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Byarong Park

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 15 July 2024, 12.25pm

Applies from Mon 1 Jul 2024, 6.00pm to Fri 2 Aug 2024, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 12.25pm.

Closed areas: Areas Closed for ground pest control operations

Areas of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area are closed between 09:00am Monday 1st July and 09:00am Friday 2nd August, 2024 for a pest animal ground shooting operation. These areas may include:

  • Rhododendron Gardens
  • Maddens Plains
  • Kembla Ridge Track
  • Kembla Ring Track
  • Staffords Management Trail
  • O'Briens Management Trail
  • Mt Keira Girl Guides
  • Mt Keira Scouts

 

This program will target deer. It aims to reduce the significant impact they have on native plants and animals including threatened species.

 

Other pest animals, including pigs, goats, foxes and feral cats will be targeted if observed during the operation.

 

This operation will involve night ground shooting of deer between 6pm and 9am Monday - Friday. The program does not run during school holidays, weekends or on public holidays.

 

Park closure warning signs will be placed at entrances to the shooting area. Do not enter the closed area during shooting periods.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information contact the Illawarra-Highlands park office.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sat 9 Apr 2022, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Tue 16 Jul 2024, 10.51am

Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed

Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks within 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

  • Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  • Leura Falls lookout is closed for upgrade works.
  • Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk (Grand Cliff Top walk) and Amphitheatre track is closed due to multiple landslides.
  • Federal pass between the Cooks Crossing (Kedumba River) and Dardanelles Pass (near the Giant Staircase) is closed due to a landslide. There is no access along Federal Pass from the bottom Giant Stairs to Scenic World. Visitors can access Scenic World bottom stations via Furber Steps only. Fares apply. 
  • Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary Loop and Federal Pass west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
  • Glenraphael Drive (Narrow Neck) will be closed to all traffic including walkers and cyclists from Monday 15 July until Friday 19 July 2024 for the upgrade of the road safety barrier.  There will be no access to Castle Head or the Kanangra to Katoomba walk.
  • Glenraphael Drive (Narrow Neck) will be closed to all traffic including walkers and cyclists from Monday 22 July until Friday 26 July 2024 between Cliff Drive and Miners Track.  Walkers and cyclists can still access Narrow Neck via Miners Track from Narrow Neck Lookout.
  • Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  • 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.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fern Bower track, Echo Tree and Flat Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Please use Cliff Drive as short detour. 
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Leura Cascades and top of Fern Bower, due to landslide and tree fall.  Please use Cliff Drive as a short detour.  
  • Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  • Mount Hay Road is closed from Lockley Pylon walking track due to road conditions.  No vehicle access to Mt Hay and Butterbox Point.  Pedestrians and cyclists are permitted.
  • Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.

Wentworth Falls and Woodford   

  • Valley of Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Vera Falls, Hippocrene Falls or Wentworth Falls from Valley of the Waters.
  • Charles Darwin walk (part of the 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.
  • 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.
  • Bedford Creek trail will be closed Monday to Friday until Friday 26 July 2024 due to road repairs. There will be no access from Anderson fire trail or Murphys Road to Ingar campground. There is also no exit to Woodford from Andersons fire trail. Trials and campgrounds will be open on Saturday and Sunday. Ingar campground is open on Saturday night only.

Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road

  • Perrys Lookdown Road will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists from Monday 5 August to Friday 16 August 2024 for roadworks. The road will be open weekends. Alternative access to Acacia flat is available via Horse track (via Grand Canyon track) or Lockley Pylon.
  • Williams track (Govetts descent) and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  • Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. 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 local office.

Applies from Tue 24 Oct 2023, 10.56am to Sun 1 Dec 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Jul 2024, 10.12am

Closed areas: The 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:

  • Palm Jungle Loop track between Burning Palms, Werrong lookout is closed for track upgrades and storm impact remediation until December 2024.
  • 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. 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.
  • Figure 8 Pools access - Access via Garawarra Farm only to Garawarra Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track.   

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

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 12 Jun 2024, 7.00am to Fri 30 Aug 2024, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 10.42am

Other planned events: Ironbark Flat picnic area partial closure

Some sections of Ironbark Flat picnic area, particularly near the river foreshore, will be closed from Wednesday 12 June 2024 until the end of August 2024, dependant on conditions. The closure is due to post-flood turf repairs and to allow the new turf to establish.

Please take note of signage and barriers in place protecting the work area.

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

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 27 Jun 2024, 8.38am to Fri 30 Aug 2024, 8.43am. Last reviewed: Wed 3 Jul 2024, 3.55pm

Closed areas: Temptation Creek track and trail closures

Fire trails and walking tracks in the Temptation Creek Precinct will be closed on weekdays from Monday 8 July to Friday 6 September 2024 for fire trail maintenance works. The closed areas are:

  • Florence Parade vehicle trail, between Farnell Avenue and Grays Point Road.
  • Anana Hill vehicle trail, between Angle Road and Greenhaven Road.
  • Temptation Creek vehicle trail
  • Gardiners Garage vehicle trail
  • Northern section of Rawson Parade vehicle trail. The section between Loftus Oval and the NPWS Royal National Park area office carpark will remain open.
  • Grays Point School walking track
  • Savilles Creek walking track.

Please do not enter closed areas and follow instructions of NPWS staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 9542 0632.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 1 Jul 2024, 6.00pm to Fri 2 Aug 2024, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 12.25pm

Closed areas: Areas Closed for ground pest control operations

Areas of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area are closed between 09:00am Monday 1st July and 09:00am Friday 2nd August, 2024 for a pest animal ground shooting operation. These areas may include:

  • Rhododendron Gardens
  • Maddens Plains
  • Kembla Ridge Track
  • Kembla Ring Track
  • Staffords Management Trail
  • O'Briens Management Trail
  • Mt Keira Girl Guides
  • Mt Keira Scouts

 

This program will target deer. It aims to reduce the significant impact they have on native plants and animals including threatened species.

 

Other pest animals, including pigs, goats, foxes and feral cats will be targeted if observed during the operation.

 

This operation will involve night ground shooting of deer between 6pm and 9am Monday - Friday. The program does not run during school holidays, weekends or on public holidays.

 

Park closure warning signs will be placed at entrances to the shooting area. Do not enter the closed area during shooting periods.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information contact the Illawarra-Highlands park office.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 21 Sep 2022, 1.08pm to Fri 13 Dec 2024, 5.09pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 12.26pm

Other planned events: 1080 fox ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting a continual and ongoing 1080 ground baiting program for the control of foxes from Friday 14 June 2024 to Friday 13 December 2024 to reduce the impacts on threatened species.

The operation will target foxes in the Carrington Falls, Budderoo Plateau, Knights Hill and Barren Grounds areas. Baits have been placed on NPWS estate and Crown road reserves with permissions.

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

1080 baiting signs are at all entries to the baiting location. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Some baits may be buried.

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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls office on 02 4887 8244 or send an email.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 11 Jun 2024, 11.02am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 12.25pm

Closed areas: Fireroad 10C in Dharawal National Park is closed due to landslip

Fireroad 10C (Darkes Forest - O'Hares Creek) is closed to the public due to a landslip (June 2024) following heavy rain.  This will remain closed until the trail is repaired and is safe and accessible.  

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 13 May 2024, 4.58pm to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 4.58pm. Last reviewed: Wed 19 Jun 2024, 12.09pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for deer control program

Some areas in Royal National Park are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Wednesday 30 May to Friday 29 December 2024 to enable a deer control operation to be carried out.

The affected areas include:

  • All picnic areas in the Audley precinct
  • Asset protection zones adjacent to Maianbar, Bundeena and East Heathcote.
  • Wattamolla and Garie picnic areas
  • North Era campground and coastal areas between Garie Beach and Figure 8 Pools
  • Garrawarra Farm
  • Lady Carrington Drive
  • Bonnie Vale campground and picnic area.

These closures will be signposted at entry points to the closed areas. If you have approved bookings to camp you can still access campsites during these times.

Ground shooting will not take place during school holidays or on weekends or public holidays.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 31 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 May 2024, 2.28pm. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Jul 2024, 8.26am

Safety alerts: Pipeline fire trail flood damage

Pipeline fire trail has suffered some damage from the April 2024 flood event, resulting in deep rutting to the trail surface in some locations.

Pedestrians and Cyclists should use caution when tracking over these surfaces.

Care should be taken after heavy rain at all creek crossing and causeway points along this trail as water flows very fast and deep.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 May 2024, 2.21pm. Last reviewed: Wed 19 Jun 2024, 12.10pm

Safety alerts: Lower Pipeline fire trail

Lower Pipeline fire trail has suffered some damage from the April 2024 flood event, resulting in a minor landslide, taking out part of the fire trail itself.

Authorised Vehicles should avoid the area.

Pedestrians and Cyclists are not permitted to pass the landslip, they should avoid using the trail until a geotechnical assessment is undertaken.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 2 Dec 2023, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Jun 2024, 10.09am

Closed areas: Access to the base of Gerringong Falls is prohibited

Access to the base of Gerringong Falls is prohibited.

The area around and down to the base of the Gerringong Falls has loose rocks, steep cliffs and unstable ground surface making it dangerous to access. The walk will remain permanently closed to the public to protect visitor safety.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the local Area at npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 12 Apr 2024, 11.52am. Last reviewed: Mon 17 Jun 2024, 9.32am

Closed areas: Partial Closure to Lyrebird Loop

Minnamurra Rainforest Lyrebird Loop Walk has a partial closure due to flood damage. This closure affects the start of the Lyrebird Loop Walk, which restricts wheelchair access.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For any further information, please contact the NPWS Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 42 360 469

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Mar 2024, 2.54pm to Mon 30 Sep 2024, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Jul 2024, 7.40am

Closed areas: Sections of park closed for ground pest control program

A ground pest control program will be undertaken in Upper Nepean State Conservation Area between 6pm and 6am every day, between 29 April and 30 Sep 2024. The Upper Nepean State Conservation Area is entirely within the Sydney Catchment Authority Special Area (Water Catchment). In order to protect the area, the Upper Nepean State Conservation Area is closed to public access. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai Area Office at (02) 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 4 Mar 2024, 10.28am. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Jul 2024, 8.27am

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 Fri 1 Mar 2024, 3.12pm. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Jul 2024, 10.52am

Safety alerts: Beaches at Killalea Regional Park are unpatrolled

The beaches at Killalea Regional Park are unpatrolled.  There is no lifesaving service.  There may be strong currents, shallow water, unexpected large waves, rips and sudden drop offs.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 3 Jul 2023, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 2 May 2024, 2.32pm

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 10 Feb 2023, 9.21pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 7.32am

Closed areas: Informal track to Clover Falls is is closed due to rockfall risk

Due to rockfall risk, the unsanctioned walking track from the end of Clover Hill Road at Macquarie Rivulet to Clover Hill Falls is closed.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jul 2024, 10.42am

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 Mon 14 Dec 2020, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Jun 2024, 10.19am

Closed areas: Macquarie Rivulet - Jump Rock track closed

Access to Macquarie Rivulet (also known as 'Jump Rock') is not permitted. The track is steep and eroded, and contains unstable surfaces, cliffs and drop offs.

There is a high risk of injury from falls from heights. Do not enter the closed areas of this park.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call 1300 072 757.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Jun 2019, 9.18am. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Jun 2024, 10.20am

Closed areas: Restricted access to Macquarie Rivulet

There is no access to Macquarie Rivulet from Mount Murray, at the top of Macquarie Pass. If you access the rivulet from the top of the escarpment, you will be trespassing on private property. Access to Macquarie Rivulet is only permitted via Clover Hill Road.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 2 Mar 2022, 12.47pm. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Jun 2024, 10.19am

Closed areas: Sublime Point walking track closed

Sublime Point walking track is closed until further notice. The track is currently being repaired or upgraded. As soon as the track can be safely re-opened, NPWS alerts will be updated.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 May 2022, 11.03am. Last reviewed: Tue 25 Jun 2024, 10.46am

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 Tue 10 Nov 2020, 2.24pm. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Jun 2024, 10.09am

Closed areas: Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe closed

Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe is closed until further notice. Light refreshments and hot beverages are available for purchase from Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.

For further information contact Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 Jul 2020, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Jul 2024, 8.54am

Other incidents: Minnamurra Rainforest may close at short notice

Minnamurra Rainforest is a popular location and will close at short notice if needed. This is to ensure visitation levels do not exceed safe capacity or due to the carpark reaching capacity. 

NPWS encourages you to plan your visit outside of peak periods of 11am to 2pm. 

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jan 2023, 2.36pm. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Jul 2024, 10.52am

Closed areas: Partial Closure to Forest Walk

The Forest Walk is affected by the closure of Sublime Point walking track until further notice. There is no access between Sublime Point and Austinmer. Sublime Point walking track is currently being repaired or upgraded. As soon as the track can be safely reopened, NPWS alerts will be updated.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 12 Jul 2022, 4.30pm. Last reviewed: Tue 25 Jun 2024, 10.47am

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/venues/byarong-park/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area in the South Coast region
  • Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. However, it is recommended that bushwalking only be undertaken during daylight hours because of the presence of cliff edges and other hazards.

See more info on the venue

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