GIVEN the damage caused to Jenolan Caves Road in both directions due to extreme weather, Transport for NSW says access into Jenolan Caves will be closed for the foreseeable future.
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As there is no alternative access to the popular tourist attraction, the precinct will be closed up to and including April 18.
The closure is just the latest in a series of setbacks for Jenolan Caves over the past 15 months.
Bushfires that razed much of NSW in the summer of 2019-20 had a profound impact on Jenolan Caves, with much of the area burnt out and buildings lost.
Heavy rains that followed in February 2020 caused flooding and massive landslides in the area, closing roads and causing widespread damage to buildings and the natural environment.
Closure due to COVID-19 restrictions caused further pain for Jenolan Caves through the autumn and winter months before two nights of heavy rain in December saw rock slides and debris close roads in and out of the historic venue.
Now Jenolan Caves will work together with Transport for NSW to assess the full impact and determine a recovery plan and timings to get both the road and precinct back open after the recent rain event.
Jenolan Caves management says it will have an update once these assessments have taken place.
In a media release on Facebook, the management said it had been a difficult but necessary decision.
"We understand it will be disappointing for a lot of our guests that were hoping to visit us over the next couple of weeks," the release said.
"Jenolan Caves offers complete booking flexibility and our staff are happy to assist you by arranging alternative dates, offering a voucher valid for up to three years or providing a refund for any cancellations for experiences that have been pre-paid.
"We are in the process of contacting our guests but if you require assistance, please call us on 02 6339 9247 or email bookings@jenolancaves.org.au for accommodation and dining related enquiries. Alternatively, you can call 02 6339 9216 or email reception@jenolancaves.org.au for cave tour related enquiries.
"We are experiencing a large number of calls and emails, so if you can't get through immediately please leave a message or email and rest assured we will get back to you as soon as we can.
"We apologise for the inconvenience but have made this decision as we pride ourselves on the safety, comfort and enjoyment of our guests and staff."
The Jenolan Caves Road at Hampton also remains closed and traffic is being diverted to the Great Western Highway via Bathurst.
