Modern facelift for the region’s oldest tourist attraction

The café renovation was unveiled by Heritage Minister Gabrielle Upton and Bathurst MP Paul Toole on Tuesday.

Ms Upton said a new multi-million dollar visitor centre and walking tracks were also on the drawing board.

“Today’s $1.9 million café renovation and the coming $8.5 million refurbishment represents an important investment in regional tourism,” she said.

“Jenolan Caves, west of the Blue Mountains, was one of Australia’s first international tourist attractions, comprising a spectacular network of limestone caves.

“Every year Jenolan Caves attracts more than 230,000 visitors and, once the new facilities are complete, it’s estimated an extra 160,000 will visit the Caves each year.

“Guided by a hotel expert, heritage advisers, architects, interior designers and disability access contractors, the works were undertaken in accordance with approval under the Heritage Act.”

Mr Toole said the funding would revitalise existing infrastructure at Jenolan Caves, helping to attract vital tourism dollars for the Bathurst electorate and create jobs for the region.

“This much-needed funding will transform the iconic Jenolan Caves for both locals and tourists,” Mr Toole said.

“The upgrade is aimed at rejuvenating this wonderful precinct to ensure it continues to be an iconic tourism destination, by providing a diversified, safe and spectacular visitor and guest experience as well as generating sustainable regional socio-economic benefits.”