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Wattle Forest picnic area

Royal National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Fri 20 Dec 2024, 7.35am to Wed 1 Jan 2025, 7.36am. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Dec 2024, 3.34pm

Closed areas: New Years Eve closures, Sydney Harbour National Park 2024

Some parts of Sydney Harbour National Park are closed for the Sydney Harbour New Years Eve event:

From 6am, Saturday 28 December 2024 until 6am, Friday 3 January 2025:

  • Bradleys Head, Mosman is closed to vehicles from Saturday 28 December and closed to pedestrians from 6am, Tuesday 31 December. Gates open at 3pm for New Years Eve event ticket holders (booked out).

From 6am, Monday 30 December 2024 until 6am, Friday 3 January 2025:

  • Clark Island - ferries depart from Rose Bay on Tuesday 31 December for New Years Eve event ticket holders (booked out).
  • Boowambillee Shark Island - ferries depart from Rose Bay on Tuesday 31 December for New Years Eve event ticket holders (booked out).

From Tuesday 31 December 2024 until 6am, Wednesday 1 January 2025:

  • Strickland Estate, Vaucluse is closed from 6am. Gates open at 5pm for New Years Eve event ticket holders (booked out).
  • Milk Beach, Vaucluse is closed from 3pm.
  • South Head, Watsons Bay (including Lady Bay Beach) is closed from 5pm.
  • Bottle and Glass, Vaucluse is closed from 5pm.
  • Hermitage foreshore, Vaucluse is closed from 5pm.
  • Steele Point Road, Nielsen Park, Vaucluse is closed from 5pm.
  • North Head is closed to vehicles at the Quarantine Station roundabout from 8am.

Muddawahnyuh Fort Denison is closed.

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

Affects 1 park and 23 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Dec 2024, 3.01pm

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing through to mid-2025.

Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

  • 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday
  • 8am and 1pm on Saturday

For more information, visit the project webpage or email us. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 28 Sep 2017, 11.12am. Last reviewed: Mon 16 Dec 2024, 8.41am

Closed parks: Kemps Creek Nature Reserve closed

This park is closed due to Phytophthora contamination, unless the closure is otherwise extended or removed. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-programs/fighting-invasive-phytophthora ; 

How you can help

To prevent phytophthora infection and spreading in parks and at home, try these hygiene tips:

  • Start your trip with clean, dirt-free, dry gear (including shoes, bike tyres, camping gear, vehicles)
  • Use the boot wash or scrub stations provided – these capture contaminated water or control flow to septic or sewage systems where root rot will die
  • Stay on formed tracks
  • Follow instructions on signage
  • Clean your gear again when you get home – try a solution of 70% methylated spirits or ethanol, 30% water, and wash straight into the septic/sewage system. You may want to keep a spray bottle in the car.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Cumberland area office on 02 4572 3100.

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Applies from Thu 2 May 2024, 2.21pm. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Dec 2024, 3.29pm

Safety alerts: Landslide on Auxillary trail- Heathcote National Park

A landslip occurred on an auxillary trail (near Dingo tunnel) off Lower pipeline fire trail in April 2024. Pedestrians and Cyclists are not permitted to pass the landslip.

Authorised Vehicles are not permitted to drive the auxillary trial until further notice.

There are no walking tracks or visitors facilities in this area.

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Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Dec 2024, 12.57pm

Closed areas: Closed areas due to rifle range operations

The eastern section of Malabar Headland National Park will be closed on the following dates/times due to ANZAC Rifle Range operations:

  • Every Saturday, 8am to 5pm
  • The 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am to 5pm (Note - First Sunday shooting in 2025 will be 26 January)
  • NSW Kings - Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 January 2025 (5 days)

Do not enter the eastern section of the national park (including Boora Point walking track) when:

  • Red flags are flying above the range
  • The 'rifle range in use' warning signs are displayed at the park entry (South Maroubra Beach and Fishermans Road carpark).
  • Park entry gates are closed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS local office on 02 9337 5511 or the ANZAC Rifle Range on 02 9661 4532.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Dec 2024, 2.39pm to Fri 31 Jan 2025, 2.43pm. Last reviewed: Thu 12 Dec 2024, 3.53pm

Closed areas: Royal Coast Track - partial closure

Walking the full length of The Coast track from Otford to Bundeena or Bundeena to Otford is not currently possible due to several track closures along its length. These closures are necessary due to erosion, rockfall risk and ongoing track upgrade works.

Please note the following closures:

  • The Garie to Little Garie section of The Coast track is closed due to hazardous rockfalls and erosion
  • North Era campground is closed until further notice
  • Garie Road, Garie Beach and the Garie precinct is closed until further notice due to damage and subsidence of the road surface. Walkers approaching from the north (e.g. from Wattamolla or Bundeena) should exit the track via Curra Moors track.

Bushwalker access is available for the following sections of The Coast track:

  • South bound access - Bundeena to Curra Moors track via Wattamolla and return only. There's no access to Garie Beach.
  • North bound access - Is via Garawarra Farm Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track to North Era and return, during track upgrades.

For further information please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 6 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.39pm

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities. Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.

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Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.37pm

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 7 October 2024 to 6 April 2025 - from 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 7 April 2025 to 5 October 2025 -  from 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 Nov 2024, 9.56am. Last reviewed: Tue 19 Nov 2024, 3.41pm

Closed areas: Area permanently closed - Skylight Cave

Skylight cave is permanently closed to visitors due to serious safety risks. The cave is mid-way down an unstable cliff, and the risk of falling off the cliff edge while trying to reach it makes it very dangerous. 

There is no approved public access walking track to Skylight cave. Please do not risk your safety trying to reach this location.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 18 Sep 2024, 1.36pm. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Dec 2024, 8.44am

Closed areas: Wodi Wodi Track Closed due to track damage

Wodi Wodi walking track is closed until further notice due to repairs and upgrades.

The walking track will re-open as soon as it safe to do so.

For more information, please contact the local office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 6 Feb 2024, 10.28am. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 8.18am

Closed areas: Woodward track is closed due to storm damage

Woodward track (accessed via Sublime Point) is closed due to damage from heavy rainfall events.

For more information, contact the local park office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 9 Dec 2022, 9.15am. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 11.29am

Closed areas: Lower Escarpment Fire Trail partial closure

The Lower Escarpment Fire Trail is open to walkers, bicycles and light 4WD vehicles only. No access with heavy vehicles larger than cat 9 due to hazardous track conditions. As soon as the remainder of the track can be safely re-opened, NPWS Alerts will be updated.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 2 Sep 2024, 1.27pm. Last reviewed: Thu 17 Oct 2024, 4.55pm

Safety alerts: 1080 pest management program

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 will take place between 30 August 2024 and 31 March 2025 in Towra Point Nature Reserve.

Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. 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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511 or the NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 9 Oct 2024, 11.40am to Fri 28 Feb 2025, 11.44am. Last reviewed: Wed 16 Oct 2024, 7.50pm

Closed areas: Cricket Pitch carpark and amenities

Contractors will be demolishing and replacing the amenities block at Cricket Pitch and upgrading the carpark from mid October 2024 to February 2025. During these construction works the precinct will be fenced off and work crews will be on site.

Toilets and parking will remain available at Commemoration Flat.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Email or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010 to learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm to Fri 13 Feb 2026, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Fri 11 Oct 2024, 2.44pm

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed until 2026. A new visitor centre is under construction. During these construction works the precinct, including parking, will be fenced off and work crews will be on site. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to onsite signage.

Parking and toilets will be available at Commemoration Flat.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Email or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010 to learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 9 Oct 2024, 11.58am to Fri 13 Feb 2026, 11.58am. Last reviewed: Fri 11 Oct 2024, 2.09pm

Closed areas: Works at Commemoration Flat

Services and pathways at Commemoration Flat are being upgraded from October 2024 to 2026. The picnic area remains open with limited closures, as work areas are fenced off and work crews are on site.

The toilets and carpark will remain open, with a reduced number of parking spaces available. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to onsite signage.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Email or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010 to learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 10 Oct 2024, 10.52am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 10.55am. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Dec 2024, 3.55pm

Closed areas: IESCA Kembla Heights area is closed for the construction of the Kembla Stage 1 Mountain Bike Network

Construction works have commenced on the first stage of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project at Kembla Heights. 

Construction is being carried out in accordance with rigorous environmental and cultural heritage planning approvals, the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy and our Cycling Strategy.

People are reminded that the area is a closed construction site. Please stay off the tracks until they are opened in mid-2025 for your safety and to allow the network to be completed.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Jul 2024, 10.21pm to Sat 1 Feb 2025, 2.26am. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Sep 2024, 11.03am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation

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 Thursday 1 August 2024 and Friday 31 January 2025 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:

  • Chowder Bay 
  • Dobroyd Head 
  • Bradleys Head 
  • Georges Head 
  • Middle and North Head (North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management, and Quarantine Station).

Please don’t touch baits or ejector devices. 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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on:

Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)

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

North Head Sanctuary, Manly (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 4 Mar 2024, 10.28am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Nov 2024, 10.03am

Closed areas: Werrong Beach track

Werrong Beach track in Royal National Park is closed until further notice due to landslides. Signs will be in place around the closed area.

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 3 Jul 2023, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 13 Nov 2024, 4.19pm

Closed areas: Mirang Campground Closed

Mirang Campground is now closed. The site has become a day-use ONLY picnic spot. No overnight stays permitted.

For further information, please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Tue 15 Oct 2024, 10.41pm

Closed areas: North Era campground closed

North Era campground is closed until further notice due to operational activities. For more information please contact the local area office on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 May 2022, 11.03am. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Dec 2024, 11.59am

Safety alerts: Curra Moors track in poor condition

Sections of Curra Moors loop track are in poor condition due to erosion. Please use caution and be aware of unstable edges.

Planning for repairs is in progress. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 6 Nov 2023, 9.52am

Closed areas: North Head partial closure

Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:

  • Bluefish Point
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road

The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:

  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head

Do not enter the closed areas.

Open areas include:

  • Q Station
  • North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  • The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  • Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  • Collins Flat Beach
  • Fairfax track
  • Burragula and Yiningma lookouts

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 12 Jul 2022, 4.30pm. Last reviewed: Fri 13 Dec 2024, 9.41am

Closed areas: Garie Road closed due to damage

Garie Road is closed until further notice due to damage to the road surface.

This road may remain closed for some time to allow for extensive repairs. A reopening date is not currently known.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check Live Traffic NSW for updates before driving to Garie Beach.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations 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/picnic-areas/wattle-forest-picnic-area/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
  • Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and 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).

    Buy annual pass
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

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