Applies from Tue 28 Jan 2025, 9.22am to Wed 7 Apr 2027, 9.23am. Last reviewed: Tue 28 Jan 2025, 9.27am

Closed areas: Pink Caves - closed to the public

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 the 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 is 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 Local Area office on 02 4972 9000.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Munmorah State Conservation Area
  • Pink Caves

Applies from Sun 26 Jan 2025, 2.51pm. Last reviewed: Sun 26 Jan 2025, 3.02pm

Other incidents: Teatree picnic area outdoor shower and BBQ's out of order

The outdoor shower has been stolen and requires replacing.

The BBQ's are out of order as they were also tampered with in an attempt to steal them. They require assessment prior to turning back on in order to make them safe for use.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Munmorah State Conservation Area
  • Tea Tree picnic area and lookout

Applies from Fri 24 Jan 2025, 1.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 24 Jan 2025, 2.24pm

Other incidents: Wangi Circuit Walking Track partial closure

Wangi circuit walking track is closed between the Reserve Road carpark and Wangi Circuit Link walking track due to a large tree across the track.

Detours are in place

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area
  • Wangi circuit walking track

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 11.12am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.14am. Last reviewed: Mon 20 Jan 2025, 9.18am

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

• Corrie Island Nature Reserve

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 3.54pm to Wed 26 Feb 2025, 3.54pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Jan 2025, 10.22am

Closed parks: The Glen Nature Reserve closed for Fire Access and Fire Trail Upgrades (FAFT)

The Glen Nature Reserve will be closed until March 2025 to allow contractors to undertake trail upgrade works. The closure has been put in place for the safety of both visitors and the contractors. The planned works and this closure may be weather dependent.

NPWS apologises for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact the local NPWS Office on 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

• The Glen Nature Reserve

Applies from Tue 19 Mar 2024, 9.11am to Wed 31 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 5 Jan 2025, 3.21pm

Safety alerts: Visitor Safety Alert: 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.

Please report any such interaction or aggressive horse behaviour to NPWS Gloucester on 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

• Barrington Tops National Park
  • Junction Pools campground
  • Little Murray campground
  • Polblue campground and picnic area

Applies from Wed 12 Oct 2022, 1.10pm to Sat 31 May 2025, 1.11pm. Last reviewed: Tue 31 Dec 2024, 1.13pm

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

• Wallingat National Park
  • Ferny Creek campground

Applies from Mon 5 Aug 2024, 6.30am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Jan 2025, 9.36am

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

• Hunter Wetlands National Park

Applies from Mon 9 Dec 2024, 2.38pm. Last reviewed: Fri 10 Jan 2025, 9.47am

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

• Glenrock State Conservation Area

Applies from Wed 20 Mar 2024, 3.23pm to Fri 28 Feb 2025, 1.02pm. Last reviewed: Thu 2 Jan 2025, 9.30am

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 1 park and 12 locations nearby. Show list

• Tomaree National Park
  • Box Beach
  • Fishermans Bay foreshore
  • Iris Moore lookout and picnic area
  • Kingsley Beach
  • Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island
  • Samurai Beach
  • Samurai Beach campground
  • Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track
  • Tomaree Coastal Walk
  • Wreck Beach
  • Wreck Beach walk
  • Zenith Beach

Applies from Fri 27 Sep 2024, 9.28am to Sat 31 May 2025, 9.28am. Last reviewed: Fri 31 Jan 2025, 9.18am

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 2 parks and 4 locations nearby. Show list

• Barrington Tops National Park
  • Barrington trail
  • Junction Pools campground
  • Little Murray campground
• Barrington Tops State Conservation Area
  • Gummi Falls campground

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

• Munmorah State Conservation Area

Applies from Wed 30 Oct 2024, 2.28pm to Wed 30 Apr 2025, 5.30pm. Last reviewed: Fri 31 Jan 2025, 10.12am

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

• Hunter Wetlands National Park
  • The Welcome walk

Applies from Sat 6 Jul 2024, 3.50pm. Last reviewed: Mon 6 Jan 2025, 9.09am

Safety alerts: Road Conditions - Crowdy Bay National Park

Park visitors are advised that the best road access for low clearance vehicles, or vehicles towing caravans, to Diamond Head, Indian Head and Kylies Beach campgrounds is from the north on Diamond Head Road via Laurieton. Turn off the Pacific Highway at Kew to access Laurieton. 

Access to Crowdy Bay NP campgrounds from the Moorland exit is generally more challenging for towing due to narrow roads and poorer road surface.  

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on (02) 6588 5555. 

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

• Crowdy Bay National Park
  • Diamond Head campground
  • Indian Head campground
  • Kylies Beach campground

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.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

• Tomaree National Park

Applies from Thu 28 Dec 2023, 7.31am. Last reviewed: Wed 15 Jan 2025, 10.25am

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

• Barrington Tops National Park
  • Burraga Swamp walking track

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

• Karuah National Park
  • Little Mountain campground

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 3 parks nearby. Show list

• Worimi National Park
• Worimi Regional Park
• Worimi State Conservation Area

Applies from Fri 3 May 2024, 3.57pm. Last reviewed: Fri 31 Jan 2025, 3.57pm

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

• Wallingat National Park
  • Ferny Creek campground

Applies from Thu 29 Feb 2024, 11.44am. Last reviewed: Sun 26 Jan 2025, 9.24am

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

• Munmorah State Conservation Area

Applies from Tue 7 Oct 2014, 1.53pm to Thu 7 Oct 2027, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 15 Jan 2025, 8.28am

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

• Sugarloaf State Conservation Area

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

• Wallingat National Park
  • Wallingat River campground

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

• Wallaroo National Park

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 3 parks nearby. Show list

• Worimi National Park
• Worimi Regional Park
• Worimi State Conservation Area

Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Tue 28 Jan 2025, 9.09am

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:

• check for park alerts or closures
• check the tides, swell and weather conditions before setting out and never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas or in electrical storms.
• Wear your life jacket, appropriate light weight clothing and non-slip footwear

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

• Munmorah State Conservation Area

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 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

• Tomaree National Park
  • Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island

Applies from Thu 9 Nov 2017, 9.59am. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Jan 2025, 10.06am

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

• Barrington Tops National Park

Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 12.57pm. Last reviewed: Mon 23 Dec 2024, 11.47am

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:

• check for park alerts or closures
• check the tides, swell and weather conditions before setting out and never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas or in electrical storms.
• Wear your life jacket, appropriate light weight clothing and non-slip footwear

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

• Wallarah National Park