Jenolan Caves is set to undergo a major $30.7 million upgrade to protect and enhance the World Heritage listed destination for generations to come.
The NSW Government investment will see the world’s oldest open cave network in the NSW Blue Mountains region get a facelift for decades-old infrastructure and additional habitat protection for Jenolan’s resident platypus population.​
A five-year draft Master Plan for the precinct has also been released for public comment.
The Plan includes a commitment by Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust to undertake a feasibility study of aerial access options,
Access to Jenolan Caves is currently via one road, which has been repeatedly impacted by severe wet weather and is currently undergoing emergency repairs to restore access as soon as possible.
Work on restoring access after landslips in July and further damage in October is underway, but it is clear safe all-weather access is required and that consideration be given to aerial access options to provide resilience for the world heritage listed location.
The site has more than 250 caves and internationally acclaimed show caves.
“Jenolan Caves has welcomed visitors for more than 100 years and we want to ensure we can preserve and protect this special place and enhance the experience for all future visitors, safely and sustainably,” said Minister, Paul Toole.
Other plans include a redesign of the Grand Arch Precinct, new self-guided walks through the Nettle and Arch Caves and upgrades to walking tracks, buildings and camping areas.
