Red Hands Cave is one of the best Aboriginal rock art examples in the Blue Mountains, Glenbrook area. It is an irreplaceable part of Australia’s cultural heritage.
You need to gain access via the Glenbrook entrance of Blue Mountains National Park.
Please be aware that at the time of publishing, an $8 entrance fee applies. Fines may apply for non-payment at the gate or office.
Opening hours are 8.30 am and the park closes at 7pm (October to April) and 6pm the rest of the year. Again these are subject to change, so check ahead.
Red Hands Cave can be reached by foot, bike or by vehicle and walking. The terrain rating is based on driving and a short walk once at the carpark nearest to the cave.
- Walking- the Red Hands Cave Walking Track - It is an 8km loop which starts near the causeway down from the park entrance.
- Vehicle- Drive approximately 13 km past the park entrance along the unsealed Oaks Trail and Red Hands Trail to the carpark for a 1km return walk (approximately 10 mins). Some steps are involved but it is a fairly easy gradient.
Please remember that some roads are unsealed, so in inclement weather, check conditions.However you don't need a 4WD to access this- it should be fine for most cars.
If walking, take adequate water, sunscreen and a hat, especially in the warmer weather.
The location was chosen because it is a precious indigenous site and therefore needs to be respected. Even many locals may not have visited the area.
Avoid flash photography and under no circumstances touch the art.
Some of the Aboriginal hand prints at Red Hands Cave
To log this cache:
Visit the cave and look at the signs provided. Send the answers to the following questions to the CO via the link or message centre. There is no need to wait for confirmation, I will contact you if I have concerns. Make sure you upload a photo of your hand or a geocaching feature at the cave though.
- What is the title of each of the 3 white information signs in the cave?
- At least how many generations have the Aboriginal people lived on this continent?
- How long ago do the hands in the cave perhaps date back?
- What three colours are the hands?
- Approximately how many hands do you see?
- Why do you think the cave has had to be enclosed as it has?
Lastly, post a photo of at least your hand, at a recognisable part of the cave. (no spoilers for the above questions)
Enjoy!
Congratulations to wshoeii for FTF!
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.