One of the spectacular formations inside the Figtree Cave at Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve.

Although it's not as adventurous as the various nearby wild cave systems such as those at Tuglow and Bungonia, it's a top spot for camping, wildlife watching and for learning about the geology and history of these remote and magnificent caves.

The caves had been a special place to the local Gundungurra people for hundreds of generations, but there is little evidence they used the caves themselves for shelter.

Europeans first discovered Wombeyan Caves in 1828 when explorer John Oxley and pioneering grazier John Macarthur explored the areas between Berrima and Oberon looking for grazing land. They stumbled upon the massive entrance to the Figtree Cave, the Victoria Arch, at the end of a cleared box canyon.

In 1868 the area was set aside by the colonial NSW government as a reserve and was staffed by a caretaker, Mr Charles Chalker. Chalker explored the area extensively and discovered many of the dozens of caves in the Wombeyan system.

The area became very popular with tourists and geologists alike, and in 1900 a road was opened, linking Wombeyan Caves to Mittagong in the east. An account of this newly-pushed-through road is found in one of my favourite books, "Landlopers" by John Le Gay Brereton, published in 1899.

I have read newspaper letters to the editor from the 1910s where the writers bitterly whinge about the state of the Wombeyan Caves Road between the Caves and Mittagong. Over 100 years later, people are still whingeing about it haha. I call it The Road Of Doom and it's a picturesque drive which is even a little adventurous at times.

The Wombeyan Caves themselves were popular throughout the first half of the 20th Century and the Figtree Cave in the photo was opened to the public as a guided show cave in 1968 and it's been inspiring visitors ever since.

Motels in Upper Lachlan Shire Council

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Our top choices for Upper Lachlan Shire Council motels

The Abbey Motel Goulburn

Goulburn

Kate

RM567 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

In-room safe, soundproofing, free cots/infant beds, free WiFi

Carlton Suites

Goulburn

Melisa

RM339 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Down duvets, desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

Heritage Motor Inn Goulburn

Goulburn

SHARON

RM436 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Hamilton Hume Motor Inn

Yass

Lynette

RM461 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

Berrima

Louise

RM447 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026

Willows Motel Goulburn

Goulburn

robert

RM329 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

The Bowral Hotel

Bowral

andrew

RM537 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026

Parkhaven Motel

Goulburn

Peter

RM339 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Mercure Goulburn

Goulburn

Rosario

RM512 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026

The Imperial Motel

Bowral

Ankur

RM529 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Alpine Heritage Motel

Goulburn

Alex

RM285 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Swaggers Motor Inn

Yass

Rebecca

RM432 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Goulburn Motor Inn

Goulburn

Kevin

RM404 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Lilac City Motor Inn & Steakhouse

Goulburn

Michelle

RM344 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Thunderbird Motel

Yass

Lynda

RM596 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026

Marulan Motor Inn

Marulan

Ben

RM434 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Colonial Lodge Motor Inn Yass

Yass

sandra

RM431 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Briars Country Lodge

Burradoo

Jeffrey

RM512 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Down duvets, Select Comfort beds, desk, iron/ironing board

Posthouse MotorLodge

Goulburn

Michael

RM472 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Yass Motel

Yass

Mark

RM404 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026

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Top Upper Lachlan Shire Council Hotel Reviews

Quest Goulburn

10/10 Excellent

"Great location for a short trip "

The Abbey Motel Goulburn

10/10 Excellent

"From check in to check out, our entire stay, both times has been wonderful. The lovely ladies on reception are quick with a smile, nothing is too much trouble and happy to recommend a good place to eat. Check out the Hiberion round the corner for an excellent meal. The room was immaculately clean and spacious. I initially thought the bed was too soft when I sat down but when I got in after a days driving….ooh heavenly. I’ve now stayed here twice and will do so again. Highly recommended. "