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Guided kayak adventures at Smiths Island

Hunter Wetlands National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Thu 1 May 2025, 9.30am

Applies from Thu 1 May 2025, 9.27am. Last reviewed: Thu 1 May 2025, 9.30am.

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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Wed 30 Apr 2025, 1.26pm. Last reviewed: Mon 30 Jun 2025, 4.26pm

Closed parks: Karuah National Park - Entire Park Closure

Karuah National Park is currently closed until further notice due to infrastructure repair works and recent storm damage causing the deterioration of conditions on access roads.

 

Karuah National Park will re-open as soon as repair works have been completed and staff determined it safe for visitation.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please contact the local office on (02) 4984 8200.

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Applies from Mon 30 Jun 2025, 2.12pm. Last reviewed: Mon 30 Jun 2025, 3.19pm

Safety alerts: Safety Alert Severe Weather Conditions expected to impact Tomaree National Park and surrounds

Due to the current warnings of a possible East Coast Low visitors are advised of a safety alert for Tomaree National Park.

Tomaree National Park is expected to be impacted by damaging high winds and heavy rain, with potential for falling trees, localised landslips, and flooding. 

 

The following areas impacted by this event include:

  • Tomaree Coastal Walk
  • Tomaree Head Summit Walk
  • Tomaree Head lookout storytelling point
  • World War II Gun Emplacements
  • Fort Tomaree Walk 

 

This safety alert is in effect from 30th June 2025 to 4th July 2025. Staff will continually assess the conditions as they change.

 

Please remember to check conditions before arriving, and if in doubt, save your visit for another day.

Please follow the directions of National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel and/or signage.
 

For more information, please contact the NPWS Nelson Bay area office on 02 4984 8200 from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

 

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Applies from Mon 30 Jun 2025, 10.56am. Last reviewed: Mon 30 Jun 2025, 3.07pm

Closed parks: Worimi Conservation Lands temporarily closed to Vehicles.

WORIMI CONSERVATION LANDS TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICLES.

Guudjii Yiigu – A Worimi Welcome

 

Due to the current warnings of a possible East Coast Low, visitors are advised that beach driving is temporarily closed on the Worimi Conservation Lands.

The Worimi Conservation Lands are expected to be impacted by damaging winds, large swell, coastal erosion and storm damage..

 

The following accesses are temporarily closed to vehicles:

  • Gan Gan 4wd entry Anna Bay
  • Lavis Lane 4wd entry Williamtown
  • Fern Bay 4wd entry Fern Bay
  • Recreational Vehicle Area (RVA)
  • Ganyamalbaa campground

 

The closure will be in effect from 30th June 2025 to 4th July 2025. Staff will continually assess the conditions as they change.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Nelson Bay area office on 02 4984 8200 from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

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Applies from Mon 30 Jun 2025, 10.19am. Last reviewed: Mon 30 Jun 2025, 3.04pm

Closed areas: Samurai Beach Access and Campground temporarily closed due to flooding

Samurai Beach and campground is closed to vehicles from Monday 19th May 2025 until further notice due to flooding on the access road.

Conditions will be reviewed regularly, and the area will reopen when safe and flood waters recede. 

Please follow the directions of National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel and/or signage.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Hunter Coast area office on 02 4984 8200.

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Applies from Tue 1 Jul 2025, 8.00am to Wed 2 Jul 2025, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 1 Jul 2025, 7.53am

Safety alerts: Flood risk warning

Forecast heavy rainfall may cause flooding of areas in Watagans, Brisbane Water and Wyrrabalong National Parks and Munmorah and Jilliby State Conservation Areas.

Creek crossings may become impassable with fast flowing water and increased water levels following heavy rainfall.

People planning to visit these parks are urged to check for closures, emergency warnings and severe weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service before heading out.

Remember, it’s never safe to walk, ride or drive through flood waters, so you’ll need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in this park. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 3 parks and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 26 Jun 2025, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 26 Jun 2025, 5.49pm

Other planned events: Violet Hill boat ramp maintenance work

Violet Hill boat ramp maintenance is scheduled from 21/7/25 until 28/7/25 (weather pending). During this work, the boat ramp will be closed and machinery will be operating within and around the campground.  The campground will remain open during this time.

For further information, please contact Manning Great Lakes Area on ph: 6591 0300 (BH)

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Applies from Tue 20 May 2025, 2.04pm. Last reviewed: Thu 26 Jun 2025, 4.21pm

Closed areas: Flood affected areas within Myall Lakes National Park

The following areas in Myall Lakes National Park are closed due to widespread flooding:

  • Many campgrounds and picnic areas
  • Mungo Brush, Korsmans and Neranie boat ramps.
  • Mungo Brush Road

Many creek crossings, roads and trails are impassable due to severe rainfall causing dangerous conditions. Emergency services are requesting that people avoid unnecessary travel.

Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walk through flood waters. Roads into and throughout the park may also be closed. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information and contact the local park office.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300 during business hours.

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Applies from Sat 5 Oct 2024, 11.33am. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Jun 2025, 5.41pm

Closed areas: Yacaaba Headland walking track partial closure

Yacaaba Headland walking track, in southern Myall Lakes National Park at Hawks Nest, is open to a viewing point. Beyond this point the track is closed for visitor safety due to track construction and environmental assessments.

Yacaaba Spit track remains open and people can continue to walk along the beach.

Penalties may apply for non-compliance. For further information, email or call the NPWS Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300.

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Applies from Tue 20 May 2025, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Jun 2025, 5.20pm

Closed areas: Bombah Point Ferry closed due to flooding

Bombah Point Ferry in Myall Lakes National Park is closed until further notice due to flooding.

For further information, please contact the NPWS Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300.

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Applies from Sat 10 May 2025, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Jun 2025, 5.19pm

Other incidents: Vehicle access restrictions to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Vehicle access to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse along Kinka Road, Seal Rocks is limited to residents only due to a landslip.

For further information, please contact the NPWS Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300 during business hours.

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Applies from Tue 20 May 2025, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Jun 2025, 5.12pm

Closed areas: Mungo Beach closed to 4WD vehicles

Mungo Beach in Myall Lakes National Park is closed to 4WD vehicles due to severe weather impact.

For further information, please contact NPWS Manning Great Lakes area office on 02 6591 0300 during business hours.

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Applies from Fri 2 May 2025, 4.31pm to Thu 10 Jul 2025, 4.32pm. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Jun 2025, 10.54am

Closed areas: Road reseal project - partial road closures

Road reseal project will result in partial road closers and delays through the park.

This will be in effect for the duration of works. Starting 10 May 2025 until 10 July 2025

Your patience during this time will be appreciated.

Further questions can be directed to the local area office on 4972 9000.

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Applies from Tue 17 Jun 2025, 2.51pm. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Jun 2025, 2.59pm

Other planned events: Bangalow Road planned repairs and maintenance

Planned road repairs and maintenance is scheduled for Bangalow Road from 1 July 2025 to 1 September 2025. Heavy plant and machinery will be operating along Bangalow Road.

Areas that will also be closed due to these works include:

  • Bangalow Campground and Day use area
  • Gap Creek Campground and Day use area
  • Gap Creek Falls walking track
  • Climbers walking track

During this time, Bangalow Road will be closed and pedestrian and vehicle access is not permitted. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast Area office on (02)4972 9000.

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Applies from Sun 11 May 2025, 5.51pm to Fri 27 Feb 2026, 5.51pm. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Jun 2025, 8.52am

Safety alerts: Major roadworks in Sugarloaf State Conservation Area

Major roadworks are ongoing in Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Partial and intermittent road closures should be expected.

Visitors are asked to avoid the area (if possible). Otherwise, please be aware of trucks and machinery working on roads within Sugarloaf SCA and to drive to the conditions.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Lower Hunter Area Office on 02 4946 4100.

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Applies from Thu 12 Jun 2025, 8.23pm to Tue 30 Sep 2025, 8.23pm. Last reviewed: Thu 12 Jun 2025, 8.25pm

Closed areas: Monkey Face Road closed due to road conditions

Monkey Face Road is temporarily closed as it is no longer suitable for 2WD or 4WD vehicles. This closure will affect vehicle access to following areas until further notice due unsafe road conditions:

  • Monkey Face Road
  • Monkey Face Lookout
  • Gap Creek Lookout

The areas will re-open as soon as they are considered safe. To prevent further damage to the road and to protect visitor safety, please avoid this area and other trails in the reserve that are potentially hazardous.

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

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Applies from Thu 12 Jun 2025, 1.28pm. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Jun 2025, 8.55am

Other planned events: Wangi Circuit Track Maintenance

Walking track maintenance will be underway on Wangi Circuit Track from Wednesday 11 June to Friday 27 June 2025. The walking track may have areas temporarily fenced off  and detour signs in place while work is being undertaken. Please lookout for staff and monitor track condition during this time as areas may be uneven and slippery until the work has been completed. 

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Applies from Mon 9 Jun 2025, 10.08am to Mon 7 Jul 2025, 10.12am. Last reviewed: Mon 23 Jun 2025, 7.34am

Closed parks: Tilligerry State Conservation Area pest control operation 23 June to 7 July 2025

Tilligerry State Conservation Area has a pest animal control operation from 23 June to 7 July 2025.

Tilligerry State Conservation Area is permanently closed to the public to protect the Tomago drinking water catchment.

 

Please observe all signage and instructions from staff during this time. Please ensure all pets are not entering the park and are contained to private properties.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Hunter Coast office on 02 4984 08200.

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Applies from Mon 16 Jun 2025, 9.51am to Sun 6 Jul 2025, 7.52pm. Last reviewed: Mon 23 Jun 2025, 7.34am

Closed parks: Wallaroo National Park closed from 23 June to 6 July 2025 for pest animal control.

Wallaroo National Park closed from 23 June to 7 July 2025 for a pest animal control operation. Please observe all signage and instructions from staff during this time. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Hunter Coast office on 02 4984 08200.

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Applies from Fri 23 May 2025, 11.05am to Fri 1 Aug 2025, 11.08am. Last reviewed: Fri 23 May 2025, 11.09am

Closed areas: Geebung Walking Track closed for upgrade maintenance works

Geebung walking track is closed for upgrade maintenance works. This closure will be in place until the end of July.

Works have been slow due to wet weather conditions.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Tue 13 May 2025, 10.01am to Thu 31 Jul 2025, 10.05am. Last reviewed: Thu 26 Jun 2025, 10.52am

Closed areas: Yuelarbah Track upgrade works

NPWS is undertaking upgrade works to sections of the Yuelarbah Walking Track from the 13th May 2025. Detours will be in place, please help the contractors by respecting the closure of track sections and adhering to signage. 

For further information call the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Office (02) 4946 4100.

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Applies from Tue 6 May 2025, 9.51am. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Jun 2025, 9.44am

Closed areas: Dr Seuss Track Maintenance

Dr Seuss (Seuss Land) Track, Glenrock SCA, will be closed from the 6th May for essential maintenance works. The works are expected to take 6 to 8 weeks, weather dependant. 

Closure signage and physical barriers will be in place when the track is closed. For the safety of contractors please follow and respect any signage and safety measures in place

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office 02 4946 4100.

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Applies from Sat 18 Jan 2025, 8.36am. Last reviewed: Mon 28 Apr 2025, 8.51am

Closed areas: Heaton Road Access from Watagans Road Closed Due to Landslip and Rockfall

Heaton Road Access from Watagans Road is closed as it is no longer suitable for 2WD or 4WD vehicles due to risk of landslip and rockfall. This affects access from Watagans National Park to Quorrobolong.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

For further information, please contact NPWS Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000.

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Applies from Thu 3 Apr 2025, 11.10am. Last reviewed: Mon 23 Jun 2025, 7.34am

Other incidents: Tomaree Head - Wet Weather Safety Alert

Tomaree Head Summit Walk lower section can be very slippery in wet weather. Visitors have fallen over on their way down the mountain. Please take extra care on the lower section especially during or after wet weather.

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Applies from Fri 19 Jul 2024, 10.21am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 10.21am. Last reviewed: Sun 23 Mar 2025, 2.02pm

Closed areas: Gap Creek Forest Walk Part Closed Due to Landslip and Rockfall Risk

Gap Creek Forest Walk is part closed due to the risk of landslip and rockfall.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast office on 02 4972 9000

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Applies from Mon 2 Aug 2021, 1.52pm. Last reviewed: Mon 23 Jun 2025, 7.35am

Closed areas: Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages Ruins site closed

The Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages Ruins site is closed to pedestrian access for public safety reasons. Please do not enter the site under any circumstances.

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

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Applies from Tue 28 Jan 2025, 9.22am to Wed 7 Apr 2027, 9.23am. Last reviewed: Wed 30 Apr 2025, 1.55pm

Closed areas: Pink Caves - closed to the public

Pink Caves are closed to visitors because they are extremely unsafe to visit.

The caves are filled with water at high tide. Even at low tide they can be dangerous, as the ocean swell sends unpredictable waves sweeping into the caves and across the rock shelf. Sudden rogue waves can cause serious injury and may drag visitors across the rocks or out to sea.

There is no lifeguard service in this area and access for emergency services is limited. There’s no approved walking track to this location. Access to the caves involves walking over a rock shelf which is slippery, uneven and dangerous.

Visitors should take care when traversing all rock shelves and coastal areas located within Munmorah State Conservation Area.

For further information call the NPWS Local Area office on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Mon 13 Jan 2025, 5.02pm to Mon 1 Sep 2025, 5.03pm. Last reviewed: Mon 16 Jun 2025, 6.15pm

Safety alerts: Road Maintenance

Fire trail maintenance and repair works will be undertaken at various locations throughout Jilliby State Conservation Area from June until September 1st, 2025. Partial and intermittent closures should be expected. Please follow the directions of any construction staff onsite and safety signage. Take care and drive to conditions.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 49729000.

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Applies from Mon 7 Nov 2022, 3.08pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Jun 2025, 12.58pm

Closed areas: Timber Beach and Timber Beach walking track are CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Timber Beach walking track is permanently CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. This area has high coastal risks and is extremely hazardous. This closure is in place to keep the public safe. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please contact the local NPWS office on 49729000

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Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Tue 13 May 2025, 11.15am

Closed areas: Muirs Lookout Picnic Area - Closed

Muirs Lookout Picnic Area on Prickly Ridge Road has been closed due to ageing infrastructure, obstructed lookout views to the coast and very low public visitation. Alternative picnic facilities are located nearby in Olney State Forest and Watagans National Park. Further information on other places to visit can be obtained via the NPWS or Forestry Corporation websites. 

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Applies from Thu 29 Feb 2024, 11.44am. Last reviewed: Tue 10 Jun 2025, 8.03am

Other planned events: Temporary access closures to trails at Middle Camp - Catherine Hill Bay - Munmorah State Conservation Area for external developer construction works.

Middle Camp DA/2238/2017 - has begun works in the Catherine Hill Bay area adjacent to lands managed by Munmorah State Conservation Area. These works due to the location now has temporary closures to access trails for Munmorah SCA. This is necessary for the contractor managing this development in order to maintain a safe construction site and public safety.

NPWS apologises for the inconvenience and are unable to provide alternate access.

This temporary closure affects: 

  1. Collier fire trail
  2. Powerline fire trail and 
  3. Middle Camp fire trail

Please be advised that these closures will not stop access to fire vehicles in emergencies and does not cause a safety concern.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 4972 9000.

 

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Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Tue 13 May 2025, 11.15am

Safety alerts: Prickly Ridge Road 4WD only

The section of Prickly Ridge Road between Watagan Forest Road and Cut-Rock Road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.

To prevent further damage to the road and to protect visitor safety, please avoid this area and other trails in the reserve that are still slippery and potentially hazardous.  

For further information, please contact the Central Coast Area Office at Lake Munmorah on 02 4972 9000.

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Applies from Tue 7 Oct 2014, 1.53pm to Thu 7 Oct 2027, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 17 Apr 2025, 10.21am

Closed areas: Parts of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area closed

Parts of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area are closed for approved underground mining operations. The affected areas (see map) have been closed to protect visitor safety, because they're subject to subsidence and remediation activities from the mining operations.

Great North walk remains open. An update will be provided should this situation change.

If you're visiting the park, please be aware of subsidence and pollution incidents that took place in 2013, which were greater than what was expected from normal mining operations. These included a cliff fall in the north, and a subsidence and grout leak incident in the central part of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area.

If you're planning to visit the park during this time, please stay on formed tracks and trails and observe all barriers, warning signs and safety messages. Areas subject to possible cliff fall or subsidence in both areas of the park are clearly marked.

For more information, call the NPWS Lower Hunter area office on 02 4946 4100. NSW National Parks safety page.

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Applies from Thu 8 Jun 2023, 6.07pm. Last reviewed: Sat 4 Nov 2023, 10.32am

Safety alerts: Damaged Bridge on Lone Pine Rd

Lone Pine Road between Italia Road and Drews Road in Wallaroo State Forest is closed while damage to a bridge is being repaired. 

 

The Common picnic area is still accessible by 4WD only, from Limeburners Creek Road via Callaghans Trail and Lone Pine Rd.

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Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Jun 2025, 8.18am

Safety alerts: Rock fishing safety

Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant.

Before rock fishing you should always:

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone.

If you’re in doubt don’t go out.

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Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 12.57pm. Last reviewed: Mon 14 Apr 2025, 2.42pm

Safety alerts: Rock fishing safety

Rock fishing is a popular activity for many national park visitors and your safety whilst fishing is important. Parts of the NSW Central Coast are a declared high risk area due to large swells and hazardous surf conditions. In these high risk areas under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, you are required by law to wear an appropriate life jacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish. This is regulated by NSW Fisheries and poses an on the spot $100 fine if non-compliant.

Before rock fishing you should always:

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions, never turn your back on the ocean and never fish alone.

If you’re in doubt don’t go out.

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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/guided-tours/guided-kayak-adventures-at-smiths-island/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.

View all alerts for NSW

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