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School excursion

A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale

Royal National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 13 July 2026, 11.36pm

Applies from Fri 26 Jun 2026, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Jul 2026, 11.36pm.

Safety alerts: Areas Closed - Deer Control Program

Some areas in Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Monday to Thursday (excluding school holidays) from Monday 6 July 2026 to Friday 18 December 2026 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
  • Garawarra Farm
  • Lady Carrington Drive
  • Bonnie Vale campground and Bonnie Vale picnic area.
  • Hacking River Vehicle Trail
  • Camps Gully Vehicle Trail
  • Karingal Picnic Area
  • Powerline East Vehicle Trail

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 Tue 19 Nov 2024, 9.56am. Last reviewed: Tue 14 Jul 2026, 11.56am

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 Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Tue 7 Jul 2026, 10.34am

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 6 October 2025 to 5 April 2026 - 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 6 April 2026 to 5 October 2026- 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Mon 20 Jul 2026, 1.05pm

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.

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 Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 12.59pm

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre closed

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed and will remain closed until late 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 and Commemoration flat precincts.

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 Tue 30 Jun 2026, 4.00pm to Wed 30 Sep 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 30 Jun 2026, 4.03pm

Safety alerts: Access to Wattamolla Beach

The pontoon at Wattamolla has been removed for maintenance. Access to the beach is available via stairs at the eastern end of the precinct. Please be aware you will need to cross through water, and conditions will change with the tide. Take care and plan ahead.

For more information, contact the local Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 23 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Fri 2 Jul 2027, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 29 Jun 2026, 1.06pm

Closed areas: Goat Island closed

Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park is closed from 7am Thursday 23 April until 7am Friday 2 July 2027. No visitors, tours or operators can access Goat Island during this time.

During the closure, there will be maintenance on the island's wharf access infrastructure and remediation works across the island.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 26 Jun 2026, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Jul 2026, 11.36pm

Safety alerts: Areas Closed - Deer Control Program

Some areas in Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Monday to Thursday (excluding school holidays) from Monday 6 July 2026 to Friday 18 December 2026 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
  • Garawarra Farm
  • Lady Carrington Drive
  • Bonnie Vale campground and Bonnie Vale picnic area.
  • Hacking River Vehicle Trail
  • Camps Gully Vehicle Trail
  • Karingal Picnic Area
  • Powerline East Vehicle Trail

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 27 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 25 Jun 2026, 11.50am. Last reviewed: Thu 25 Jun 2026, 12.20pm

Closed areas: Closure and rehabilitation of unauthorised mountain bike trails

Unauthorised mountain bike trails in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area are being closed and rehabilitated in stages, in line with the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy.

From June 2026, unauthorised trails near Mount Keira will be progressively closed and rehabilitated.

Closed trails will be signposted and may be physically blocked with barriers to support safe rehabilitation.

 

Please do not enter closed or restricted areas. Riders are reminded to use only approved, open trails. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

The Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy is being delivered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and includes the 70-kilometre Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, providing a safer and more sustainable alternative to unauthorised trails. The 20-kilometre Kembla mountain bike trails opened in 2025, with a further 50 km proposed for delivery in 2027.

Unauthorised trails that are not being formalised as part of the approved network are being progressively closed and rehabilitated as the network is delivered. This work protects environmental and cultural values and improves visitor safety.

 

Check current trail status before you ride via the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network or search on Trailforks.

 

For more information about the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project, including the closure and rehabilitation program, visit the webpage.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Jul 2026, 1.18pm. Last reviewed: Mon 22 Jun 2026, 2.06pm

Other planned events: Middle and Georges Head military structure repair works

Remediation works will be undertaken to the Outer Forts at Middle Head and the Mine Observing Station at Georges Head. Works will start in July and are expected to take 4 months. There will be minor detours in place during the works period.

For more information, please contact the Middle Head Office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 May 2026, 7.00am to Fri 25 Sep 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 13 Jul 2026, 1.07pm

Other planned events: Shark Beach swimming enclosure net annual maintenance and removal

The swimming enclosure net at Nielsen Park is removed each year during the winter months (May to August) to allow for annual maintenance and to prevent damage from heavy swells.

The net is scheduled to be reinstalled in September.

Visitors are advised to take care if swimming, as the enclosure is not in place.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 10.07am

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities.

Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Aug 2025, 12.00am to Mon 30 Nov 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Jun 2026, 11.55am

Closed areas: Sublime Point Walking Track closed

The Sublime Point Walking Track is closed for major upgrades from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 30 November 2026.

Alternative walking tracks include the Lookout Track to Panorama House, 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 Fri 22 Aug 2025, 12.12pm to Mon 30 Nov 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Jun 2026, 11.55am

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 30 November 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 Fri 23 Jan 2026, 4.57pm. Last reviewed: Tue 30 Jun 2026, 7.02am

Closed parks: Warranmadhaa National Park - Closed for Park Establishment

Warranmadhaa National Park is closed to visitors while important park establishment works are completed. The park will open in stages for walking and cycling, and overtime, additional facilities for recreation, education and research.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 31 Jan 2026, 10.05pm to Sat 1 Aug 2026, 2.53am. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Apr 2026, 11.06am

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 is continuous and ongoing between 1 February and 31 July 2026 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:

  • Chowder Bay
  • Dobroyd Head
  • Bradleys Head
  • Georges Head
  • Middle Head
  • North Head (this includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management and Quarantine Station).

Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. 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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

  • Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)
  • NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  • North Head Sanctuary, Many (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 May 2026, 8.35am

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing throughout 2026. Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

  • 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
  • 8am to 1pm on Saturday

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email the Sydney South office. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Apr 2026, 10.04am

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 Fri 5 Sep 2025, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Jun 2026, 9.11am

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 Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 4 Jul 2025, 10.48am

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
  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road

Do not enter the closed areas. 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 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-senior-science-local-ecosystem-bonnie-vale/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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