Wind Eroded Cave

Wind Eroded Cave is an open sandstone overhang in the Blackheath section of Blue Mountains National Park. Its scalloped, honeycomb-like face is the main reason to stop. The name can suggest an enclosed chamber; this is an open cliff shelter, with the rock patterns close enough to inspect. The shared Anvil Rock car park makes it an easy short detour.

The cave path begins across the shared car park from the Anvil Rock path and takes a few minutes on foot. The approach from Blackheath follows unsealed Hat Hill Road to its end, so allow for a gravel-road drive and check park conditions before setting out. The area can close in poor weather or fire danger, and mobile reception is limited. No cave-side toilets, water or food service was confirmed; carry what you need. Dogs are not allowed in NSW national parks except certified assistance animals.

The main overhang is estimated at roughly 20 m tall, and smaller hollows continue higher along the rock. From the cave and nearby Anvil Rock area, the view opens across Grose Gorge toward Mount Banks. The sandstone's wave-like pockets are often linked to wind in the place name, but accounts of the erosion process conflict and there is no authoritative explanation for this exact formation. The patterns are the sure thing; the precise mechanism is not.

A low, close view brings out the ridges and pockets; use a wider frame to include the gorge beyond for scale. Warm early or late light can pick out the sandstone texture, though the rock also has deep shaded areas. Stay on the established visitor path and do not climb onto unstable edges for a shot.