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Guided walks in Sydney's national parks

Sydney Harbour National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Fri 22 September 2023, 5.27pm

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.27pm.

Closed areas: North Head partial closure

Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:

  • Bluefish Point
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road

The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:

  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head

Do not enter the closed areas.

Open areas include:

  • Q Station
  • North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  • The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  • Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  • Collins Flat Beach
  • Fairfax track
  • Burragula and Yiningma lookouts

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 5 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Mon 29 May 2023, 7.18pm to Sat 30 Sep 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 2.30pm.

Closed areas: Clark Island closed for essential wharf maintenance

Clark Island is closed for essential wharf maintenance until Tuesday 31 October 2023. For further information call the NPWS Vaucluse office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 2 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Sep 2023, 1.09pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 2.24pm.

Other planned events: Hornby Lighthouse repairs

Hornby Lighthouse at South Head is currently undergoing restoration and maintenance. Completion is scheduled for September 2024. South Head heritage trail remains open. However, views and access around the Hornby Lighthouse will be temporarily impacted during these works. 

For more information, visit this web page.

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 10.10pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 3.12am. Last reviewed: Fri 30 Jun 2023, 11.36am.

Other planned events: 1080 feral animal baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between Tuesday 1 August 2023 and Wednesday 31 January 2024 in the following areas:

  • Chowder Bay and Dobroyd, Bradleys, Georges, Middle and North Headlands
  • North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management and Quarantine Station.

Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

All baiting locations are 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.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information contact the NPWS Middle Head office on 02 9960 6266 (business hours), North Head Sanctuary Manly (Harbour Trust Lands) on 02 8969 2128 (business hours) or the NPWS after-hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

Applies from Fri 3 Feb 2023, 12.17pm to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.30pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jun 2023, 4.11pm.

Closed areas: Shark Beach and the promenade at Nielsen Park closed

Shark Beach and the beach front at Nielsen Park are closed while the new concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. For more information on this project, please visit the project webpage or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 7 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Tue 24 Jan 2023, 10.00am to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.29pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jun 2023, 3.29pm.

Closed areas: Gardeners Cottage closure

Gardeners Cottage will not be available for bookings until the replacement of the concrete seawall at Shark Beach, Nielsen Park has been completed. For more information on the seawall replacement please visit the project website or call the NPWS Vaucluse office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Aug 2023, 12.41pm.

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect important plant and animal communities. For your safety and to help conserve the landscape, please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park.

Shelly Beach to Bluefish walking track is open.

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Aug 2023, 12.23pm.

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • From 1 October to 31 March - from 5am to 8.30pm
  • From 1 April to 30 September - 6am to 6pm

Affects 3 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Jul 2023, 1.15pm.

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Fort Denison is currently closed.

Conservation and upgrade works are currently underway. Key elements include the construction of a new accessible wharf and maintenance and upgrade to buildings and services. Fort Denison will be closed to visitors until these works have been completed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

  • 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday
  • 8am and 1pm on Saturday

For more information, visit the project webpage or call the NPWS Sydney South area office on 02 9337 5511. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Nearby alerts

Applies from Fri 9 Jun 2023, 12.10pm to Thu 30 Nov 2023, 12.10pm. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Sep 2023, 10.29am

Closed areas: Gibberagong walking track partially closed

Gibberagong walking track is partially closed until further notice from Grosvenor Street fire trail to the Rainforest track. The Gibberagong boardwalk is open. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Sep 2023, 11.57am

Closed areas: Closed areas due to rifle range operations

The eastern section of Malabar Headland National Park will be closed on the following dates/times due to rifle range operations:

  • Every Saturday, 8am to 5pm
  • Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month, 8am to 5pm
  • Women on Target Try Shoot event, Saturday and Sunday 28 and 29 October 2023

Please note: In October there will be no shooting on Sunday 15 October 2023 (the 3rd Sunday of the month).

Do not enter the eastern section of the park (including Boora Point walking track) when:

  • Red flags are flying above the range
  • The 'rifle range in use' warning signs are displayed at the park entry (South Maroubra Beach and Fishermans Road carpark)
  • Park entry gates are closed.

The western section of the park (Western Escarpment walking track) is open when the rifle range is in use.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local area office on 02 9337 5511 or the ANZAC Rifle Range on 02 9661 4532.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 10 Sep 2023, 8.30am. Last reviewed: Sat 9 Sep 2023, 10.14am

Hazard reduction burns: Charlton Creek HR

There is a fire in this park called Charlton Creek HR. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 31 Mar 2023, 8.37am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 Sep 2023, 8.21am

Other planned events: Bobbin Inn Cafe closed

Bobbin Inn Cafe in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is closed until further notice. The last day of trade was Monday 10 April 2023 (Easter Monday).

For further information please call the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 11 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 15 Aug 2023, 5.57pm to Fri 29 Sep 2023, 5.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 15 Aug 2023, 6.15pm

Closed areas: Temporary changes to pedestrian access

Wolli Creek walking track, near Bray Avenue will have detours in place from 14 August to 29 September 2023, while construction of the M6 Stage 1 Permanent Power Supply is completed. Please follow detour signs and instructions on site.

For further information about the project please visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/m6-stage-1

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 21 Jun 2023, 9.07am to Fri 29 Nov 2024, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Tue 8 Aug 2023, 3.57pm

Closed areas: Kurnell foreshore partial closure

Transport for NSW is constructing ferry wharves at Kurnell and La Perouse. Closures will be in place until late 2024. There will be no public access to the foreshore area between Prince Charles Parade and the wharf along Monument walking track. Alternative pedestrian pathways will be in place to allow public access into Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

For more information visit the Kamay Ferry Wharves project webpage.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 22 Mar 2023, 2.18pm to Tue 31 Oct 2023, 2.28pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 7.47am

Other planned events: Toilet blocks closed for upgrade works

Three toilet blocks in Georges River National Park will be closed for upgrades from Monday 14 August to Tuesday 31 October 2023. Temporary toilets will be available during the construction period.

Picnic areas will remain open during the works.  

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 11.22pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 4.24am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Aug 2023, 2.29pm

Other planned events: 1080 pest management

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between Tuesday 1 August 2023 and Wednesday 31 January 2024 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

All baiting locations are 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.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 or Lane Cove area office on 02 8448 0400 (during business hours). For after hours enquiries, contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Feb 2023, 3.22pm to Fri 29 Sep 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 Sep 2023, 8.21am

Other planned events: Birrawanna track maintenance works

Track maintenance works will take place on the Birrawanna track from the beginning of February to the end of September 2023, weather dependent. Please be mindful of machinery on the trail and follow the directions of workers. Visitors may experience some delays.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Jun 2023, 11.14am. Last reviewed: Tue 29 Aug 2023, 6.27pm

Closed areas: Happy Valley pedestrian bridge closed

Happy Valley pedestrian bridge will be closed to the public from Thursday 8 June to the end of October 2023 due to construction works. Access to the national park and the Congwong walking track during this time will be via Henry Head Lane. For further information call the NPWS Vaucluse office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 6 Apr 2023, 8.04am to Thu 29 Feb 2024, 8.07am. Last reviewed: Thu 24 Aug 2023, 8.34am

Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure

Berowra walking track is partially closed until further notice from Waratah Bay to Apple Tree Bay, including the Mount Ku-ring-gai access track. Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Waratah Bay is open for use. 

There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 6 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 10.02pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 3.03am. Last reviewed: Fri 30 Jun 2023, 12.07pm

Other planned events: 1080 feral animal management program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits and fresh baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between Tuesday 1 August 2023 and Wednesday 31 January 2024 in Lane Cove National Park. Don’t touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

All baiting locations are 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 more information, contact the local park office on 02 8448 0400 during business hours, or 1300 056 294 after hours.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 11.55pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 3.57am. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Jun 2023, 12.01pm

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2023 and 31 January 2024 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

All baiting locations are 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.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

Forestville 9451 3479 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 11 May 2023, 11.49am to Thu 30 Nov 2023, 11.52am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 7.45am

Closed areas: Areas closed for West Head lookout upgrades

The following areas are closed from Monday 22 May to Thursday 30 November 2023 while West Head lookout upgrades are underway:

  • West Head lookout
  • The loop section of West Head Road
  • West Head Army track.

Vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians will have access to the Resolute picnic area and public toilets. Access is restricted past this point.

The following walking tracks remain open:

  • Red Hands track
  • Aboriginal Heritage track
  • Resolute track, including access to Resolute Beach and West Head Beach
  • Mackeral Beach track
  • Koolewong track.

The West Head lookout cannot be accessed from any of these tracks.

For more information, visit the project webpage.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 15 Dec 2022, 4.29pm. Last reviewed: Wed 19 Jul 2023, 11.12am

Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed

North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.

The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.

Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:

  • The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  • The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.

Please remember the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 24 Mar 2023, 9.31am. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.31pm

Closed areas: Section of Casuarina track closed for track maintenance

Part of Casuarina track is closed from Thursday 23 March 2023 until further notice due to maintenance on the footbridge.

The closed area is the section of Casuarina track between the end of Boree Road and the Carrol Creek track intersection.

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

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Fri 23 Jun 2023, 10.44am

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre closed for upgrades

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed until further notice. The site is being prepared for a new visitor centre as part of the Kamay 2020 Project. 

Learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project or email the local area office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 9 Jul 2020, 2.52pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.01pm. Last reviewed: Tue 5 Sep 2023, 10.44am

Closed areas: Sugarloaf car park closed

Sugarloaf car park is no longer open to the public. We apologise for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood Area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.31pm

Closed areas: Flat Rock track partial closure

The section of Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance to the Downpatrick Street entrance, is permanently closed where the old track passes through private property near Killarney Point.

Please note:

  • Walkers heading west should exit Flat Rock track at the eastern end of Killarney Drive and use Killarney Drive until you reach Downpatrick Street. Then walk down the street and re-enter Flat Rock track from the Downpatrick Street fire trail.
  • Walkers heading east should exit Flat Rock track at the Downpatrick Street fire trail and use Downpatrick Street, then Killarney Drive until you reach the end of Killarney Drive. Re-enter Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Oct 2021, 9.47am to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.01pm. Last reviewed: Thu 31 Aug 2023, 10.18am

Closed areas: Toilet closures in Lane Cove National Park

Some toilets within this park will be closed during the week, opening only on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The closed toilets are at:

  • Carters Creek (Area 9)
  • Scribbly Gums (Area 17)
  • Haynes Flat (Area 32)

Please note: This does not apply to bookings. Where there are bookings, toilets will be opened.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 29 Oct 2019, 2.58pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 5 Sep 2023, 10.44am

Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park

Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.

Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

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-walks-sydney-national-parks/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

    Other fees:

    Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

    Buy annual pass
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