Jenolan Caves is back in business, with visitors returning to enjoy the spectacular caves after more than 100 days of closure.
Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the re-opening of the famous tourism destination was great news for the region.
“Jenolan was hit hard by weather last year, with landslips completely shutting down access to Caves House,” Mr Toole said.
“This much loved destination has been attracting visitors for more than 100 years, so it’s great that the damage has been repaired and the site is re-opening.
“The first cave tours kick off tomorrow morning and staff are looking forward to once again sharing the beauty of this amazing World Heritage listed site.”
Mr Toole thanked locals and tourists alike for steering clear of the damaged Jenolan Caves Road.
“Crews worked around the clock to make Jenolan Caves Road safe for motorists again and I’d like to thank everyone for following the direction of crews and signage,” Mr Toole said.
“I’m pleased people will be exploring the caves once more and making memories while there’s still time left during the school holidays.”
Caves opening for tours include the Imperial, Orient, Chifley, Lucas and Temple of Baal.
Jenolan’s café will also re-open tomorrow.
Special activities for young adventurers visiting Jenolan Caves over the school holidays include Fossil Hunter and the Plug Hole Adventure.
Accommodation returns from 9 February. Tickets must be pre-booked online.
Visit jenolancaves.org.au for details and important access information.
The reopening of Jenolan Caves comes just after Mr Toole announced the tourist attraction will undergo a major $30.7 million upgrade to protect and enhance the World Heritage listed destination for generations to come, thanks to NSW Government funding.
Improvements to the world’s oldest open cave system precinct include a face-lift to decades-old infrastructure and additional habitat protection for Jenolan’s resident platypus population. Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the planned works and draft Master Plan proposals will ensure the much-loved tourist destination is able to deliver high-quality nature-based visitor experiences into the future.
“Access to Jenolan Caves and tours will continue whilst these upgrades take place,” Mr Toole said.
“The draft Master Plan proposes a feasibility study of future aerial access options to ensure ongoing access to this important site and its 250 caves and internationally acclaimed show caves.
A five-year draft Master Plan for the precinct has also been released for public comment. Draft Grand Arch Precinct Master Plan is on exhibition now and can be viewed at www.jenolancaves.org.au
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