Thanks to the outstanding efforts of National Parks and Wildlife Services, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust staff, Jenolan Caves will re-open on Saturday, 1 February 2020.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said while the fires destroyed 3 buildings and the Jenolan Caves Bushfire Brigade fire shed, the heritage-listed Jenolan Caves House survived.
“Among the tales of tragedy and destruction caused by the fires across Australia, it is a relief to find that most of the renowned caves precinct has been saved,” Mr Kean said.
“The dedication of all the fire crews prevented damage to the Caves House and other significant heritage buildings.”
Caves’ staff have worked hard to re-open the caves just a month after the fires.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said road crews had worked tirelessly to re-open part of Jenolan Caves Road to support the popular tourist destination.
“From Saturday, Jenolan Caves Road between Caves House and Bastard Point Road will re-open to light vehicles, which means visitors will be able to use this section of road, as well as Edith Road, to access the Jenolan Caves,” Mr Toole said.
“Jenolan Caves Road between Duckmaloi Road and Caves House will remain closed to traffic while repair work and clean up continues.”
Jenolan Caves Trust Director Jodie Anderson said the hotel and hospitality services at the heritage-listed Caves House, Caves Café, Chisolm’s Restaurant and seven of the spectacular caves will re-open on 1 February. Initially, only online bookings will be accepted.
Although Jenolan’s bushwalks are not yet safe to re-open, visitors will be able to stroll along one side of the beautiful Blue Lake.
