Coronavirus, fires, floods keep caves in Blue Mountains closed, hurting tourism

The ancient limestone cave systems of the Blue Mountains have experienced an unprecedented year with bushfires, floods and coronavirus restrictions keeping visitors away.

But now as things limp back to normal, the communities that rely on the tourism say they have been left in the dark about why some of the caves continue to remain closed.

The Wombeyan Caves would usually attract more than 100,000 visitors each year but have been closed to visitors since the start of 2020 as urgent maintenance and safety upgrades continue.

The campground at the caves was reopened in December, but nearby business owners and the council say the region is missing out with its major landmark locked away.