Jenolan Caves House saved from the bush fires

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I read today that the historic Jenolan Caves House has been saved from the bushfires in eastern Australia. Fire crews have battled for weeks to save the 122-year-old heritage-listed building, which was rebuilt in 1898 after a fire destroyed the original building. However, the Rural Fire Service shed and three unoccupied staff cottage buildings were lost in the blaze. The limestone caves are located 175 kilometres east of Sydney in the Central Tablelands region in New South Wales They are the oldest discovered open caves in the world and contain some spectacular formations. There are over 40 kilometres of passages. A quarter of a million visitors tour the site each year. Lucas Cave was the first cave discovered in 1860 and includes the Cathedral Chamber with its 50 metre high ceiling and wonderful acoustics. Concerts are often held there. Nettle Cave is home to some stromatolites which are estimated to be at least 20,000 years old. When we visited the area, there was no public transport to the caves. I loved the entry to the House which is through a hole in the rock face. On passing through, Caves House appears like something from a previous time. Although there is much work to be done at the site, at least the historic building has been saved.