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Gap Creek campground

Watagans National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Fri 19 July 2024, 10.39am

Applies from Fri 19 Jul 2024, 10.21am to Sat 19 Jul 2025, 10.21am. Last reviewed: Fri 19 Jul 2024, 10.39am.

Closed areas: Gap Creek Forest Walk Closed

Gap Creek Forest Walk is closed due to the risk of landslip and rockfall.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast office on 02 4972 9000

Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 2 Sep 2024, 4.54pm to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 4.54pm. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Oct 2024, 1.29pm

Safety alerts: Major Roadworks in Jilliby State Conservation Area - ongoing

Major roadworks are ongoing in Jilliby State Conservation Area (Southern Precinct) and part of Ourimbah State Forest.

Partial and intermittent road closures should be expected. The roads that will be affected are:

  • Red Hill Road
  • Prestons Ridge Road
  • Bradleys Point Road
  • Campbells Point Road and
  • Tooheys Road.

Visitors are asked to avoid the area (if possible). Otherwise, please be aware of trucks and machinery using and working on the above roads and to drive to the conditions. Warning signs and traffic control will be in place. Work is expected to be completed by December 2024. The work is funded as part of the Fire Access and Fire Trail (FAFT) program aimed at providing safe and strategic fire trails for fire response and access.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Central Coast Area Office at Lake Munmorah on 02 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

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Applies from Mon 7 Oct 2024, 9.01am to Thu 31 Oct 2024, 9.02am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Oct 2024, 9.21am

Other planned events: Reduced Parking - Frazer Beach Precinct

 

Expect reduced vehicle parking availability in the Frazer Beach Visitor Precinct between Monday 14th October to Wednesday 30th October 2024. The bottom car park will be utilised to facilitate upgrades to the Palms Circuit Track. Drive safely and follow the directions of roadwork signs and NPWS staff.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Mon 7 Oct 2024, 9.11am to Fri 25 Oct 2024, 9.12am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Oct 2024, 9.20am

Closed areas: Areas closed for heli-sling operation

Some parts of this park are closed from Tuesday 22 October to Thursday 24 October 2024 while a heli-sling operation is undertaken to facilitate works on the Palms Walking Track. The closed areas are:

  • The Frazer Beach Precinct
  • The Palms Circuit Track
  • The Palms Picnic Area

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Tue 1 Oct 2024, 12.00am to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 27 Sep 2024, 3.04pm

Fire bans: Wollemi-Yengo 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.

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Applies from Tue 10 Aug 2021, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Sat 21 Sep 2024, 9.55am

Hazard reduction burns: Mulloway Road HR

There is a fire in this park called Mulloway Road HR. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.

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Applies from Mon 26 Aug 2024, 10.50am to Wed 30 Oct 2024, 10.51am. Last reviewed: Mon 30 Sep 2024, 4.26pm

Closed areas: The Welcome Mangrove Walk, Ash Island is closed due to damage

The Welcome Mangrove Walk of Ash Island, Hunter Wetlands NP is closed due to damage, from Monday 26th August until further notice.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS Shortland office on 4946 4100.

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Applies from Tue 16 Jul 2024, 4.02pm to Fri 18 Oct 2024, 10.51am. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Sep 2024, 2.20pm

Closed areas: Middle Camp Fire Trail Remediation Works

Middle Camp Fire Trail remediation works are scheduled to begin on Monday 22nd July 2024.

Trails in this area will be closed for the duration of the works which is expected to be several months.

NPWS apologises for the inconvenience this may cause regular uses of these trails however works are necessary to improve access to help manage fire related and other emergencies in this location.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 4972 9000..

 

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Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Wed 31 Jul 2024, 6.47am

Closed areas: Muirs Lookout Picnic Area - Closed

Muirs Lookout Picnic Area on Prickly Ridge Road has been closed due to ageing infrastructure, obstructed lookout views to the coast and very low public visitation. Alternative picnic facilities are located nearby in Olney State Forest and Watagans National Park. Further information on other places to visit can be obtained via the NPWS or Forestry Corporation websites. 

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Applies from Mon 5 Aug 2024, 6.30am to Mon 30 Jun 2025, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Sep 2024, 9.13am

Safety alerts: Hunter Wetlands National Park (Tomago Precinct) closure for deer control shooting operation

Parts of Hunter Wetlands National Park will be closed within a date range of 0630 (6:30am) Monday 5th August 2024 to 2300pm Monday 30th June 2025 for deer control shoot operations preventing localised economic impacts and protecting biodiversity assests within the park.

 

When active the shoot operation area will be delignated by signage advising visitors “do not enter” at any time during the nighttime operation.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

For more information, call the local park office on 02 4946 4100 or email npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au.

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Applies from Wed 31 Jul 2024, 5.00pm to Sat 7 Dec 2024, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Sep 2024, 9.13am

Safety alerts: Werakata National Park Closure for deer control shoot operation

Parts of Werakata National Park will be closed within a date range of 1700 (5pm) Wednesday 31st July 2024 to 2300 Saturday 7th December 2024 for deer control shoot operations preventing localised economic impacts and protecting Threatened Ecological Communities within the park.

 

When active the shoot operation area will be delignated by signage advising visitors “do not enter” at any time during the nighttime operation.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

For more information, call the local park office on 02 4984 8200 or email conservation.hccb@environment.nsw.gov.au.

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Applies from Thu 6 Oct 2022, 1.29pm. Last reviewed: Sat 29 Jun 2024, 12.47pm

Closed areas: Moonee Beach access trail closure

The south Moonee beach access trail located at the northern end of the Moonee Beach fire trail will be closed indefinitely due to cultural heritage sensitivity.

Alternate access to the beach is provided via Moonee Beach Trail, or, Hooey Street Catherine Hill Bay.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Mon 7 Nov 2022, 3.08pm. Last reviewed: Mon 8 Jul 2024, 8.57am

Closed areas: Timber Beach and Timber Beach walking track are CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Timber Beach walking track is CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. This area is extremely eroded and hazardous and this closure is in place to keep the public safe. 

The are has limited access for emergency services and carrying out rescues is extremely difficult and puts rescuers in danger.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please contact the local NPWS office on 49729000

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Applies from Thu 9 Mar 2023, 3.25pm. Last reviewed: Mon 16 Sep 2024, 9.00am

Closed areas: Dead Mangrove Creek Bridge

Dead Mangrove Creek Bridge, off Cobbans Track on Ash Island is closed from Thursday 9 March 2023 until further notice due to the bridge needing maintenance

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4946 4100

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Applies from Thu 29 Feb 2024, 11.44am. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Aug 2024, 1.20pm

Other planned events: Temporary access closures to trails at Middle Camp - Catherine Hill Bay - Munmorah State Conservation Area for external developer construction works.

Middle Camp DA/2238/2017 - has begun works in the Catherine Hill Bay area adjacent to lands managed by Munmorah State Conservation Area. These works due to the location now has temporary closures to access trails for Munmorah SCA. This is necessary for the contractor managing this development in order to maintain a safe construction site and public safety.

NPWS apologises for the inconvenience and are unable to provide alternate access.

This temporary closure affects: 

  1. Collier fire trail
  2. Powerline fire trail and 
  3. Middle Camp fire trail

Please be advised that these closures will not stop access to fire vehicles in emergencies and does not cause a safety concern.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 4972 9000.

 

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Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Thu 8 Aug 2024, 8.23am

Safety alerts: Prickly Ridge Road 4WD only

The section of Prickly Ridge Road between Watagan Forest Road and Cut-Rock Road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.

To prevent further damage to the road and to protect visitor safety, please avoid this area and other trails in the reserve that are still slippery and potentially hazardous.  

For further information, please contact the Central Coast Area Office at Lake Munmorah on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Tue 7 Oct 2014, 1.53pm to Thu 7 Oct 2027, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 11 Jul 2024, 8.29am

Closed areas: Parts of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area closed

Parts of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area are closed for approved underground mining operations. The affected areas (see map) have been closed to protect visitor safety, because they're subject to subsidence and remediation activities from the mining operations.

Great North walk remains open. An update will be provided should this situation change.

If you're visiting the park, please be aware of subsidence and pollution incidents that took place in 2013, which were greater than what was expected from normal mining operations. These included a cliff fall in the north, and a subsidence and grout leak incident in the central part of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area.

If you're planning to visit the park during this time, please stay on formed tracks and trails and observe all barriers, warning signs and safety messages. Areas subject to possible cliff fall or subsidence in both areas of the park are clearly marked.

For more information, call the NPWS Lower Hunter area office on 02 4946 4100. NSW National Parks safety page.

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Applies from Wed 7 Dec 2022, 5.39pm to Mon 27 Jan 2025, 5.40pm. Last reviewed: Thu 19 Sep 2024, 10.35am

Closed areas: Area closed - Pink Caves

Pink Caves are closed to visitors because they are extremely unsafe to visit.

The caves are filled with water at high tide. Even at low tide they can be dangerous, as ocean swell sends unpredictable waves sweeping into the caves and across the rock shelf. Sudden rogue waves can cause serious injury and may drag visitors across the rocks or out to sea.

There’s no lifeguard service in this area and access for emergency services is limited. There’s no approved walking track to this location. Access to the caves involves walking over a rock shelf which is slippery, uneven and dangerous.

Visitors should take care when traversing all rock shelves and coastal areas located within Munmorah State Conservation Area.

For further information call the NPWS Lake Munmorah office on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Fri 4 Jan 2019, 1.28pm to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Wed 18 Sep 2024, 12.20pm

Closed areas: Morisset Picnic Area Closed

The Morisset section of Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area is closed from Thursday 20 December 2019. There is now no public access to the following areas:

  • The  Morisset Hospital site
  • Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area foreshore
  • Morisset picnic area.

Alternative picnic areas are located in the Lake Macquarie Council area in and around the Morisset and Bonnells Bay foreshores. There is no public access to view the kangaroos that frequent the hospital site. Members of the public can contact the hospital administrative office on 02 4973 0222. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Lake Munmorah area office on 02 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

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Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Mon 23 Sep 2024, 9.36am

Safety alerts: Rock fishing safety

Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant.

Before rock fishing you should always:

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone.

If you’re in doubt don’t go out.

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Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 12.57pm. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Sep 2024, 9.19am

Safety alerts: Rock fishing safety

Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant.

Before rock fishing you should always:

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone.

If you’re in doubt don’t go out.

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Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/gap-creek-campground/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Watagans National Park in the North Coast region
  • Watagans National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather, roads closures or high fire danger.

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.

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