Verandah Cave

Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve

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Overview

Take the easy walk from Borenore picnic area to Verandah Cave, where you can explore its limestone outcrops and pools of water in Borenore Karst Reserve.

Type
Show caves
Opening times

Borenore picnic area, from where you set out for Verandah Cave, is open from 9am-7pm every day, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

What to
bring
Drinking water

An hour’s hike from Borenore picnic area you’ll find Verandah Cave, a large limestone overhang protecting large pools of water. Located near Orange, it’s a great destination for a weekend getaway or a stretch of the legs on a car tour along Borenore trail.

It’s a pleasant 7km return journey along Boree Creek trail, over mainly flat ground and through the bush. You’ll see yellow box gum and apple box trees, and possibly even eastern grey kangaroos.

Explore the rocky outcrops formed over thousands of years by fast-moving water. If you’re very quiet, you might be lucky to see a platypus, although they are very shy. The cave is a shady, relaxing place to unpack a picnic, or to enjoy a leisurely lunch beside the tranquil Verandah Creek.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/show-caves/verandah-cave/local-alerts

Park info

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Verandah Cave.

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Learn more

Verandah Cave is in Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Aboriginal connections

Arch cave, Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: Steve Woodhall

The permanent flow of Boree creek and the reliable shelter of caves meant that this area was used for thousands of years by the Wiradyuri people. In fact, the name 'Borenore' is believed to be derived from two Wiradyuri words: bora which means ceremony and nora nora meaning shelf or overhanging rock. The reserve remains an important place for Aboriginal people today and protects a number of ancient sites, including Arch Cave which is highly significant for local Aboriginal women as a maternity site.

From limestone to marble

Verandah Cave, Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: Steve Woodhall

Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites at Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve. The karst or limestone, as it is better known in the reserve, probably began life as limey mud and coral reefs some 390-400 million years ago when the area was located off the east coast of Australia. Around 12 million years ago, nearby Mount Canobolas spewed lava over the limestone, turning it into marble. Borenore marble, known as Borenore Red, was used in many public buildings in Sydney, including Transport House in Macquarie Street, and countless marble fireplaces.

  • Arch loop track Explore Arch Cave along the easy Arch loop track, a short walk from the picnic area. Look for stalactites, stalagmites and columns in the cool cavern.
  • Verandah Cave Take the easy walk from Borenore picnic area to Verandah Cave, where you can explore its limestone outcrops and pools of water in Borenore Karst Reserve.

Mystical adventure

Picnic area, Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: OEH

Home to the ancient Arch Cave, Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve harbours a whole world that thrives in the dark. Light up your head torch and marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites. Listen to the drips of water around you that keep the air moist, the perfect breeding ground for the mosses and lichen surrounding the entrance. The musky smell you will notice is the tell-tale sign that bats are about as the caves are a precious home to these protected species.

  • Borenore picnic area With a large grassy area, barbecues and picnic tables, Borenore picnic area is a great place for a family picnic. After lunch, take an easy walk to explore Arch Cave.

Protecting the precious

Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: OEH

Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve plays a special role in the preservation of some of Australia's precious native flora and fauna. A haven for birds, the park is home to thornbills, honeyeaters, kookaburras, magpies, treecreepers, weebills and more. Another special flying creature finding protection here is the eastern bent-winged bat, a threatened species that spends the winter hibernating in Tunnel Cave, before emerging in spring ready to migrate. Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve also contains the endangered box gum woodland vegetation community.

  • Verandah Cave Take the easy walk from Borenore picnic area to Verandah Cave, where you can explore its limestone outcrops and pools of water in Borenore Karst Reserve.

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