Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.06am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 12.01pm

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Central Coast

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.

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.14am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 9.50am

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs

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.

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 10.53am to Sat 31 Jan 2026, 10.55am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.54am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban: Hunter Coast National Parks and Reserves

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. The only location that is exempt is Ganyamalbaa Campground in Worimi National Park - fires are permitted here (unless Total Fire Ban) within the fire pits only. 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.

Applies from Wed 17 Dec 2025, 10.43am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.54am

Safety alerts: Worimi Conservation Lands - Drive with caution

Due to current coastal conditions, please drive with caution on Worimi Conservation Lands.

Please note:

• Look out for soft sand, erosion, wash outs and drop offs.
• Avoid driving through sea water or large pools of water. Driving conditions can change rapidly. Several vehicles on this beach have ended up in the ocean or swamped by water.
• If in doubt turn around and back track on the route you've driven, to exit the park.
• Check conditions before arriving, and if in doubt save your visit for another day.
• Do not drive over the frontal dune or any vegetation. Fines apply.

Staff will monitor conditions.

For more information contact the NPWS office at Nelson Bay on 02 4984 8200, during business hours, 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Applies from Fri 12 Dec 2025, 9.56am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 9.57am. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 8.23am

Safety alerts: Worimi Beach Is Unsafe for Swimming

Worimi beach is not suitable for swimming due to hazardous surf conditions. 

• Beaches in this park are not patrolled by lifeguards and can have strong rips and currents.
• The safest place to swim is at a patrolled beach, between the red and yellow flags.
• Check the Beachsafe website to find the nearest patrolled beaches- Birubi Beach at Anna Bay is the nearest lifeguard patrolled beach.

These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

For more information, contact the local NPWS -Anna Bay office 02 4984 8200.

Applies from Fri 26 Sep 2025, 3.14pm to Sat 24 Jan 2026, 3.14pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jan 2026, 11.02am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program in Hunter Wetlands National Park from 30 September to 24 December 2025.

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened shorebird species.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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 Lower Hunter Area NPWS office on 4946 4100.

Applies from Thu 4 Sep 2025, 3.10pm to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 5 Jan 2026, 11.03am

Closed areas: Tomago precinct: intermittent closures for feral animal control (ground shooting)

On selected nights between 4 September 2025 and 30 June 2026, the Tomago precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park will be closed for ground shooting operations targeting feral deer. When operations are active, affected areas will be signposted “Do not enter.”

Other feral animals, including rabbits and foxes, will be targeted if observed during the operations.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 4946 4100 or email npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Applies from Thu 1 May 2025, 9.27am. Last reviewed: Wed 5 Nov 2025, 2.25pm

Closed areas: The Welcome Mangrove Walk, Ash Island is closed due to damage

The Welcome Mangrove Walk of Ash Island, Hunter Wetlands NP is closed due to damage, from Monday 26th August until further notice.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS Shortland office on 4946 4100.