaurants and bars.
Air-Conditioned Rooms
Restaurant Chargeback Facilities
Foxtel TV – Movies & Sports
BBQ Facilities
Netflix
All Rooms Non-Smoking
Outdoor Salt-water Pool
Keyless Door Lock System
Free Car Parking
Breakfast Tray Service To Your Door
Central CBD Location
24 hour Check-In
Free NBN Fast WiFi
