Back to previous page

Sydney half-day and full-day birding tours

Royal National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Tue 30 June 2026, 4.03pm

Applies from Tue 30 Jun 2026, 4.00pm to Wed 30 Sep 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 30 Jun 2026, 4.03pm.

Safety alerts: Access to Wattamolla Beach

The pontoon at Wattamolla has been removed for maintenance. Access to the beach is available via stairs at the eastern end of the precinct. Please be aware you will need to cross through water, and conditions will change with the tide. Take care and plan ahead.

For more information, contact the local Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Applies from Fri 26 Jun 2026, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Jun 2026, 4.23pm.

Safety alerts: Areas Closed - Deer Control Program

Some areas in Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Monday to Thursday (excluding school holidays) from Monday 6 July 2026 to Friday 18 December 2026 to enable a deer control operation to be carried out.

The closed areas include:

  • All picnic areas in the Audley Precinct
  • Asset protection zones adjacent to Maianbar, Bundeena and East Heathcote
  • Wattamolla and Garie picnic areas
  • North Era campground and coastal areas between Garie Beach and Figure 8 Pools
  • Garawarra Farm
  • Lady Carrington Drive
  • Bonnie Vale campground and Bonnie Vale picnic area.
  • Hacking River Vehicle Trail
  • Camps Gully Vehicle Trail
  • Karingal Picnic Area
  • Powerline East Vehicle Trail

These closures will be signposted at the entry points to the closed areas. If you have a campground booking you can still access campgrounds during these times.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 27 locations in this park: Show list

Applies from Thu 25 Jun 2026, 8.27am to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 8.27am. Last reviewed: Thu 25 Jun 2026, 8.39am.

Closed areas: Closure of Unauthorised Trail — East Heathcote to Waterfall

An unauthorised trail located between East Heathcote and Waterfall has now been formally and physically closed. Closure works have been completed, including signage and brush matting of the trail surface to encourage natural bush regeneration and clearly signal that the trail is no longer open to access. Access to this trail (located directly adjacent to the Eastern side of the rail corridor between East Heathcote and Waterfall) is not permitted. Please obey all closure signage, Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Visitors are encouraged to use only designated and clearly marked tracks within Royal National Park. For more information, please contact Royal National Park Visitors Centre on 9542 0648.

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Apr 2026, 10.04am.

Closed areas: North Era campground closed

North Era campground is closed until further notice. For more information please contact the local area office on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Nearby alerts

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 3 Jul 2026, 7.51am

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 ANZAC Rifle Range operations:

  • Every Saturday, 8am to 5pm.
  • The 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am to 5pm.
  • Schools Practice Week, Tuesday 14 July to Friday 17 July 2026.

Do not enter the eastern section of the national 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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS local 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 Fri 24 Apr 2026, 1.32pm to Wed 15 Jul 2026, 1.32pm. Last reviewed: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 1.47pm

Other planned events: Upgrade works near the Whale Sculpture at Commemoration flat

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is undertaking construction of a new DDA‑compliant boardwalk and lookout platform to improve visitor access to the whale sculpture at the foreshore. The project is currently underway and scheduled for completion in August 2026.

Once finished, the new structure will provide safer, more inclusive access for all visitors.

For your own safety, please do not access the fenced area and always follow directions from contractors and NPWS staff.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 12.59pm

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre closed

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed and will remain closed until late 2026. A new visitor centre is under construction.

During construction works, the precinct, including the carpark, will be fenced off and work crews will be on-site. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to on-site signage.

Parking and toilets are available at the Cricket Pitch and Commemoration flat precincts.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

To learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Projectemail or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 25 Jun 2026, 11.50am. Last reviewed: Thu 25 Jun 2026, 12.20pm

Closed areas: Closure and rehabilitation of unauthorised mountain bike trails

Unauthorised mountain bike trails in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area are being closed and rehabilitated in stages, in line with the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy.

From June 2026, unauthorised trails near Mount Keira will be progressively closed and rehabilitated.

Closed trails will be signposted and may be physically blocked with barriers to support safe rehabilitation.

 

Please do not enter closed or restricted areas. Riders are reminded to use only approved, open trails. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

The Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy is being delivered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and includes the 70-kilometre Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, providing a safer and more sustainable alternative to unauthorised trails. The 20-kilometre Kembla mountain bike trails opened in 2025, with a further 50 km proposed for delivery in 2027.

Unauthorised trails that are not being formalised as part of the approved network are being progressively closed and rehabilitated as the network is delivered. This work protects environmental and cultural values and improves visitor safety.

 

Check current trail status before you ride via the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network or search on Trailforks.

 

For more information about the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project, including the closure and rehabilitation program, visit the webpage.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Aug 2025, 12.00am to Mon 30 Nov 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Jun 2026, 11.55am

Closed areas: Sublime Point Walking Track closed

The Sublime Point Walking Track is closed for major upgrades from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 30 November 2026.

Alternative walking tracks include the Lookout Track to Panorama House, Wodi Wodi Track, Gibson Walking Track, the Woodward Loop Track and the Mount Keira Ring Track.

The upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For information on alternative walks, contact the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 22 Aug 2025, 12.12pm to Mon 30 Nov 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Jun 2026, 11.55am

Closed areas: No access to Austinmer via Sublime Point Walking Track

The Forest Walk terminates at Sublime Point due to major upgrades on the Sublime Point Walking Track which is closed from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 30 November 2026.

There is no walking access to Austinmer or Austinmer Train Station.  

The upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For information on alternative walks, contact the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 23 Jan 2026, 4.57pm. Last reviewed: Tue 30 Jun 2026, 7.02am

Closed parks: Warranmadhaa National Park - Closed for Park Establishment

Warranmadhaa National Park is closed to visitors while important park establishment works are completed. The park will open in stages for walking and cycling, and overtime, additional facilities for recreation, education and research.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 19 Nov 2024, 9.56am. Last reviewed: Wed 8 Apr 2026, 12.22pm

Closed areas: Skylight Cave permanently closed

Skylight cave is permanently closed to visitors due to serious safety risks. The cave is midway down an unstable cliff, and the risk of falling off the cliff edge while trying to reach it makes it very dangerous. 

There is no approved public access walking track to Skylight cave. Please do not risk your safety trying to reach this location. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 5 Sep 2025, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Jun 2026, 9.11am

Safety alerts: Hazardous track conditions - Wodi Wodi Walking Track

Recent heavy rain has created hazardous track conditions on the Wodi Wodi Walking Track between the Forest Walk and Stanwell Park Train Station. The track is currently experiencing erosion, fallen trees and landslips. It is not suitable for most walkers. 

Please consider alternative walking tracks in the area.

Contact the local NPWS Area Office for more information.  

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 9 May 2025, 3.09pm to Sun 31 Jan 2027, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 22 Jun 2026, 9.54am

Other planned events: 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)

This does not apply to bookings. Where there are bookings, toilets will be open.

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

Applies from Fri 16 May 2025, 4.27pm. Last reviewed: Fri 16 May 2025, 4.35pm

Closed areas: Artillery Track Closed

The Artillery Track of Malabar Headland National Park is closed due to safety concerns.

This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors while we assess and address potential hazards.

 

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 May 2024, 2.21pm. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Apr 2025, 4.20pm

Safety alerts: Landslide on Auxillary trail- Heathcote National Park

A landslip occurred on an auxillary trail (near Dingo tunnel) off Lower pipeline fire trail in April 2024. Pedestrians and Cyclists are not permitted to pass the landslip.

Authorised Vehicles are not permitted to drive the auxillary trial until further notice.

There are no walking tracks or visitors facilities in this area.

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/sydney-half-day-full-day-birding-tours/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
  • Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    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

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon