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Ben Halls Gap National Park

Closed due to current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Thu 10 October 2024, 8.19am

Applies from Mon 1 Jul 2024, 9.30am to Wed 1 Jan 2025, 9.30am. Last reviewed: Thu 10 Oct 2024, 8.19am.

Closed parks: Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve and National Park- Pest Control Works

Ben Halls National Park and Nature Reserve will be closed for ground pest control operation

The area will be closed from, Monday 1st of July 2024 to 10am, until the 30th of December 2024 for periodical ground based pest control operations that will be conducted throughout this period.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Barrington Tops Area Office 02 6538 5300.

Applies from Wed 2 Oct 2024, 12.59pm to Fri 31 Jan 2025, 1.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Oct 2024, 1.09pm.

Safety alerts: Weed Spraying Works

NSW NPWS will be working with a contractor and staff to complete a weed spraying program within Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve and National Park. 

Weeds being sprayed include: 

- Blackberries

- Scotch Thistle

- Oxeye Daisy

- Yorkshire Fog

If you have any concerns please contact Scone Depot on 6540 2333.

Upcoming management events

Upcoming management events
Date Event Title
23 December 2024 Fire bans Total Fire Ban Details

Applies from Mon 23 Dec 2024, 12.01am to Mon 23 Dec 2024, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Sun 22 Dec 2024, 4.03pm

A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Details
23 December 2024 Safety alerts High to Extreme fire danger Details

Applies from Mon 23 Dec 2024, 1.00am to Mon 23 Dec 2024, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Sun 22 Dec 2024, 4.12pm

NPWS is advising visitors to local national parks to take caution on Monday 23rd December 2024 due to high to extreme fire danger.

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Greater Hunter region.

High temperatures are forecast and are likely to lead to dangerous conditions that may change quickly.

Plan your visit to a national park carefully, take adequate water and remain hydrated.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

NPWS recommends reviewing RFS information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger Ratings, and keep up to date using the Hazards Near Me app:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans

https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

Details

Nearby alerts

Applies from Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.20pm to Fri 27 Dec 2024, 3.21pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.31pm

Safety alerts: Notice of 1080 ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ground baiting in Barrington Tops State Conservation Area 9-27 December 2024.

This operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. 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.

Please contact the NPWS Barrington Tops office for more information on 02 6540 2300.

Affects 2 parks and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 27 Sep 2024, 9.28am to Sat 31 May 2025, 9.28am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Nov 2024, 11.45am

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

Applies from Fri 27 Sep 2024, 5.00am to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 9.02pm. Last reviewed: Thu 19 Dec 2024, 4.24pm

Safety alerts: 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.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 19 Jan 2024, 9.31am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 9.33am. Last reviewed: Mon 16 Dec 2024, 9.25am

Closed areas: Rockglen/Lea Hurst precincts closed for pest control operations

Western section of park closed for ground pest control operation

The western section of Curracabundi National Park (Rockglen and Lea Hurst precincts) is closed 9am, Friday 19 January 2024 to 10am, Monday 30 December 2024 for periodical ground based pest control operations that will be conducted throughout this period. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Barrington Tops Area Office 02 6538 5300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 28 Dec 2023, 7.31am. Last reviewed: Thu 12 Dec 2024, 9.14am

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

Applies from Thu 9 Nov 2017, 9.59am. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Nov 2024, 7.22am

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

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ben-halls-gap-national-park/local-alerts

Contact

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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