Exploring cultural heritage values of karst: the development of indigenous interpretation Jenolan caves
Email: dan.cove@jenolancaves.org.au
Abstract
Cave and karst areas have been important cultural sites throughout human history and prehistory. The interpretation of the cultural values of karst has often been seen as automatically secondary to the geological or other scientific values. At Jenolan Caves, NSW Australia, there was traditionally limited interpretation and little to no available information regarding the long association of Aboriginal tribal groups with the local area. The past 18 months has seen the development of a collaboration between the Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust and the Gundungurra Tribal Council which has led to the development of several new products including a self guided cave tour and surface walk both available as smart-phone apps. This collaboration has also dramatically improved general understanding of the connection of local Aboriginal peoples to the Jenolan area and to the cave system.