Back to previous page

Surf lessons in Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Tue 10 December 2024, 12.56pm

Applies from Wed 20 Mar 2024, 3.23pm to Fri 28 Feb 2025, 1.02pm. Last reviewed: Sun 1 Dec 2024, 7.18pm.

Safety alerts: Dangerous sea and unsafe swimming conditions

Please do not swim or enter the water at unpatrolled beaches in Tomaree National Park. Tragically, people have drowned while swimming at several locations within the park.

Many of the beaches are remote, unpatrolled and have dangerous rip currents, unexpected large waves and sudden drop offs. Ocean conditions can change rapidly.

Mobile phone service is also limited. You may not be able to call for help if you need it.

NPWS recommends swimming at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags at the following locations:

  • Fingal Beach
  • One Mile Beach
  • Anna Bay

We want everyone to enjoy their visit and to return home safely.

Affects 12 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Tue 14 Dec 2021, 1.11pm. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Dec 2024, 12.56pm.

Closed areas: Box Beach carpark night closure

Box Beach carpark is closed to vehicles from 10pm to 5am daily. The gate will be locked during these times.

The Box Beach access road is also closed to vehicles during this period.

A fee will be charged for vehicles exiting after 10pm. Please call Certis Security on 1300 370 145 for assistance. For more information, please contact the local Nelson Bay area office on 02 4984 8200.

Applies from Mon 2 Aug 2021, 1.52pm. Last reviewed: Tue 7 Feb 2023, 11.18am.

Closed areas: Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages Ruins site closed

The Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages Ruins site is closed to pedestrian access for public safety reasons. Please do not enter the site under any circumstances.

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

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sun 22 Dec 2024, 1.00am to Wed 25 Dec 2024, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Dec 2024, 12.24pm

Fire bans: Park fire ban

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 16 Dec 2024, 7.32am to Sat 28 Dec 2024, 6.32pm. Last reviewed: Wed 18 Dec 2024, 7.36am

Other planned events: Violet Hill Road Vegetation Works

Vegetation works are being undertaken on Violet Hill Road from 16-28/12/24.  Please take caution when driving along the road.  If you have any further enquiries please call the Manning Great Lakes Area Office on 6591 0300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 5 Aug 2024, 6.30am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 12 Dec 2024, 5.48pm

Safety alerts: Periodic closures of Tomago Precinct for deer control shooting operation

Parts of Hunter Wetlands National Park may be closed within a date range of 6:30am Monday 5th August 2024 to 11:00pm Monday 30th June 2025 for deer control shoot operations preventing localised economic impacts and protecting biodiversity assets within the park.

 

When active the shoot operation area will be delineated by signage advising visitors “do not enter” at any time during the night time operation.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

For more information, call the local park office on 02 4946 4100 or email npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Dec 2024, 2.38pm. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Dec 2024, 2.49pm

Closed areas: Kenny's Trail Glenrock SCA

Closed Area: Kenny's Trail, Glenrock State Conservation Area.

Kenny's Trail will be closed from Gun Club Road down to the Easement Trail while improvements and maintenance works are being carry out.

  • Kenny's Trail will be closed from 16th December 2024 up to the end of February 2025, dependent on weather

For the safety of contractors please follow and respect any signage and safety measures in place.

Using the track during works will cause damage and delay the reopening of the track.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office 02 4946 4100

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.20pm to Fri 27 Dec 2024, 3.21pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.31pm

Safety alerts: Notice of 1080 ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ground baiting in Barrington Tops State Conservation Area 9-27 December 2024.

This operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

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

Please contact the NPWS Barrington Tops office for more information on 02 6540 2300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 2 Dec 2024, 11.22am. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 11.23am

Closed areas: Sugarloaf SCA

Some parts of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area will be closed from Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 14 December 2024 while Road Maintenance is occurring. The closed areas are:

  • Quarry Trail
  • Ryhope Trail

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4946 4100

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 27 Sep 2024, 9.28am to Sat 31 May 2025, 9.28am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Nov 2024, 11.45am

Closed areas: 4WD Trail Closures

Some 4WD trails remain closed after the annual seasonal closure period (from 1 June to 30 September) due to trail conditions. The following 4WD trails remain closed:

  • Tugalow trail
  • Thunderbolts trail - between Barrington Tops Forest Road and Pheasants Creek Road
  • Barrington Trail (south), after the Junction Pools campground turnoff. 

 

This closure does not affect public vehicle access to Polblue, Gummi Falls, Devils Hole, Horse Swamp, Little Murray, or Junction Pools campgrounds.

 

Walkers and mountain bikers are still permitted to utilise these trails while they are closed to public vehicles.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the local NPWS office on 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 7 Nov 2022, 3.08pm. Last reviewed: Thu 28 Nov 2024, 2.45pm

Closed areas: Timber Beach and Timber Beach walking track are CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Timber Beach walking track is permanently CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. This area has high coastal risks and is extremely hazardous. This closure is in place to keep the public safe. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please contact the local NPWS office on 49729000

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 25 Oct 2024, 3.58pm to Thu 16 Jan 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Nov 2024, 11.50am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program in Hunter Wetlands National Park from 28 October 2024 to 16 January 2025.

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.

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

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

For more information contact the Lower Hunter Area NPWS office on 4946 4100.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 30 Oct 2024, 2.28pm to Wed 30 Apr 2025, 5.30pm. Last reviewed: Wed 30 Oct 2024, 2.31pm

Closed areas: The Welcome Mangrove Walk, Ash Island is closed due to damage

The Welcome Mangrove Walk of Ash Island, Hunter Wetlands NP is closed due to damage, from Monday 26th August until further notice.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS Shortland office on 4946 4100.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 27 Sep 2024, 5.00am to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 9.02pm. Last reviewed: Thu 19 Dec 2024, 4.24pm

Safety alerts: Feral horses

Feral horses move through this campground day and night. Campers at Little Murray and Polblue campgrounds should set up tents as close to their vehicles as possible.

 

Aggressive horse behaviour can pose a safety risk for visitors. Aggressive behaviour includes snorting, head bobbing, stomping front legs, ears erect, aggressive stance and approaching in an aggressive manner.

 

What to do around aggressive horses:

· avoid the animals, especially if a stallion is present and there are mares nearby

· retreat to your vehicle

· wave your arms around and make lots of noise

· walk in a group rather than as an individual

· always be aware of your immediate surroundings.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 5 Oct 2024, 11.33am. Last reviewed: Wed 18 Dec 2024, 7.36am

Closed areas: Yacaaba Headland Walking Track partial closure

Yacaaba Headland walking track, in southern Myall Lakes National Park at Hawks Nest, is open to a viewing point.

Beyond this point the track is closed for visitor safety due to track construction and environmental assessments.

Penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Yacaaba Spit Track remains open and people can continue to walk along the beach.

For further information, contact the NPWS Manning Great Lakes Area office on (02) 6591 0300 or npws.manninggreatlakes@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 11.12am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.14am. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Dec 2024, 8.24am

Closed parks: Corrie Island Closed to protect endangered birds

Corrie Island Nature Reserve will be closed from 5pm Tuesday 1st of October 2024 to 5pm Monday 31st March 2025 to protect the nesting area for endangered birds.

 

Visitors will not be able to visit, or land anywhere on Corrie Island at any time, day or night.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 28 Dec 2023, 7.31am. Last reviewed: Thu 12 Dec 2024, 9.14am

Closed areas: Burraga Swamp Walk Closed

Burraga Swamp walking track is currently inaccessible to vehicles due to closure of Mt Allyn Rd. Forestry Corporation of NSW has closed the road due to a failed bridge. The reopening date is not known at this stage. For more information, phone Gloucester NPWS Office on 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 15 Sep 2022, 10.00am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Nov 2024, 3.28pm

Closed areas: Little Mountain campground and Little Mountain Road closed for repair

Little Mountain Road and Little Mountain campground are closed while Little Mountain Road is being repaired. The road is impassable.

Barricades are in place around the closed areas. Tattersalls campground and Double Wharf picnic area remain open.

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 6 Oct 2022, 1.29pm. Last reviewed: Tue 15 Oct 2024, 9.48am

Closed areas: Moonee Beach access trail closure

The south Moonee beach access trail located at the northern end of the Moonee Beach fire trail will be closed indefinitely due to cultural heritage sensitivity.

Alternate access to the beach is provided via Moonee Beach Trail, or, Hooey Street Catherine Hill Bay.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Dec 2023, 2.47pm to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 9.36am. Last reviewed: Wed 31 Jul 2024, 9.28am

Safety alerts: Dangerous water conditions

Please do not swim or enter the water at Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands. Tragically, people have drowned while swimming here.

The beach is remote, unpatrolled and has dangerous rip currents, unexpected large waves and sudden drop offs. Ocean conditions can change rapidly.

Mobile phone service is also limited here - you may not be able to call for help if you need it.

SWIM BETWEEN THE RED AND YELLOW FLAGS AT BIRUBI POINT SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB AT ANNA BAY.

We want everyone to enjoy their visit - and to return home safely.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 3 May 2024, 3.57pm. Last reviewed: Thu 19 Dec 2024, 8.12am

Closed areas: Ferny Creek Road repairs

Road works have begun on Ferny Creek Road and Ferny creek campground access trail. The closure will remian in place due to inclement weather and will re-open as soon as the trail is safe to do so.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Mar 2023, 3.25pm. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Nov 2024, 3.49pm

Closed areas: Dead Mangrove Creek Bridge

Dead Mangrove Creek Bridge, off Cobbans Track on Ash Island is closed from Thursday 9 March 2023 until further notice due to the bridge needing maintenance

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4946 4100

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 29 Feb 2024, 11.44am. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Nov 2024, 7.59am

Other planned events: Temporary access closures to trails at Middle Camp - Catherine Hill Bay - Munmorah State Conservation Area for external developer construction works.

Middle Camp DA/2238/2017 - has begun works in the Catherine Hill Bay area adjacent to lands managed by Munmorah State Conservation Area. These works due to the location now has temporary closures to access trails for Munmorah SCA. This is necessary for the contractor managing this development in order to maintain a safe construction site and public safety.

NPWS apologises for the inconvenience and are unable to provide alternate access.

This temporary closure affects: 

  1. Collier fire trail
  2. Powerline fire trail and 
  3. Middle Camp fire trail

Please be advised that these closures will not stop access to fire vehicles in emergencies and does not cause a safety concern.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 4972 9000.

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 12 Oct 2022, 1.02pm to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Dec 2024, 8.24am

Closed areas: Ferny Creek campground closed

Ferny Creek campground is closed until further notice due to a collapsed bridge on the access road.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 7 Oct 2014, 1.53pm to Thu 7 Oct 2027, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 14 Oct 2024, 11.31am

Closed areas: Parts of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area closed

Parts of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area are closed for approved underground mining operations. The affected areas (see map) have been closed to protect visitor safety, because they're subject to subsidence and remediation activities from the mining operations.

Great North walk remains open. An update will be provided should this situation change.

If you're visiting the park, please be aware of subsidence and pollution incidents that took place in 2013, which were greater than what was expected from normal mining operations. These included a cliff fall in the north, and a subsidence and grout leak incident in the central part of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area.

If you're planning to visit the park during this time, please stay on formed tracks and trails and observe all barriers, warning signs and safety messages. Areas subject to possible cliff fall or subsidence in both areas of the park are clearly marked.

For more information, call the NPWS Lower Hunter area office on 02 4946 4100. NSW National Parks safety page.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 17 Dec 2021, 7.22pm. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Dec 2024, 8.25am

Safety alerts: Wallingat campground access

Wallingat campground access is off The Lakes Way via Sugar Creek Road and River Road. Do not use Barbies Road or Link Road which are inaccessible to vehicles.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 27 Dec 2022, 12.56pm to Mon 1 Dec 2025, 1.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 26 Nov 2024, 2.48pm

Closed areas: Mungo track detour due to flood damage

The boardwalk between Tamboi trail and Brambles Green campground is permanently closed due to flood damage.

Walkers on the Mungo Track can take the detour at Mungo Brush. Please follow the walking track to the beach and then walk south for 4km. Take the slashed management trail which connects the beach to Mungo Brush Road to re-join the Mungo Track.

For further information, please call Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 7 Dec 2022, 5.39pm to Mon 27 Jan 2025, 5.40pm. Last reviewed: Sat 21 Dec 2024, 1.12pm

Closed areas: Area closed - Pink Caves

Pink Caves are closed to visitors because they are extremely unsafe to visit.

The caves are filled with water at high tide. Even at low tide they can be dangerous, as ocean swell sends unpredictable waves sweeping into the caves and across the rock shelf. Sudden rogue waves can cause serious injury and may drag visitors across the rocks or out to sea.

There’s no lifeguard service in this area and access for emergency services is limited. There’s no approved walking track to this location. Access to the caves involves walking over a rock shelf which is slippery, uneven and dangerous.

Visitors should take care when traversing all rock shelves and coastal areas located within Munmorah State Conservation Area.

For further information call the NPWS Lake Munmorah office on 02 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 8 Jun 2023, 6.07pm. Last reviewed: Sat 4 Nov 2023, 10.32am

Safety alerts: Damaged Bridge on Lone Pine Rd

Lone Pine Road between Italia Road and Drews Road in Wallaroo State Forest is closed while damage to a bridge is being repaired. 

 

The Common picnic area is still accessible by 4WD only, from Limeburners Creek Road via Callaghans Trail and Lone Pine Rd.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 May 2023, 1.16pm. Last reviewed: Wed 31 May 2023, 1.19pm

Safety alerts: Use caution for beach front driving

Beach driving conditions remain variable due to changing swell, tides and weather conditions. Drivers are advised to exercise caution when driving and to check conditions before travel.

Please remember to:  

  • Look out for soft sand, erosion, wash outs and drop-offs.
  • Avoid driving through sea water, foam or large pools of water. Driving conditions can change rapidly. Several vehicles on this beach have ended up in the ocean or swamped by water.
  • Check conditions before arriving, and if in doubt save your visit for another day.

Please follow the directions of National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel and/or signage. Do not drive over the frontal dune or any vegetation.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Nelson Bay area office on 02 4984 8200 from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 4 Jan 2019, 1.28pm to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Wed 18 Sep 2024, 12.20pm

Closed areas: Morisset Picnic Area Closed

The Morisset section of Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area is closed from Thursday 20 December 2019. There is now no public access to the following areas:

  • The  Morisset Hospital site
  • Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area foreshore
  • Morisset picnic area.

Alternative picnic areas are located in the Lake Macquarie Council area in and around the Morisset and Bonnells Bay foreshores. There is no public access to view the kangaroos that frequent the hospital site. Members of the public can contact the hospital administrative office on 02 4973 0222. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Lake Munmorah area office on 02 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Thu 24 Oct 2024, 8.33am

Safety alerts: Rock fishing safety

Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant.

Before rock fishing you should always:

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone.

If you’re in doubt don’t go out.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Nov 2017, 9.59am. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Nov 2024, 7.22am

Closed areas: Phytophthora quarantine area - Barrington Tops National Park

Phytophthora is a mould that causes dieback in plants. It's been found on the plateau in Barrington Tops National Park, predominantly on the Watergauge trail between Beean Beean and Black Swamp. The affected area is under quarantine with absolutely no visitor access.

Phytophthora is readily spread by mud carried by walkers' shoes and mountain-bike tyres. There are boot wash stations across the plateau for walkers to use, to ensure their boots 'Start clean, Stay clean'.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Gloucester area office on (02) 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 12.57pm. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Sep 2024, 9.19am

Safety alerts: Rock fishing safety

Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant.

Before rock fishing you should always:

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone.

If you’re in doubt don’t go out.

Affects 1 park 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/guided-tours/surf-lessons-tomaree-national-park/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

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

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon