Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area
Open, check current alerts
Last reviewed: Thu 5 October 2023, 8.38am
Applies from Tue 1 Aug 2023, 3.58pm to Tue 31 Oct 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Oct 2023, 8.38am.
Wangi Circuit Link walking track will be intermittently closed for track maintenance from Friday 3 February 2023 to Tuesday 31 October 2023.
You can still access Wangi Circuit walking track from Reserve Road.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4946 4100
Applies from Fri 4 Jan 2019, 1.28pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 9.40am.
The Morisset section of Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area is closed from Thursday 20 December 2019. There is now no public access to the following areas:
Alternative picnic areas are located in the Lake Macquarie Council area in and around the Morisset and Bonnells Bay foreshores. There is no public access to view the kangaroos that frequent the hospital site. Members of the public can contact the hospital administrative office on 02 4973 0222.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Lake Munmorah area office on 02 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Affects 1 location in this park: Show list
Applies from Sun 1 Oct 2023, 7.20pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Oct 2023, 9.42am
There is a fire in this park called GAP CREEK LOOKOUT RD, MARTINSVILLE. 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 and 2 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 10.19am. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Oct 2023, 9.42am
There is a fire in this park called CLICK CREEK TRL, CONGEWAI. 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 Thu 5 Oct 2023, 9.21am to Fri 20 Oct 2023, 9.21am. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Oct 2023, 9.23am
Fire trail vegetation maintenance works will begin on Tuesday 26 September until October 5, 2023. Works will involve vegetation trimming to delineate the trails with follow up works (yet to be scheduled) to remediate erosion.
Fire trail included in these works are:
These trails will be closed for the duration of these works. Please plan you walks in other area of the park during this time.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 4972 9000.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 4 Oct 2023, 10.05am to Sun 15 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 10.09am
Watagans National Park is closed due to bushfire. Do not enter the park. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
The fires are called Gap Creek Lookout Road, Martinsville and Click Creek Trail, Congewai. For more information, contact the local NPWS office or visit the Rural Fire Service website.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 4 Oct 2023, 8.30am to Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11.59am. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 8.44am
The Great North Walk is closed from Saturday 30th September 2023 through to Sunday 8th October 2023. The closure is in place for public safety due to elevated fire risk this weekend and the remoteness of Great North Walk locations in Brisbane Water National Park, Palm Grove Nature Reserve and Watagans National Park.
The closure will be reviewed on 6th October 2023.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local Area office on 4320 4200 or visit the Rural Fire Service website.
Affects 2 parks and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.00pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 4.01pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.07pm
The Narrow Place Lookout will be closed until further notice due to elevated fire risk. 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 and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 3.46pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 3.58pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.06pm
The Turner Walking Track and Circuit Walking Track will be closed until further notice due to elevated fire danger. 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 and 2 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 2.43pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 2.43pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.06pm
Boarding House Dam picnic area closed due to elevated fire danger until further notice. 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 and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 12.04pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 12.05pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.06pm
The following roads and their adjoining arterial unnamed roads are closed within Watagan National Park due to wildfire danger:
- Watagan Forest Roads
- Mount Faulk Road
- Heaton Road
- Bangalow Road
- Macbeans Fire Trail
- Owens Road
- Slippery Rock Trail
These roads will remain closed until further notice. 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 Tue 3 Oct 2023, 12.01pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 12.02pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.05pm
Monkey Face Lookout is closed due to wildfire danger. The lookout will remain closed until further notice. 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 and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.55pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.05pm
Bangalow and Gap Creek Campgrounds are closed to due elevated fire danger. 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 and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Thu 28 Sep 2023, 10.06am to Sat 7 Oct 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 10.29am
Some parts of this park are closed from Thursday 28 September to Saturday 7 October 2023 while road maintenance is being carried out. The closed areas are:
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office 02 4946 4100.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.55pm to Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 2.05pm
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:
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 3 parks nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 6.00am to Sun 15 Oct 2023, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Sat 30 Sep 2023, 7.46am
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Watagans, Brisbane Water and Popran National Parks from 7 October 2023 to 15 October 2023.
The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
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.
Landlords, please notify tenants or visitors to your property of the proposed operation.
Please contact the local Central Coast NPWS area office for more information on 02 4320 4200.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 21 Jun 2023, 12.10am. Last reviewed: Tue 19 Sep 2023, 9.01am
De Luge Mountain bike track will be closed from Wednesday 21 June 2023 for 3 months to enable the:
Measures will be in place during this time to limit disruption to park users as much as possible.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4946 4100.
Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 7 Dec 2022, 5.39pm to Mon 27 Jan 2025, 5.40pm. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Sep 2023, 2.41pm
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 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’s 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 Lake Munmorah office on 02 4972 9000.
Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 26 Jul 2023, 1.19pm to Mon 13 Nov 2023, 1.21pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.34pm
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting various scheduled pest control operations including trapping and shooting between 14 August 2023 through to 13 November 2023 between the hours of 5:00pm and 5:30am.
This program will target feral species including foxes, cats and wild dogs. It aims to reduce the significant impact they have on native plants and animals, including threatened species and recreational areas.
Warning closure signs will be placed at entry points to areas during operations. Please do not enter closed areas during this time.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information phone the National Parks local area office on 4972 9000.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.32pm
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.
Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 31 Aug 2022, 12.45pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 12.45pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.31pm
The section of Lemon Tree Road, between Prickly Ridge Road and Yambo Forest Road, is closed to all vehicles for reconstruction. This closure will remain in place due to severe erosion and 4WD vehicle damage. Rain has delayed the work again.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Lake Munmorah area office on 02 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 26 Feb 2020, 10.38am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 11.48am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.30pm
Watagan Road (also known as Heaton Road) is closed until further notice due to a major landslip on the Cessnock City Council section.
There is no access from the cattle grid at the southern end of Heaton Road, Quorrobolong south, uphill to the Georges Road intersection in the Watagans NP.
This access road to Olney, Heaton State Forests and Watagans National Park is closed.
Work is currently underway way but will be complex, involve geotechnical planning, major earthworks and road realignment.
For information about closures in nearby state forests, please refer to the Forestry Corporation of NSW website for closures and notices.
For more information, contact the local NPWS Lake Munmorah area office on 02 4972 9000 or Cessnock City Council on 02 4993 4100.
Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.28pm
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.
Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Thu 25 Sep 2014, 3.51pm to Fri 29 Dec 2023, 9.26am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.27pm
Click Creek fire trail is closed due to extensive storm damage. The trail will remain closed until maintenance works can be completed.
Penalties apply for non-compliance For more information, contact the NPWS Central Coast area office at Lake Munmorah on 02 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Thu 1 Jun 2023, 2.55pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 4.03pm. Last reviewed: Thu 31 Aug 2023, 4.04pm
Hickson Street walking track has structural damage, at the beach interface, as a result of recent coastal erosion and weather events.
Please take care and proceed with caution when in the area. For more information, contact the NPWS Lower Hunter area office on 02 4946 4100
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Thu 31 Aug 2023, 8.38am to Fri 6 Oct 2023, 8.38am. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 7.24am
Gap Creek Forest Walk is closed due to a landslip and a rock fall. There is no visitor entry due to safety concerns and risk.. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS at Lake Munmorah on (02) 4972 9000.
Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list
Applies from Thu 3 Aug 2023, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Jul 2023, 11.10am
There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 03/08/2023. The fire is called Fishers Folly 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 Sat 8 Oct 2022, 9.33am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 11.01am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 9.41am
The section of Great North Walk between the Cherry Lane track-head and Tooheys Road, Kulnura, is closed until further notice due to track and bridge damage from recent severe weather events.
For your safety, please avoid this area until damage assessments can be made and any safety issues rectified. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe for visitors.
Alternative bushwalking access is via Tooheys Road to Forest Road, then west to the intersection of Cherry Lane and Greta Road, Kulnura.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Fri 1 Sep 2023, 8.55am
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 7 Oct 2014, 1.53pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 9.59am. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 10.19am
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Mon 7 Nov 2022, 3.08pm. Last reviewed: Mon 17 Jul 2023, 8.54am
The Timber Beach walking track is closed until further notice. The track is impassable due to recent severe storm damage causing hazardous conditions. For visitor safety this track is currently closed to the public. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information, please contact the local NPWS office on 49729000
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Thu 6 Oct 2022, 1.29pm. Last reviewed: Sat 16 Sep 2023, 8.46am
The south Moonee beach access trail located at the northern end of the Moonee Beach fire trail will be closed indefinitely due to cultural heritage sensitivity.
Alternate access to the beach is provided via Moonee Beach Trail, or, Hooey Street Catherine Hill Bay.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4972 9000.
Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 12.57pm. Last reviewed: Fri 1 Sep 2023, 8.55am
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
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/lake-macquarie-cruise-guided-nature-walk/local-alerts
Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to extreme weather or fire danger.
For the latest information on wildfires in your area please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service.
View all alerts for NSW