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School excursion

Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla

Royal National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Thu 4 September 2025, 11.48am

Applies from Mon 7 Jul 2025, 8.38am to Fri 19 Dec 2025, 8.43am. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Sep 2025, 11.48am.

Closed areas: Areas closed for deer control program

Some areas in Royal National Park are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Monday to Thursday (excluding school holidays) from Monday 7 July 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025 to enable a deer control operation to be carried out.

The closed 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 Bonnie Vale picnic area.

These closures will be signposted at the entry points to the closed areas. If you have a campground booking you can still access campgrounds during these times.

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

Nearby alerts

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 6 Oct 2025, 12.38pm

Hazard reduction burns: Franklin Street HR

There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 01/10/2025. The fire is called Franklin Street 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.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 5 Oct 2025, 2.05pm. Last reviewed: Sun 5 Oct 2025, 2.20pm

Closed areas: Currawong Flat toilet block closed for repair

Currawong Flat toilet block closed due to repairs. Alternative amenities at Ironbark Flat and Wattle Forest.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 26 Sep 2025, 11.35am to Fri 10 Oct 2025, 11.37am. Last reviewed: Fri 3 Oct 2025, 10.39am

Closed areas: Girrahween toilet block closed for maintenance.

The toilet block at Girrahween Picnic Area is currently closed for maintenance. The nearest available public toilets are Earlwood (300m) or at Turrella Reserve (1.2km).

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 Oct 2025, 12.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 2 Oct 2025, 12.53pm

Closed areas: Kembla Mountain Bike Trails closures

The following trails on the Kembla MTB network are affected by maintenance closures:

 

False Start: closed until Saturday 4 October 2025

Mind the Gaps: closed until further notice

 

This wet weather closure is a management practice consistent with most mountain bike trail networks, and aims to protect the trails and riders. With a wet spring and summer expected, riders should be prepared for future closures, which may occur at short notice.

We know that riders are excited about the new trails, but riding when wet can damage the trails, and lead to costly repairs with prolonged closures. This also impacts the surrounding park, and risks rider safety.

People are reminded to check trail closure alerts before visiting at nswparks.info/illawarra-mtn-bike or on Trailforks, and to always follow park signage. People can also subscribe on the NPWS Kembla mountain trails webpage to receive email notifications of trail and park closures.

Thank you for doing your part to care for the trails and for continuing to ‘ride lightly’.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 30 Aug 2025, 7.01pm to Fri 31 Oct 2025, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.50am

Closed areas: Curra Moors fire trail weekday closure

Curra Moors fire trail in Royal National Park is closed on weekdays between Monday 28 July and Friday 31 October 2025 due to maintenance works.

Please obey all closure signage and follow instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park area office on 02 9542 0632.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 30 Aug 2025, 7.01pm to Fri 17 Oct 2025, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.49am

Closed areas: Curra Moors loop track weekday closure

Access to Royal Coast track from Curra Moors loop track in Royal National Park will be closed on weekdays from Monday 28 July to 17 October 2025 due to maintenance works on Curra Moors vehicle trail.

Please obey all closure signage and follow instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park area office on 02 9542 0632.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 11 Aug 2025, 2.04pm to Fri 31 Oct 2025, 2.16pm. Last reviewed: Tue 30 Sep 2025, 8.49am

Closed areas: Maintenance works on Fire trails

Fire trails across Kamay Botany Bay NP (Kurnell Area) will be closed on weekdays from 25/08/2025 until late October (weather depending) due to maintenance works. Trail will be open on weekends.

Cape Baily walking track will remain open. Please always follow directions of staff and contractors to ensure your safety.

 

Potter Point Road will be closed between 20th October and 22nd October 2025 due to vegetation maintenance works. There will be no vehicle or pedestrian access to Potter Point via this road during this time.

Potter Point will still be accessible from Cape Baily walking track.

 

Please obey all closure signage and follow instructions from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the local area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 21 Jul 2025, 6.00am to Tue 30 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 29 Sep 2025, 8.40am

Closed areas: Works along Botany Bay Foreshore, Kurnell

A new revetment (seawall) along the Botany Bay foreshore will replace the temporary sandbags which have been in place since 2018. A revetment is a permanent structure which protects the foreshore from storm surges and tides.

A works compound is established at Beach Park and access to the works site will be along Monument Track. Some closures and restrictions to access will take place as materials are moved to the foreshore.

Please be mindful of site fencing and follow instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.

To learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project, send an email or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Sep 2025, 4.44pm

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.
  • Service Rifle championships Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October 2025.

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 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 26 Sep 2025, 12.31pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Sep 2025, 12.39pm

Other planned events: Cawleys Bridge works

Please be advised that Transport for NSW will be undertaking bridge decking maintenance and upgrades to Cawleys Bridge between 29th September 2025 and February 2026.

Cawleys bridge connects Cawleys Road between Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area.

Works will be intermittent during this time.

Vehicle and public access will remain largely unaffected, with select days, being restricted access. Please follow the signs and direction of staff and contractors onsite.

NPWS will post specific information as it becomes available.

Enquiries: Transport for NSW Project Information Line on 1800 684 490.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 26 Sep 2025, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Sep 2025, 8.48am

Other planned events: Access to Kembla mountain bike trails during Harry Graham Drive upgrade

Harry Graham Drive will be partially closed in both directions from 10 October 2025 until mid-late 2026 (weather permitting), to allow Wollongong City Council to carry out essential road maintenance and upgrades.

During this time, the Kembla mountain bike trails can be accessed as follows:

1. From Mount Keira: The main trail car park is open and signposted off Harry Graham Drive. This is the only access point for beginner trails during the roadworks. Visitors should expect some traffic delays.

2. From Kembla Heights: Harry Graham Drive is temporarily closed to all traffic from Kembla Heights. Access is available for blue and black trails only, and a small carpark is

available. For safety and to avoid congestion, riders are asked not to park on the roadside. Beginner trails will be temporarily inaccessible from Kembla Heights during the roadworks. For access to green runs, please use the main trail carpark via Mount Keira Road.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Thu 25 Sep 2025, 2.59pm

Closed areas: North Era campground closed

North Era campground is closed until further notice. For more information please contact the local area office on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 Nov 2024, 9.56am. Last reviewed: Thu 25 Sep 2025, 10.28am

Closed areas: Skylight Cave permanently closed

Skylight cave is permanently closed to visitors due to serious safety risks. The cave is midway 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. 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 5 Sep 2025, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Sep 2025, 1.49pm

Safety alerts: Hazardous track conditions - Wodi Wodi Walking Track

Recent heavy rain has created hazardous track conditions on the Wodi Wodi Walking Track between the Forest Walk and Stanwell Park Train Station. The track is currently experiencing erosion, fallen trees and landslips. It is not suitable for most walkers. 

Please consider alternative walking tracks in the area.

Contact the local NPWS Area Office for more information.  

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 Aug 2025, 12.20pm. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Aug 2025, 12.35pm

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 will take place between 30 August 2025 and 31 March 2026 in Towra Point Nature Reserve.

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:

Sydney South Area 02 9337 5511 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 22 Aug 2025, 12.12pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Sep 2025, 3.17pm

Closed areas: No access to Austinmer via Sublime Point Walking Track

The Forest Walk terminates at Sublime Point due to major upgrades on the Sublime Point Walking Track which is closed from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 31 August 2026.

There is no walking access to Austinmer or Austinmer Train Station.  

The upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For information on alternative walks, contact the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Aug 2025, 12.00am to Mon 31 Aug 2026, 10.39am. Last reviewed: Wed 13 Aug 2025, 2.26pm

Closed areas: Sublime Point Walking Track closed

The Sublime Point Walking Track is closed for major upgrades from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 31 August 2026.

Alternative walking tracks include the Forest Walk, Wodi Wodi Track, Gibson Walking Track, the Woodward Loop Track and the Mount Keira Ring Track.

The upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For information on alternative walks, contact the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 7 Jul 2025, 8.38am to Fri 19 Dec 2025, 8.43am. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Sep 2025, 11.48am

Closed areas: Areas closed for deer control program

Some areas in Royal National Park are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Monday to Thursday (excluding school holidays) from Monday 7 July 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025 to enable a deer control operation to be carried out.

The closed 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 Bonnie Vale picnic area.

These closures will be signposted at the entry points to the closed areas. If you have a campground booking you can still access campgrounds during these times.

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 Mon 28 Jul 2025, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 24 Jul 2025, 5.56pm

Closed areas: Commemoration Flat carpark

The Commemoration Flat carpark is being upgraded and will be closed from 28 July 2025 until early 2026. Alternate parking is available at the Cricket Pitch carpark.

Commemoration Flat toilets and picnic area remain open, however there will be limited short-term closures as new BBQ and picnic facilities are installed. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to on-site signage.

To learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project, send an email or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Thu 24 Jul 2025, 5.49pm

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre closed

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed and will remain closed until 2026. A new visitor centre is under construction.

During construction works, the precinct, including the carpark, will be fenced off and work crews will be on-site. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to on-site signage.

Parking and toilets are available at the Cricket Pitch precinct.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

To learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Projectemail or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 16 May 2025, 4.27pm. Last reviewed: Fri 16 May 2025, 4.35pm

Closed areas: Artillery Track Closed

The Artillery Track of Malabar Headland National Park is closed due to safety concerns.

This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors while we assess and address potential hazards.

 

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 May 2024, 2.21pm. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Apr 2025, 4.20pm

Safety alerts: Landslide on Auxillary trail- Heathcote National Park

A landslip occurred on an auxillary trail (near Dingo tunnel) off Lower pipeline fire trail in April 2024. Pedestrians and Cyclists are not permitted to pass the landslip.

Authorised Vehicles are not permitted to drive the auxillary trial until further notice.

There are no walking tracks or visitors facilities in this area.

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/education/stage-6-geography-biophysical-interactions-wattamolla/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
  • Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Buy annual pass
See more info for teachers

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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