Devil’s Coach House – Our Favourite Hidden Gem in New South Wales
Devil's Coach House – The Grand Arch of Jenolan
Hidden deep within the Blue Mountains region, the Devil's Coach House is one of the most spectacular natural formations in New South Wales. Formed when the roof of a limestone cave collapsed, this enormous open chamber rises more than 50 metres high, with daylight pouring through its "windows" in the rock. For more Blue Mountains hidden gems, explore Jellybean Pool or discover Glenbrook Tunnel.
It's a place of scale and atmosphere that feels both cave-like and cathedral-like, leaving visitors awestruck the moment they step inside.
If you love discovering unusual places away from the main tourist tracks, you'll find Devil's Coach House featured as our number one pick in Hidden Gems New South Wales — a guide packed with maps, stories, and tips for exploring the most extraordinary destinations across the state.
Why Devil's Coach House Is So Special
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Immense scale: The cavern's height and open roof make it one of the largest natural arches in Australia.
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Daylight cavern: Unlike most caves, you don't need torches or lights — natural sunlight streams through openings in the roof.
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Wild beauty: Limestone walls, rock windows, and the sheer size of the chamber make it feel like stepping into another world.
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Legends: The site earned its name from stories of the devil driving his coach through the cavern, adding to its mystique.
Access and Current Status
The main path into Devil's Coach House has been affected by rockfalls and safety concerns, meaning access is restricted at times. Before planning a trip, always check with the official Jenolan Caves website for the latest updates on track closures and visitor safety.
When accessible, the cavern is typically reached via walking tracks that also connect with nearby Nettle Cave and Carlotta Arch, making it part of a spectacular day out in the Jenolan area.
Tips for Visiting
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Check conditions first: Paths may be closed or restricted depending on safety assessments.
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Photography: A wide-angle lens works best to capture the immense scale of the arch.
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Timing: Midday light is most dramatic, when the sun streams directly into the chamber.
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Be prepared: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water — tracks in this area can be steep and uneven. Discover more NSW hidden gems in our complete guide.
Why It's Our Favourite Hidden Gem in NSW
The Devil's Coach House stands out not just for its beauty, but for its rarity. It's a place where geology, history, and atmosphere collide, creating one of the most extraordinary natural spaces in the state. While other caves in Jenolan are more famous, none match the raw, open grandeur of this cavern.
For us, that makes it the ultimate highlight in our Hidden Gems New South Wales guide — a reminder that some of the most unforgettable places in the state are often the ones less visited.
More Hidden Wonders in NSW
If Devil's Coach House inspires you to go further, New South Wales is filled with unique hidden gems — from desert huts at Tin City, to heritage cabins at Burning Palms, to the waterfalls and swimming spots of Royal National Park.
Each one tells its own story, and together they make NSW one of the most diverse adventure destinations in Australia.
