If you ever find yourself driving past the tiny hamlet of Wee Jasper in the Yass Valley Shire, you would be forgiven for thinking you’ve somehow stumbled back in time. Although it may not be a household name, the subtle offerings of this unassuming little village may surprise you. Home to just around 127 people, the Wee Jasper Valley sits on an ancient seabed from over 400 million years ago, making it a playground for geology enthusiasts. Pristine rivers, caves, creeks, and vistas are on offer in this time capsule spot which is surprisingly convenient to get to from Sydney and other major cities. Its most striking feature is its underground caves but it’s also an underrated spot for stargazing offering strikingly clear and dark skies to experience the beauty of the cosmos. Here are the best things to do in this hidden gem in NSW.
Wee Jasper, NSW
The origins of its most charming name are unknown but it is believed it was named after tiny green gemstones discovered by an early Scots resident who called them “Wee Jaspers”.
Nature lovers and geology buffs will be spoilt for choice here. The Wee Jasper area is famed for its fossil faunas of the Devonian (Age of Fishes) and Quaternary age — a geologic time period covering the last 2.6 million years. In simple terms, imagine yourself walking the same terrain once frequented by megafauna like kangaroos, wombats, and marsupial lions. Interest in Wee Jasper’s caves escalated when the spine of a giant extinct wombat was found in 1957, eventually opening up the area to tourism. Opportunities for other recreational activities also abound with walking trails, camping reserves, barbecues, historical homesteads, and more in the vicinity. Here are the best ways to while away a long weekend in Wee Jasper.
1. Discover the underground caves
Wee Jasper is home to an array of limestone caves including the most popular Carey’s Cave which is open for exploration and the area’s main highlight. Featuring naturally sculpted rock and diverse cave formations, visitors will have to descend 30 steps to access the atmospheric caves. Following this, the path is mostly level with occasional steps and plenty of crystal formations and other surprises along the way. The caves have also become a popular spot for an off-the-grid wedding and also host several concerts in the year. Located 6km north of Wee Jasper on Caves Road, the chambers and pathways are well-illuminated and offer an incredible underground experience to visitors. You can book a guided tour here.
2. Go on a fossil tour
As mentioned the Wee Jasper Valley is essentially an ancient seascape from millions of years ago and the area continues to offer a true old-world experience. Book the Cooradigbee Fossil Tours and learn more about the fascinating history of the area and see specimens and formations that lie almost perfectly preserved all these years later. It’s one of the most unique experiences in the area for locals and travellers alike.
3. Enjoy the incredible night sky from a camping reserve
The Wee Jasper Reserves are another must-visit attraction of the area. The picturesque reserves are nestled along serene flowing rivers and gently cascading streams making the primed-for-Instagram spot an excellent retreat from the city. During the day, guests can enjoy barbecues and picnic facilities, plus bird-watching and fishing and see the native animals and birds up close. At night the unassuming landscape transforms with stunning stargazing opportunities and you’ll find yourself entranced by the night sky. It’s a relaxing escape into nature and a glimpse into the many excellent offerings of the area.
4. Explore the walking trails
Some places beg to be explored on foot and Wee Jasper is one of them. Walking around the village, you’ll find a church, a tiny school, a tennis court, a community hall, and a general store which has tea rooms, takeaway foods, general goods, and more. The picturesque views of the valley and beyond are also best admired from the trails. Head to the Micalong Creek Bridge and Goodradigbee River, a moderately challenging 6.1km track with lovely views and opportunities for camping or walk to Mount Wee Jasper via Hume and Hovell Walking Track, a more challenging 12.1km route.
5. Enjoy some wild swimming
Wee Jasper is perched on the picturesque Goodradigbee River and the shallow fresh waters of the river provide respite in the summer months. Plus, the rivers and streams in the area are excellent for swimming and kayaking. Adventure lovers can head to Burrinjuck Dam for boating and other underwater activities. There is plenty of wild swimming to enjoy in this tiny (wee, if you will), get-away-from-it-all village. Read more about Wee Jasper and find accomodation options on Visit NSW.
How to get to Wee Jasper
Wee Jasper is located around 337 kilometers from Sydney and about 60km south of Yass, and the best way to get there is by road. The total drive from Sydney is between 4 and 4.5 hours via M31 and Wee Jasper Road. Do note, that road closures are often in place, call before planning a visit to avoid disappointment. Find further details here.