Back to previous page

Western Escarpment walking track

Malabar Headland National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

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 Fri 8 Nov 2024, 10.23am to Fri 29 Nov 2024, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 8 Nov 2024, 1.29pm

Closed areas: Cape Solander Drive (Visitor Entry Station to Cricket Pitch Carpark)

During November there will be partial road closures along Cape Solander Drive, from the park entry booth to the Cricket Pitch carpark turn-off, as part of services and infrastructure upgrades.

During park opening hours Cape Solander Drive will have lane closures with stop/slow traffic control in place. Cape Solander Drive may be fully closed outside of park open hours.

At times road plates and temporary asphalt surfaces will be in place along Cape Solander Drive.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project or email the local area office (phone 02 9668 2010)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Fri 1 Nov 2024, 11.05am

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.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 21 Jun 2023, 9.07am to Fri 29 Nov 2024, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Wed 30 Oct 2024, 1.18pm

Closed areas: Kurnell foreshore partial closure

Transport for NSW is constructing ferry wharves at Kurnell and La Perouse. Closures will be in place until late 2024. There will be no public access to the foreshore area between Prince Charles Parade and the wharf along Monument walking track. Alternative pedestrian pathways will be in place to allow public access into Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

For more information visit the Kamay Ferry Wharves project webpage.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 21 Oct 2024, 7.00am to Sat 14 Dec 2024, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Nov 2024, 7.30pm

Closed areas: Shark Island wharf closed for maintenance

Shark Island wharf is closed from 7am, Monday 21 October until 7am, Saturday 14 December 2024.

Please note:

  • No public access to Shark Island wharf, including kayak landings to the wharf, is permitted during this time.
  • No vessels are permitted to approach or use the wharf or to berth or moor at Shark Island during this time.
  • No bookings, events or commercial activities are permitted on Shark Island during this time.
  • Access to the wider island via beach kayak landings (excluding the wharf area) is permitted during this time.

Essential maintenance works will be occurring to the wharf during this period.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations 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 Mon 16 Sep 2024, 12.16pm. Last reviewed: Wed 16 Oct 2024, 7.48pm

Closed areas: Shark Beach, Kiosk and promenade at Nielsen Park closed

Shark Beach at Nielsen Park is closed while the concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. The Nielsen Park Kiosk, Halbert Pavilion and former surf club are closed for renovation. For more information on these projects, please visit the project webpage or email or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations 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 Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Tue 19 Nov 2024, 2.19pm

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 
  • Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 December 2024 (7am to 12.30 pm)
  • Australian Point Series Championships - Sunday 19 to Tuesday 21 January 2025 (3 days)
  • 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 Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Nov 2024, 9.31am

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 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 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Mar 2024, 10.10am

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Fort Denison is currently closed.

Conservation and upgrade works are currently underway. Key elements include the construction of a new accessible wharf and maintenance and upgrade to buildings and services. Fort Denison will be closed to visitors until these works have been completed.

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 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

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/western-escarpment-walking-track/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