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Waratah walking track

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 20 May 2024, 12.30pm

Applies from Mon 20 May 2024, 12.15pm to Mon 3 Jun 2024, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 20 May 2024, 12.30pm.

Other planned events: Notice of fox control operations at West Head

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing fox trapping program from Tuesday 21 May 2024 to Monday 3 June 2024. The operation will use soft jaw traps for the control of feral animals.

The program will take place in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the trapping location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands.

Please contact the NPWS Sydney North Area office for more information on 02 9451 3479 on weekdays or 13000 PARKS (13000 72757) on weekends.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Tue 21 May 2024, 11.41am. Last reviewed: Tue 21 May 2024, 11.44am

Closed areas: Warrah Trig Road closed to vehicles

Warrah Trig Road is closed to vehicles due to a recent increase in illegal activities throughout the area.

The road will remain closed until investigations are completed and further recommendations are made.

The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 20 May 2024, 12.15pm to Mon 3 Jun 2024, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 20 May 2024, 12.30pm

Other planned events: Notice of fox control operations at West Head

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing fox trapping program from Tuesday 21 May 2024 to Monday 3 June 2024. The operation will use soft jaw traps for the control of feral animals.

The program will take place in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the trapping location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands.

Please contact the NPWS Sydney North Area office for more information on 02 9451 3479 on weekdays or 13000 PARKS (13000 72757) on weekends.

Affects 1 park and 20 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 19 May 2024, 7.00am to Fri 24 May 2024, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Sat 18 May 2024, 9.04pm

Closed areas: Rocky Point Trail Closed for Maintenance Work

Rocky Point trail is temporarily closed from Sunday 19 May to Friday 24 May 2024 for maintenance works. Access to Allen Strom Lookout during this time is also restricted. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Girrakool NPWS office on 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 22 Apr 2024, 11.39am to Fri 31 May 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 May 2024, 10.11am

Closed areas: Vegetation maintenance works in Berowra Valley National Park

There will be scheduled vegetation works on the trail network in Berowra Valley National Park, starting Monday 6 May 2024 through to Friday 31 May 2024, weather permitting:

The following will be closed during these works:

  • Quarry trail from Stewart Ave, Hornsby through to Quarry trail, Dural.
  • Tunks Ridge trail, including Tunks Ridge campground, through to the Great North Walk.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 21 May 2024, 7.00am to Wed 22 May 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 16 May 2024, 3.41pm

Closed areas: Little Beach campground closed

Little Beach campground in Bouddi National Park will be closed for campground maintenance from Tuesday 21 May to Wednesday 22 May 2024. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS Girrakool office on 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 20 May 2024, 7.00am to Sun 2 Jun 2024, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 15 May 2024, 3.17pm

Other planned events: Aerial Spray Program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial spraying program between Monday 20 May 2024 to Sunday 2 June 2024. The spray operation will be for one (1) day only during the above dates.

The operation will use Metsulfuron Methyl 600WG for the control of Biotu bush.

The program will take place in Bouddi National Park along the coastal strip from Second Point in the north to Lobster Beach in the south.

The program is designed to control Bitou bush infestations in remote and inaccessible locations.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the spray locations and there will be no public access during the spray operation.

Closed tracks will include:

  • Bouddi Coastal Walk
  • Second Point trail
  • 72 Trail
  • 78 trail
  • 81 trail
  • Third Point trail
  • Mount Bouddi walking track
  • Maitland Bay walking track
  • Box Head Walking track
  • Lobster Beach walking track
  •  

Please contact the local Girrakool NPWS area office for more information on 43240200.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Mar 2024, 7.48am to Sun 30 Jun 2024, 7.49am. Last reviewed: Tue 14 May 2024, 7.30am

Other planned events: Brooklyn Dam fire trail maintenance works

There will be surface maintenance works on the Brooklyn Dam fire trail between William St, Brooklyn and the end of the Jerusalem Bay trail, including Brooklyn Dam campsite, from the 2 April 2024. Expect delays and be follow instructions of NPWS staff and contractors. Jerusalem Bay trail will remain open during this time.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Mar 2024, 9.57am to Fri 28 Jun 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 14 May 2024, 7.30am

Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure

Berowra walking track is partially closed until further notice from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.

The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 15 Dec 2022, 4.29pm. Last reviewed: Fri 23 Feb 2024, 1.07pm

Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed

North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.

The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.

Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:

  • The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  • The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.

Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 6 Feb 2024, 3.44pm to Fri 28 Jun 2024, 3.46pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Apr 2024, 7.16am

Other planned events: Sphinx Memorial repair works

Repair works are underway at the Sphinx Memorial from Monday 12 February to June 2024. There will be changed access to the memorial for the duration of these works. The carpark and the Sphinx track remain open. Please follow directions of signs and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.07pm to Tue 4 Feb 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 May 2024, 9.53am

Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park

Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.

Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Jan 2024, 11.25pm to Thu 1 Aug 2024, 2.27am. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Jan 2024, 9.33am

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2024 and 31 July 2024 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

Forestville 9451 3479 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 13 Jun 2023, 6.00am to Sun 30 Jun 2024, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 6 May 2024, 9.37am

Closed areas: Somersby Falls picnic area and walking track closed

Somersby Falls picnic area and walking track, including access to the waterfalls will be closed until 30 June 2024 while the picnic area is being upgraded.

The proposed upgrade will improve visitor safety, accessibility and protect sensitive cultural heritage.

Consider visiting the nearby Girrakool picnic area less than 5 minutes away which also has waterfalls, walking tracks and a well established picnic area.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS Central Coast Area Office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 29 Sep 2014, 1.49pm to Sun 11 Aug 2024, 11.58am. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Mar 2024, 9.17am

Closed areas: No access to Old Wagstaffe trail through private property

There is no public access to Old Wagstaffe trail through private property. Signs show where public access is not permitted. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Central Coast area office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 17 Sep 2023, 5.00pm to Fri 9 Aug 2024, 8.09am. Last reviewed: Mon 22 Apr 2024, 8.43am

Closed parks: Muogamarra Nature Reserve closed

Muogamarra Nature Reserve is only open to the public for 6 weeks every year, around spring time.

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access is restricted at other times to approved educational and research activities only.

For more information about the reserve, call the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 7 Apr 2022, 11.17am to Sun 30 Jun 2024, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Nov 2023, 9.33am

Closed areas: Brieses fire trail partial closure

The section of Brieses fire trail between Mooney Mooney Creek and Old Mooney Dam trail is closed until further notice due to a landslip, making it unsafe for vehicles.

Signs are in place around closed areas. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe and repair works have been completed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 24 Mar 2023, 9.31am. Last reviewed: Mon 20 May 2024, 2.25pm

Closed areas: Section of Casuarina track closed for track maintenance

Part of Casuarina track is closed from Thursday 23 March 2023 until further notice due to maintenance on the footbridge.

The closed area is the section of Casuarina track between the end of Boree Road and the Carrol Creek track intersection.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Sat 9 Mar 2024, 4.57pm

Closed areas: Flat Rock track partial closure

The section of Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance to the Downpatrick Street entrance, is permanently closed as the old track passes through private property near Killarney Point.

Please note:

  • Walkers heading west should exit Flat Rock track at the eastern end of Killarney Drive and use Killarney Drive until you reach Downpatrick Street. Then walk down the street and re-enter Flat Rock track from the Downpatrick Street fire trail.
  • Walkers heading east should exit Flat Rock track at the Downpatrick Street fire trail and use Downpatrick Street, then Killarney Drive until you reach the end of Killarney Drive. Re-enter Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/waratah-walking-track/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.
  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass
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Emergency services

For all NSW fires visit the Rural Fire Service

For the latest information on wildfires in your area please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service.

View all alerts for NSW