NATIONAL Parks and Wildlife Service says flooding in the Bathurst region's Abercrombie Caves site is the worst in 70 years and the tourist attraction will be closed now for months.
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It follows heavy rain in the region on the weekend that led to a minor flood on the Macquarie River at Bathurst and the closure of the low level bridge and a moderate flood on the Belubula River at Canowindra.
The NPWS says "significant" flooding has resulted in the closure of all caves at Abercrombie, the Abercrombie camping area, Arch Cottage and the Groves Creek Falls and Mt Grey walking tracks.
It says staff are assessing the damage.
"Judging by the water height, it is the worst flooding in 70 years," NPWS area manager Angela Lonergan said.
"The pedestrian bridge across the creek was damaged by the floodwaters removing some of the decking.
"Electrical cables for automatic lighting systems inside the cave have been washed away."
IN OTHER NEWS AROUND BATHURST:
She said the Abercrombie site has damaged sections of track and debris on walking tracks and viewing platforms.
Ms Lonergan said campers were stranded at Abercrombie by the rising creek and were helped by NPWS to evacuate when the water receded on Monday.
"The areas will be reopened to the public as soon as they are safe," she said.
NPWS says Abercrombie Caves will be closed until June 4, 2022 to allow for flood recovery works.
The problems at Abercrombie follow a run of bad luck for the other caves in the greater Bathurst region, Jenolan Caves, which have been affected by fires and floods in recent years.
