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Mother of Ducks Lagoon birdwatching platform

Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve

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Current alerts in this area

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Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 2 Feb 2026, 2.28pm to Fri 13 Feb 2026, 2.39pm. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Feb 2026, 10.16am

Other planned events: Forestry Corporation commencing vegetation management works along Hastings Forest Way

Forestry Corporation will be conducting Vegetation management works (slope mowing and mulching) will commence along Hastings Forest Way this week from the 2nd February.

Please observe all warning signs and proceed with caution around heavy machinery.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 22 Jan 2026, 1.55pm. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Feb 2026, 8.45am

Other incidents: Waterfall Way closed due rockfall

A rockfall on Waterfall Way west of Bellingen has closed the road, visit Live Traffic for more details.

This closure affects travellers from the coast visiting Dorrigo and New England National Parks. 

Transport NSW advise that diversions are in place:

Light Vehicles can travel via Summervilles Road, Gordonville Road, Gleniffer Road, Wheatley Street, Hammond Street and Bridge Street in both directions. This route has a 10-tonne vehicle limit.

Heavy vehicles must avoid the area or consider using an alternative route such as the Oxley Highway, Gwydir Highway or New England Highway.

Please check Live Traffic for updates.

Affects 1 park and 15 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 8 Oct 2025, 9.46am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 9.46am. Last reviewed: Tue 27 Jan 2026, 2.20pm

Fire bans: PARK FIRE BAN

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.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Dec 2025, 8.00am to Sat 28 Feb 2026, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 9.03am

Closed parks: Chaelundi National Park, Flora Reserve and State Conservation Area closed for pest control operations

Chaelundi National Park, Flora Reserve and State Conservation Area will be closed for pest control operations until Saturday 28 February 2026.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Coffs Coast Area office on 6652 0900.

Affects 3 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 26 Nov 2014, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 3.23pm

Closed areas: Road closure

Some areas of this park are closed until further notice due to the demolition of a bridge from a past flooding event.

The closed areas include the 4WD access to North Washpool, an area also known as Washpool rest area, entering from Baryulgil onto Collum Collum Road. The bridge is washed away at the junction of Washpool Creek and Collum Collum Road.

Please note:

  • Washpool National Park’s 2WD entrance off Gwydir Highway onto Coachwood Drive and Washpool Forest Way is open.
  • Bellbird campground, Coombadjha campground and the Granites lookout and picnic areas are accessible.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 23 Dec 2024, 9.57am to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 10.01am. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 11.33am

Closed parks: Willi Willi Caves Nature Reserve closed due to unsafe access

Willi Willi Caves Nature Reserve is closed until further notice due to unsafe access to area.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6561 6700.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 4 Nov 2024, 12.15pm to Mon 31 Dec 2029, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Wed 7 Jan 2026, 1.52pm

Closed parks: Woodsreef State Conservation Area Closed

Woodsreef State Conservation Area is closed until further notice due to potential health risks from possible asbestos exposure.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Narrabri NPWS office on (02) 6792 7300.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 7 May 2025, 3.03pm. Last reviewed: Tue 27 Jan 2026, 9.38am

Safety alerts: Road Access to Werrikimbe National Park

Adverse weather conditions have caused damage to access roads leading into Werrikimbe National Park and some sections are accessible only by 4WD vehicles

  • Access via Cockerawombeeba Road is not recommended due to erosion issues off-park. Plateau Beech Campground is accessible from Hastings Forest Way using Cockerawombeeba Road (within Werrikimbe NP). 
  • Access via Hastings Forest Road and Forbes Road have eroded sections off-park and 4WD is recommended. 
  • Visitors should check the depth of waterway crossings before driving vehicles through, particularly at Forbes River crossing on Racecourse Road. 

For more information, contact the Port Macquarie NPWS office on (02) 6588 5555.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 21 Mar 2025, 2.16pm to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 2.17pm. Last reviewed: Sat 24 Jan 2026, 9.05am

Closed areas: Closed roads in multiple north coast national parks due severe weather damage

Some roads are closed in New England National Park, Dunggir National Park and Gumbaynggirr National Park and Station Conservation Area due to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred and other flood events. 

Roadblocks have been installed on Horseshoe Road to prevent vehicle movements at the Killikrankie Mountain Lookout intersection in the north 

Affected roads include:

  • Horseshoe Road – culvert blow out and undermining of road, no through access. Remediation will begin in January 2026 when weather is suitable for equipment access across wet roads. 
  • Gaddes Ridge Road – major landslip, no through access. This road will remain closed indefinitely, after an independent geotechnical engineer's assessment identified an unacceptable risk of ongoing landslip. Please travel via Cedar Road.

These closures will remain in place until geohazard assessments can be undertaken and works completed. You may need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in these parks. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the Coffs Harbour office 02 6652 0900.

Affects 4 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 3 Dec 2025, 9.15am to Mon 1 Jun 2026, 9.16am. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Feb 2026, 8.41am

Safety alerts: Cunglebung Rd Closed due to storm damage

Part of Cunglebung Rod is closed due to storm damage from the 3 December 2025 to 1 June 2026. Do not enter this area for your own safety. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 6739 0700.

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Applies from Mon 27 Oct 2025, 12.00am to Fri 3 Apr 2026, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.50am

Closed areas: Dangars Gorge closed for precinct upgrade

The Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers NP is strictly closed from Monday 27 October 2025 to Friday 3 April 2026 while visitor facilities are being upgraded. The areas that will be closed include:

  • Dangars Gorge Campground
  • Dangars Falls Picnic Area
  • Dangars Falls lookouts
  • McDirtys walking track
  • Sailsbury Waters walking track

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local Armidale NPWS office (02 6738 9100).

NPWS will be making improvements to the campground, walking tracks and signage upgrades as well as installing a new pedestrian bridge.

During this time, visitors to Oxley Wild Rivers NP can still access other visitor precincts, such as Long Point, Gara Gorge, Wollomombi Falls, and for the more adventurous, Riverside or Halls Peak. Please note that access to Riverside and Halls Peak requires an access permit and a low-range 4WD vehicle. More information can be found on the NPWS website https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

Affects 1 park and 14 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 20 Nov 2025, 2.37pm to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 2.39pm. Last reviewed: Tue 27 Jan 2026, 12.05pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban

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 campfires 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.

Affects 8 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 28 Oct 2025, 12.11pm. Last reviewed: Sat 24 Jan 2026, 9.06am

Closed areas: New England National Park walking track closures

The following areas are closed for public safety, to allow NPWS to assess and manage rockfall hazards.

  • Eagles Nest walking track
  • All access to Weeping Rock

For further information please contact the NPWS Coffs Coast area office on 02 6652 0900.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 30 Sep 2025, 4.45pm. Last reviewed: Fri 2 Jan 2026, 9.18am

Closed parks: Yessabah Reserve Permanently Closed

Access to Yessabah Nature Reserve is permanently closed to unauthorised personnel. The former quarry area has limestone rock faces that are unstable and prone to rock fall. Other areas of the reserve are geologically unstable.

Do not access this park. For further information call the NPWS Macleay area office on 02 6561 6700.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 15 Sep 2025, 10.34am to Fri 31 Dec 9999, 10.34am. Last reviewed: Tue 16 Dec 2025, 12.55pm

Closed parks: Kwiambal CCA Zone 1 - Closed for Public Access

As per the Plan Of Management, Kwiambal NP CCA Zone 1 is closed to public access. This reserve is only accessible via private property and is exempt from public access. This reserve is separate from Kwiambal National Park, which is accessible to the public. 

 

For more information on the Kwiambal NP CCA Zone 1 Plan of Management please see: Kwiambal NP CCAZ Plan Of Management

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 Mar 2024, 9.25pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jan 2026, 9.16am

Closed areas: Ngambaa Feral Predator Free Area - Closed Roads

Construction is complete on the Ngambaa Feral Predator-Free Area which has necessitated the closure of roads in the reserve for visitor safety.

 

Cedar Park picnic area will remain open and available for visitor access. 

 

The following roads are subject to permanent closure as part of the construction and operation of the feral predator free area: 

  • Wittigs Road
  • parts of Stockyard Creek Road
  • Seams Road
  • Jacks Road
  • Buds Crossing Road

 

Construction works were completed in August and the 23k of fencing is complete. 

 

Construction works have included:

  • clearing the fence corridor
  • building the fence
  • installing bridge and culvert crossings.

 

Closed areas: Closed for ground pest control operations

Pest animal control shooting operations will also occur in these areas

Shooting operations will occur on select nights throughout this period. The operations will run from sunset to sunrise in areas that are closed for public access.

 

Information regarding the project can be obtained via the following link: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/return-of-threatened-and-declining-species/ngambaa-feral-predator-free-area

 

For further information please contact the NPWS Coffs Coast area office on 02 6652 0900

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 25 Jul 2023, 7.14am. Last reviewed: Mon 24 Nov 2025, 7.07am

Closed areas: Landslip on Hanging Rock Road in State forest

Access to Kosekai Lookout is currently NOT possible via Hanging Rock Road due to a section of Hanging Rock Road being damaged during March 2021 flooding event.  The damaged section of road is managed by Forestry Corporation.  Access to the lookout is now only possible in 4WD vehicles from the south via Boat Harbour Road and then turning onto Kosekai Road

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 24 Jul 2023, 2.39pm to Fri 24 Jul 2026, 2.39pm. Last reviewed: Thu 18 Dec 2025, 4.33pm

Closed areas: West End Trail - New England NP - Closed.

West End Trail in New England NP permanently closed due to multiple bridges out.

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 1 Jan 2023, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 9 Feb 2026, 8.50am

Safety alerts: 4WD Access Only

Butterleaf Road, the access road into Butterleaf NP through the adjoining State Forest, is in very poor condition, and access is restricted to 4WD only. Please exercise caution and drive to conditions.

For further information contact the NPWS Northern Tablelands Area office on 02 6739 0700.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 28 Sep 2022, 3.55pm. Last reviewed: Tue 16 Dec 2025, 11.25am

Closed areas: Doon Goonge campground closed

Doon Goonge campground is closed for public safety.

Alternate nearby campgrounds include Dalmorton, Thungutti, Cod Hole and Platypus Flat, that can be booked on the NPWS website.

For more information, contact the NPWS Coffs Coast area office on 02 6652 0900.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Park info

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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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