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Valley of the Waters bushcare

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 18 November 2024, 4.12pm

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 4.12pm.

Fire bans: Park fire ban

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, the following campgrounds in Blue Mountains National Park are exempt:

  • Galong Cabins
  • Dunphys campground
  • Murphys Glen
  • Kedumba River campground
  • Burralow Creek
  • Euroka campgrounds

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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sat 9 Apr 2022, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 5.00pm

Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed

Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.

The following areas are closed:

Katoomba and Leura  

  • Federal Pass is closed between Cooks Crossing (200m east of Furber Steps) and Giant Stairs due to a major rockfall. There's no access between Giant Stairs (below Three Sisters) and Scenic World Valley Stations or Furber Steps.  
  • Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Gordon Falls picnic area and Elysian Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Detours will also be in place via Olympian Parade.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk (also known as Grand Cliff Top walk) will be closed between Lady Darley lookout and Allambie lookout for a NSW police operation on 25/11/2024. Detours in place.  
  • Parts of Cliff Drive near Leura Cascades will also be closed. See Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Gordon Falls lookout is closed from Monday 25 November 2024 until further notice for track works. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for more information.
  • Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to multiple landslides. Access to Leura Forest and Jamison Valley is via Amphitheatre track.
  • Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary loop and Federal Pass, west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
  • Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  • Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  • Six Foot track from Katoomba (Explorers Tree) to Alum Creek campground will be closed on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November 2024 to allow for aerial pest works.  
  • Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.

Wentworth Falls and Woodford

  • Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Undercliff track is closed between Fletchers lookout and Princes Rock lookout link track junction for track maintenance from Tuesday 19 November 2024. The track is expected to reopen on Friday 20 December 2024, depending on conditions.
  • Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  • Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to multiple landslides. No access to Roberts Pass and Vera Falls. Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls.
  • Andersons fire trail (and MTB route) between Kings Tableland Road and Bedford Creek trail will be closed on weekdays from Thursday 31 October until Friday 30 November 2024 for road repairs. Cyclists and walkers are permitted on weekends.      
  • McMahons lookout and access road will be closed to vehicles, bikes and pedestrians beyond Erskine Range fire trail for roadworks until further notice.  

Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road 

  • Evans Lookout Road will be closed beyond Grand Canyon carpark on Friday 6 December 2024 for maintenance works in the lookout precinct. There will be no vehicle access to Evans lookout during this time. Pedestrians can use the walking track to the lookout which begins at the Grand Canyon carpark toilets.
  • Williams track (Govetts descent) and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. The Grose Valley can be accessed from Perrys Lookdown. 
  • Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).

Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing

Some adventure recreation areas and routes are specifically closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.  

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park and 32 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Nov 2024, 2.34pm to Thu 5 Dec 2024, 2.35pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 4.51pm

Closed areas: Empress Canyon closed due to severe weather conditions

Access to Empress Canyon within Blue Mountains National Park is closed due to severe weather conditions. Heavy rainfall is forecast for this area over the next 48hrs. Updates will be provided regarding a reopening date. 

For further information please contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Nov 2024, 8.51am. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 4.49pm

Closed areas: Areas closed due to severe weather and elevated landslide risk

The following areas are closed temporarily due to severe weather, ongoing flooding and an elevated risk of rockfalls and landslides:

  • Grose Valley - All access tracks and routes including Shortridge Pass (off Lockley Pylon), Horse track, Perrys Lookdown, Victoria Falls, Pierces Pass, Rodriguez, Williams track (Govetts Leap descent).
  • Jamison and Kedumba Valley tracks and routes including Giant Stairs, Golden Stairs, Furber Steps, Kedumba Pass, Fern Bower and Amphitheatre tracks. 
  • Grand Canyon track
  • Part of Valley of the Waters track.

Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walk through flood waters, so you’ll need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in this park. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

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

Affects 1 park and 24 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 17 Oct 2024, 10.01am to Fri 13 Dec 2024, 10.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 28 Nov 2024, 1.17pm

Closed areas: Woodford - Oaks trail closed weekdays for flood repairs

Woodford - Oaks trail will be closed on weekdays, from Monday 21 October to Friday 13 December 2024. Work is underway to repair flood damaged sections of the track. The track will remain open on weekends.

Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle access is not permitted during the closure period.

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 4.20pm

Fire bans: Park fire ban

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, the following campgrounds are exempt in Wollemi National Park:

  • Coorongooba,
  • Ganguddy (Dunns Swamp)
  • Wheeny Creek
  • Colo Meroo
  • Sheepskin Hut.

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.

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Nov 2024, 4.12pm

Fire bans: Park fire ban

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, the following campgrounds in Blue Mountains National Park are exempt:

  • Galong Cabins
  • Dunphys campground
  • Murphys Glen
  • Kedumba River campground
  • Burralow Creek
  • Euroka campgrounds

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 Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Nov 2024, 8.50am

Fire bans: Hawkesbury-Nattai Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, the following campgrounds are exempt in the following reserves:

Yellomundee Regional Park

  • Shaws Creek Aboriginal Place

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.

Applies from Fri 1 Nov 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Nov 2024, 10.22am

Fire bans: Kanangra Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However Wombeyan Caves campground in Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is exempt.

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.

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 26 Nov 2024, 2.56pm

Fire bans: Parr SCA

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, Heartbreak Hill campground is exempt in Parr State Conservation Area.

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.

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 26 Nov 2024, 2.56pm

Fire bans: Yengo NP

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

However, the following campgrounds and accommodation are exempt in Yengo National Park:

  • Big Yango House and Haddens Hall
  • Blue Gums
  • Finchley
  • Mogo
  • Mountain Arm

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.

Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 26 Sep 2024, 3.50pm

Fire bans: Upper Mountains Reserves

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 Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 26 Sep 2024, 3.47pm

Fire bans: Mudgee Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.

Capertee National Park

  • Capertee campground
  • Honeyeater Homestead
  • Capertee Homestead
  • Caretakers Cottage

Goulburn River National Park

  • Spring Gully campground
  • Big River campground

Goulburn River SCA

  • The Drip day use area

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.

Applies from Thu 18 Jul 2024, 4.36pm. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Nov 2024, 9.05am

Closed parks: Park closed for major road repairs

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve is closed until 2026 while Transport for NSW repairs flood-damaged roads and landslips.

There is no access to Six Foot track via Jenolan Caves.

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

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/volunteer-activities/valley-of-the-waters-bushcare/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

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