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School excursion

The earth's environment at Nielsen Park

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography, Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Sat 30 September 2023, 4.18pm

Applies from Sun 1 Oct 2023, 12.00am to Sun 1 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Sat 30 Sep 2023, 4.18pm.

Fire bans: Total Fire Ban

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.

Applies from Fri 3 Feb 2023, 12.17pm to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.30pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jun 2023, 4.11pm.

Closed areas: Shark Beach and the promenade at Nielsen Park closed

Shark Beach and the beach front at Nielsen Park are closed while the new concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. For more information on this project, please visit the project webpage or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sun 1 Oct 2023, 12.00am to Sun 1 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Sat 30 Sep 2023, 4.18pm

Fire bans: Total Fire Ban

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.

Affects 9 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 30 Sep 2023, 4.00pm to Mon 2 Oct 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 9.03pm

Closed areas: Total Fire Ban - all tracks and trails closed

All tracks and trails in Lane Cove National Park, Berowra Valley National & Regional Parks, Marramarra National Park, Parramatta River Regional Park, Wallumatta Nature Reserve, Dalrymple Nature Reserve and Dural Nature Reserve are closed on Sunday 1 October due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger Rating.

Campgrounds in Berowra Valley, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Marramarra National Parks are also closed. This includes Tunks Ridge and Crosslands Reserve, Brooklyn Dam, and Marramarra Creek, Orchard, Gentleman's Halt and Twin Beaches.

Picnic areas will remain open. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Bobbin Head Visitors Centre on 02 9472 8949, the NPWS contact centre on 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Check the Rural Fire Service Fires Near Me website for up-to-date information and warnings.

Affects 4 parks and 24 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 3.58pm to Mon 2 Oct 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 4.16pm

Closed areas: All tracks and trails closed in Garigal National Park

All tracks and trails in Garigal National Park are closed on Sunday 1 October 2023 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.

Davidson Picnic Area and Boat Ramp will remain open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 3.29pm to Mon 2 Oct 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 3.57pm

Closed areas: Tracks and trails closed between North Head and Bradleys Head

All tracks and trails in Sydney Harbour National Park, on the north side of the Harbour, are closed on Sunday 1 October 2023 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.

These sites will remain open:

  • North Head carparks
  • Middle Head forts
  • Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head
  • Belvedere lookout at Georges Head
  • Bradleys Head picnic area
  • Bradleys Head - Booraghee Amphitheatre
  • Athol Hall
  • Q Station

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.

Affects 1 park and 11 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 3.36pm to Mon 2 Oct 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 3.55pm

Closed areas: Tracks and trails closed In Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

All tracks and trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are closed on Sunday 1 October 2023 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.

The Basin campground and picnic area will be accessible by water only.

Closed areas include:

  • All tracks and trails
  • The Sphinx picnic area
  • Kalkari Visitors Centre

These areas will remain open:

  • Apple Tree Bay picnic area
  • Apple Tree Bay boat ramp
  • Barrenjoey Headland
  • Bobbin Head picnic areas
  • Bobbin Head Marina
  • Duckholes picnic area
  • Illawong Bay picnic area
  • Resolute picnic area
  • Salvation Creek picnic area
  • The Basin campground and picnic area

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Bobbin Head Visitors Centre on (02) 9472 8949.

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 11.36am to Mon 2 Oct 2023, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.15pm

Safety alerts: Extreme fire danger warning

Take caution or reconsider your trip to local national parks this long weekend (Friday 29 September to Monday 2 October) due to the forecasted high to extreme fire danger. 

High temperatures and strong winds are forecast, and conditions can change quickly. Plan your visit carefully, take adequate water and remain hydrated. Please adhere to any park fire bans or total fire bans in place. If a total fire ban is called all tracks and trails will be closed.

Check the Rural Fire Service Fires Near Me website for up-to-date information and warnings, and have the Hazards Near Me app downloaded on your mobile phone.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.27pm

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 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Sep 2023, 1.09pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 2.24pm

Other planned events: Hornby Lighthouse repairs

Hornby Lighthouse at South Head is currently undergoing restoration and maintenance. Completion is scheduled for September 2024. South Head heritage trail remains open. However, views and access around the Hornby Lighthouse will be temporarily impacted during these works. 

For more information, visit this web page.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Sep 2023, 11.57am

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 rifle range operations:

  • Every Saturday, 8am to 5pm
  • Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month, 8am to 5pm
  • Women on Target Try Shoot event, Saturday and Sunday 28 and 29 October 2023

Please note: In October there will be no shooting on Sunday 15 October 2023 (the 3rd Sunday of the month).

Do not enter the eastern section of the 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.

The western section of the park (Western Escarpment walking track) is open when the rifle range is in use.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local area office on 02 9337 5511 or the ANZAC Rifle Range on 02 9661 4532.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 10.02pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 3.03am. Last reviewed: Fri 30 Jun 2023, 12.07pm

Other planned events: 1080 feral animal management program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits and fresh baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between Tuesday 1 August 2023 and Wednesday 31 January 2024 in Lane Cove National Park. Don’t touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

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.

For more information, contact the local park office on 02 8448 0400 during business hours, or 1300 056 294 after hours.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 3 Feb 2023, 12.17pm to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.30pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jun 2023, 4.11pm

Closed areas: Shark Beach and the promenade at Nielsen Park closed

Shark Beach and the beach front at Nielsen Park are closed while the new concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. For more information on this project, please visit the project webpage or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 24 Jan 2023, 10.00am to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.29pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jun 2023, 3.29pm

Closed areas: Gardeners Cottage closure

Gardeners Cottage will not be available for bookings until the replacement of the concrete seawall at Shark Beach, Nielsen Park has been completed. For more information on the seawall replacement please visit the project website or call the NPWS Vaucluse office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 11.55pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 3.57am. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Jun 2023, 12.01pm

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

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 1 August 2023 and 31 January 2024 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

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.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

Forestville 9451 3479 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Aug 2023, 12.41pm

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect important plant and animal communities. For your safety and to help conserve the landscape, please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park.

Shelly Beach to Bluefish walking track is open.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 24 Mar 2023, 9.31am. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.31pm

Closed areas: Section of Casuarina track closed for track maintenance

Part of Casuarina track is closed from Thursday 23 March 2023 until further notice due to maintenance on the footbridge.

The closed area is the section of Casuarina track between the end of Boree Road and the Carrol Creek track intersection.

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

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Jul 2020, 2.52pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.01pm. Last reviewed: Tue 5 Sep 2023, 10.44am

Closed areas: Sugarloaf car park closed

Sugarloaf car park is no longer open to the public. We apologise for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood Area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Aug 2023, 12.23pm

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • From 1 October to 31 March - from 5am to 8.30pm
  • From 1 April to 30 September - 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Jul 2023, 1.15pm

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 call the NPWS Sydney South area office on 02 9337 5511. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.31pm

Closed areas: Flat Rock track partial closure

The section of Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance to the Downpatrick Street entrance, is permanently closed where the old track passes through private property near Killarney Point.

Please note:

  • Walkers heading west should exit Flat Rock track at the eastern end of Killarney Drive and use Killarney Drive until you reach Downpatrick Street. Then walk down the street and re-enter Flat Rock track from the Downpatrick Street fire trail.
  • Walkers heading east should exit Flat Rock track at the Downpatrick Street fire trail and use Downpatrick Street, then Killarney Drive until you reach the end of Killarney Drive. Re-enter Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Oct 2021, 9.47am to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.01pm. Last reviewed: Thu 31 Aug 2023, 10.18am

Closed areas: Toilet closures in Lane Cove National Park

Some toilets within this park will be closed during the week, opening only on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The closed toilets are at:

  • Carters Creek (Area 9)
  • Scribbly Gums (Area 17)
  • Haynes Flat (Area 32)

Please note: This does not apply to bookings. Where there are bookings, toilets will be opened.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Park info

  • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

    Other fees:

    Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

    Buy annual pass
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