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Illawarra tourism route

Barren Grounds Nature Reserve

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 19 Jul 2021, 9.00am to Sat 28 Aug 2021, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Aug 2021, 10.54am

Closed areas: Areas closed due to COVID-19

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, including all walks and facilities are closed until Sunday 29 August 2021, to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff, in line with current NSW Health Orders.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 30 Jul 2021, 11.56am to Sat 28 Aug 2021, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Fri 30 Jul 2021, 5.37pm

Closed areas: Picnic and toilet facilities at Victoria Road entrance closed

The picnic and toilet facilities at the Victoria Road entrance to Dharawal National Park are closed from Friday 30 July to Saturday 28 August 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

All walking tracks and mountain bike riding trails remain open.

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Applies from Mon 12 Jul 2021, 9.39am to Wed 4 Aug 2021, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Aug 2021, 3.02pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for maintenance

A number of areas in this park will be closed while maintenance work is underway:

  • The Sand track walk (North) and cycle track - closed from Monday 12 July to Wednesday 4 August 2021
  • Toilets at Beach Road picnic area - closed from Wednesday 21 July to Wednesday 4 August 2021

You can access the toilets at Gerroa picnic area while the Beach Road toilets are closed. On-site signage will provide further information.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the local office on 02 4428 6300.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 14 Jul 2021, 5.36pm to Fri 13 Aug 2021, 5.47pm. Last reviewed: Sat 24 Jul 2021, 3.56pm

Closed areas: George Boyd picnic area and walking tracks closed

The George Boyd area of Morton National Park is closed for post fire maintenance from Tuesday 13 July to Friday 13 August 2021.

There is still vehicle access to George Boyd Lookout.

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

 

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Applies from Fri 19 Feb 2021, 5.05pm. Last reviewed: Wed 14 Jul 2021, 5.29pm

Closed areas: Mount Bushwalker Road and walking track closed

Mount Bushwalker Road and walking track in Morton National Park are closed from Friday 19 February to Friday 29 October 2021. The closure is due to upgrade works on the road, carpark and track.

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

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Applies from Fri 2 Jul 2021, 9.17am to Sun 15 Aug 2021, 9.17am. Last reviewed: Fri 2 Jul 2021, 2.20pm

Other planned events: Pest control program

A ground-based pest management program is happening in this park from Friday 2 July to Sunday 15 August 2021. The program is targeting feral pigs and aims to reduce their impact on water quality and biodiversity. There may be temporary changes to access.

For more information please call the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area Glenbrook office on 02 4720 6200.

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Applies from Fri 1 Jan 2021, 4.24pm to Tue 31 Aug 2021, 4.25pm. Last reviewed: Mon 26 Jul 2021, 1.56pm

Closed areas: 12 Mile Road closed west of George Boyd lookout

12 Mile Road is closed west of George Boyd lookout. Please do not enter the closed areas.

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

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Applies from Wed 23 Jun 2021, 12.49pm to Fri 28 Jan 2022, 12.50pm. Last reviewed: Wed 23 Jun 2021, 2.18pm

Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 fox baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting an ongoing baiting program using meat baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes. The program will be continuous and ongoing between Monday 28 June and Tuesday 28 December 2021 in Nattai National Park.

All baiting locations will be 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.

For further information please call the NPWS Glenbrook area office on 02 4720 6200.

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Applies from Thu 16 Jul 2020, 12.23pm. Last reviewed: Mon 21 Jun 2021, 5.46pm

Closed areas: Cafe closed - Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

The cafe at Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre is currently closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

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Applies from Fri 7 Feb 2020, 11.15am to Thu 21 Oct 2021, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 21 Jun 2021, 5.44pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ground baiting program

A baiting program using ground baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes will be conducted between Wednesday 14 October 2020 and Thursday 21 October 2021 in the Kangaroo Valley, Budgong and Illaroo areas.

All baiting locations will be 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. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please call the NPWS Shoalhaven area office on 02 4428 6300.

Affects 4 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 20 Apr 2021, 9.12am to Mon 16 Aug 2021, 9.13am. Last reviewed: Mon 21 Jun 2021, 12.27pm

Other planned events: Aerial pest management program

An aerial pest management program will be conducted between Sunday 8 August to Saturday 14 August 2021 for the control of deer, goats, feral pigs and other pests. The following parks, reserves and areas will be closed:

  • Bungonia National Park
  • Bungonia State Conservation Area
  • Nadgigomar Nature Reserve
  • Part of Morton National Park, west of the Shoalhaven River including Caoura Ridge, Long Point, Badgerys, Matodoro Ridge and all associated walking tracks, lookouts and Shoalhaven gorge.
  • Kerrawary Nature Reserve
  • Jerralong Nature Reserve
  • Tarlo River National Park

The Bungonia National Park front gate and campground will be closed at 4pm on Friday 6 August and reopen by 8am, Monday 16 August 2021. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please call the NPWS Illawarra Highlands area office on 02 4887 8244.

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Applies from Sun 20 Jun 2021, 10.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 15 Jul 2021, 3.25pm

Other planned events: No vehicle access to Comerong Island Nature Reserve

There is no vehicle access to Comerong Island Nature Reserve due to the council ferry being closed for maintenance until the end October 2021. Walkers (via Shoalhaven Heads) and boats can still access the reserve.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

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Applies from Thu 2 Jul 2020, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Sat 17 Jul 2021, 4.29pm

Other incidents: Minnamurra Rainforest may close at short notice

Minnamurra Rainforest is a popular location and will close at short notice if needed to ensure visitation levels do not exceed safe capacity or due to the car park reaching capacity.  We encourage you to plan your visit outside the peak periods of 11am to 2pm. 

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 7 Feb 2020, 12.27pm to Thu 14 Oct 2021, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 18 May 2021, 12.18pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 bait disposal pit

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is disposing of used 1080 baits and baiting products in an approved disposal pit on NPWS estate within the Fitzroy Falls area.

Burial of used baits and products will occur from Wednesday 14 October 2020 to Thursday 14 October 2021. All bait material in the pit will be buried under at least 500mm of soil, clear of waterways so as not to cause pollution of waterways, in accordance with Pesticide Control Order (1080 bait products) 2019.

There will be 1080 baiting signs at the entrance to the disposal pit site.

1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is lethal to pets (including domestic dogs and cats) and working dogs. In the event of accidental poisoning, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Domestic pets, including dogs and cats are not permitted in national parks or reserves. 

For more information, contact Melinda Norton at the NPWS Fitzroy Falls area office on 02 4887 8244 or send an email.

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Applies from Fri 7 Feb 2020, 12.03pm to Thu 14 Oct 2021, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 17 May 2021, 4.25pm

Other planned events: 1080 fox ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting an ongoing 1080 ground baiting operation for control of foxes from Wednesday 14 October 2020 to Thursday 14 October 2021 to reduce the impacts on threatened species.

The operation will target foxes in the Carrington Falls, Knights Hill and Barren Grounds areas. Baits have been placed on NPWS estate, private properties and Crown road reserves with permissions. 

There will be 1080 baiting signs at the entrance to baiting areas. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Some baits may be buried.

1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is lethal to pets (including domestic dogs and cats) and working dogs. In the event of accidental poisoning, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Domestic pets, including dogs and cats are not permitted in national parks or reserves. Restrain working and assistance dogs to ensure they don’t enter the baiting areas. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact Melinda Norton at the NPWS office at Fitzroy Falls on 02 4887 8244 or send an email.

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Applies from Thu 13 May 2021, 8.00am to Wed 17 Nov 2021, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 15 Jun 2021, 3.37pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 Baiting

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting an ongoing aerial and ground baiting program in this park from Monday 17 May to Wednesday 17 November 2021. The operation will involve the use of meat baits, meat bait products and ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

This program is designed to minimise the impact of foxes on wildlife, especially after the recent extensive bushfires, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs and foxes on neighbouring stock. This program is carried out as part of the following Blue Mountains Branch Pest Management Strategies: Western Hunter Wild Dog Management Plan, Central Hunter Wild Dog Management Plan & Post Fire Aerial Baiting Program.

All baiting locations will be identified 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 locations. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information please email or call the NPWS Bulga Office on (02) 6574 5555

Applies from Mon 20 Jan 2020, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Apr 2021, 10.14am

Closed areas: Most of Morton National Park closed

Most of Morton National Park remains closed due to bushfire damage and to protect the safety of our visitors.

However, the following areas are now open:

  • North of the Shoalhaven River, including Kangaroo Valley, the following walks and lookouts are accessible:
    • Bonnie View and Beauchamps lookouts
    • Erith coalmine loop walk
    • Lovers walking track
    • Mount Carnorvon walking track
    • Echo Point lookout
    • Grand Canyon lookout
    • Tooths lookout
    • Fairy Bower Falls track and loop walk to top of falls
    • East and West Rim tracks
    • Manning lookout
    • Kangaroo River walking track
    • Three Views walking track
       
  • South of the Shoalhaven River to Braidwood Road, including the Ettrema wilderness wrea. The following walks, trails and lookouts are accessible:
    • Ettrema Wilderness walks starting from Tolwong Road
    • Ettrema Wilderness walks starting from Sassafras
    • Ettrema Wilderness walks starting from Yalwal
    • Old Burrier fire trail
       
  • South of Braidwood Road, including the Budawang wilderness area. The following walking routes and lookouts are accessible:
    • Pigeon House Mountain, Didthul.
    • Rusden Head
    • Florence Head
    • Pointer Gap lookout. Toilet is non-operational.
    • Porters Creek Dam
    • The Castle. Toilet is non-operational at Cooyoyo campground. Please bury waste per Budawangs walking and camping strategy.
    • Wog Wog
    • Scenic Rim. Toilet is non-operational at Burrumbeet Brook campground. Please bury waste per Budawangs walking and camping strategy
    • Monolith Valley
    • Mount Tarn
    • Styles Creek
    • Redground
    • Folly Point

An overnight walk in Morton National Park wilderness areas requires a trip intention form at this time, as per our COVID-19 update.

Most of Morton National Park has been bushfire-affected. Caution should be taken as risks may still be present.

Do not enter the closed areas of this park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 12 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 19 Apr 2021, 3.38pm to Tue 19 Oct 2021, 3.38pm. Last reviewed: Wed 26 May 2021, 10.47am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a baiting program using fresh meat, manufactured baits and CPEs containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. The program will be ongoing and continuous from Monday 19 April to Tuesday 19 October 2021.

The baited parks, reserves and state conservation areas include:

  • Bees Nest Nature Reserve
  • Bimberamala National Park
  • Budawang National Park
  • Bungonia State Conservation Area
  • Bungonia National Park
  • Colymea State Conservation Area
  • Conjola National Park
  • Jerrawangala National Park
  • Morton National Park
  • Morton State Conservation Area
  • Murramarang National Park
  • Parma Creek Nature Reserve

There will be signs at all baiting locations.

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 in the vicinity must be restrained or muzzled and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information call the NPWS Nowra office on 02 4428 6300.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 5 Mar 2021, 1.54pm. Last reviewed: Tue 6 Apr 2021, 9.28am

Closed areas: Campground closures and changed conditions

The following campgrounds are closed:

  • Pauls Point
  • Sundeck
  • Sawyers
  • Tigersnake
  • Beehive upper and lower
  • Burrawang
  • Hideaway

Due to recent heavy rains campgrounds between Caringal and Wirritin on the Shoalhaven River, this section may be affected by flood debris and steep sand walls to access the sites. Please use caution and move onto another campground if there are issues.

There have been many changes to campgrounds along the river, including reduced campground capacity. Some sites also have extensive regrowth following fires.

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Applies from Tue 10 Nov 2020, 2.24pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Mar 2021, 2.02pm

Closed areas: Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe closed

Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe is closed. Light refreshments are available for purchase from the Visitor Centre. The precinct, including all walks are open to visitors. No portable barbecues are permitted.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 29 Jun 2017, 12.48pm. Last reviewed: Fri 19 Mar 2021, 2.01pm

Closed areas: Access to base of Belmore Falls prohibited

All access to the base of Belmore Falls from Hindmarsh and Belmore Falls lookout and picnic area is permanently closed due to safety risks. Access is also closed from the causeway to the top of the falls. These access points are prohibited to visitors and penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls office on 02 4887 8244 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

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Applies from Fri 1 Jan 2021, 3.35pm. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Feb 2021, 9.16am

Closed areas: Tianjara fire trail

Tianjara fire trail is closed. Please do not enter the closed area.

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

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Applies from Mon 14 Dec 2020, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Jan 2021, 11.36am

Closed areas: Macquarie Rivulet - Jump Rock track closed

Access to Macquarie Rivulet (also known as “Jump Rock”) is not permitted. The track is steep and eroded, and contains unstable surfaces, cliffs and drop offs.

There is a high risk of injury from falls from heights. Do not enter the closed areas of this park.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

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Applies from Fri 4 Dec 2020, 2.57pm. Last reviewed: Tue 5 Jan 2021, 9.59am

Closed areas: Campground closures and changed conditions

The following campsites are closed:

  • Pauls Point
  • Sundeck
  • Sawyers
  • Tigersnake
  • Beehive upper and lower
  • Burrawang
  • Hideaway

Due to recent heavy rains campgrounds between Caringal and Wirritin may be be affected by flood debris and steep sand walls to access the sites. Please use caution and move onto another campground if there are issues.

There have been many changes to campgrounds along the river, including reduced campground capacity. Some sites also have extensive regrowth following fires.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Aug 2020, 12.09pm. Last reviewed: Fri 21 Aug 2020, 1.24pm

Safety alerts: Diversion on Mount Keira Ring track

The staircase on the western side of Mount Keira Road at the junction of Mount Keira Road and Queen Elizabeth Drive has been closed off for repairs. Please follow the relevant signage for a slight detour to the ring track at the crossing of Queen Elizabeth Drive.

If completing the loop in a clockwise direction: head north uphill of the closed staircase for roughly 50m until you come to an opening by the road. Take care crossing the road at this point and re-join the track at the usual entry point to the eastern side of the loop.

If completing the loop in an anticlockwise direction: when you get to Queen Elizabeth Drive crossing head north for roughly 50m from the point of entry to the western side of the loop. Re-join the track at this point.

For more information, please contact the local NPWS office.

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Applies from Tue 18 Jun 2019, 9.18am. Last reviewed: Tue 9 Jun 2020, 8.15am

Closed areas: Access to Macquarie Rivulet via top of Macquarie Pass not permitted

Access to Macquarie Rivulet from Mount Murray, at the top of Macquarie Pass is not permitted. If you access the rivulet from the top of the escarpment, you will be trespassing on private property and this action may result in police involvement.

The recommended access points for Macquarie Rivulet are via Clover Hill Road and from the Cascades/Rivulet carparks. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188.

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Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/driving-routes/illawarra-tourism-route/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

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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