The historic Jenolan Caves precinct – and the spectacular caves system – will be closed to travellers for at least 18 months as essential road repairs are carried out following major flooding earlier this year.
The caves, located in the southern Blue Mountains National Park, have been closed to the public since extreme rainfall inundated buildings and caused landslips back in April.
Transport for NSW have now confirmed essential road repairs to return the ‘Two Mile’ section of Jenolan Caves Road to full capacity will begin next month.
Over the past few years, the road has suffered extensive damage from storms, fire and flooding events.
While guests are unable to visit the precinct, Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust will complete a program of upgrades and maintenance, including major work on the historic Jenolan Caves House, which was built in 1898.
Planned works at the heritage-listed Jenolan Caves also include building a Blue Lake Boardwalk and upgrading tracks, trails and the visitor car park.
Acting Director Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust, Andrew Le Lievre, said Jenolan Caves has faced many weather-related challenges in recent years.
‘The repairs to the only road into Jenolan Caves are essential and we look forward to welcoming back our guests as soon as possible,” he said. ‘We have been welcoming visitors to Jenolan and our internationally acclaimed show caves for more than 100 years … when we open our doors again, guests will enjoy a modernised precinct and restored safe road access.”
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It is an absolute disgrace that this section of road has not been repaired before this.
Since the road collapse the damaged section has had single lane traffic being regulated by a (stop/go) traffic signal. The signal has been operated by a team of private traffic controllers 24 hours/day, seven days a week – I can’t imagine the cost of this to the Taxpayers.
Is not the back road through Oberon open?
I have gone to the caves since I was in primary school some sixty years ago n the road was scary then but it great to know they are trying to fix it better late than never I will definitely go back to visit when it reopens very fond memories
Genolan is a real aussie icon and I’m glad they’re finally upgrading the road. We can’t do much to stop mother nature but it’s important to do repairs asap.
When I stayed there 20 years ago, it was very expensive. Food was great but the rooms were like 2 star country pub rooms! Hope the reno’s bring it up to scratch for the prices.