Cliff safety

Plan your trip

• Research the walk and ensure everyone is comfortable with the planned route.
• Walk at the pace of the slowest person and don’t overestimate your abilities.
• Walk in groups of 3 or more people. In an emergency, one of you might need to wait with the injured person while the other gets help.
• Check the walk grade and required skills, including rock scrambling or abseiling skills where applicable. Contact the local NPWS office if you’re unsure.
• Check park alerts and weather forecasts, noting that conditions can change rapidly.
• Avoid walking on wet, windy or hot days, or after heavy rain.
• Download the NSW National Parks app and the Emergency Plus app for location and emergency assistance.

Tell somebody

Tell your family or friends where you're going, when you expect to return and who is with you. They can contact NSW Police if you don't return on time. You can do this by filling in a trip intention form.

Stay on tracks

Stay on marked tracks. They are there to keep you a safe distance from cliff edges.

Stay well back from cliff edges. Cliffs naturally erode and can collapse at any time.

Follow warning signs and safety barriers

Don’t climb over fences or barriers for a selfie or a better view. Enjoy the view from the safety of a designated lookout. Penalties apply for failing to comply with park signs.

Stay alert and supervise children

Stay alert and aware of the landscape – cliff edges can be unstable or hidden by bushes and trees.

Always supervise children closely near cliffs.

Bring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Many national parks in NSW don't have mobile phone coverage. If you're planning a walk in a remote area, bring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) as an added safety precaution. You can hire a PLB for free at these 12 locations.

Read more bushwalking safety tips.