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Macquarie Watchtower

La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Fri 15 May 2026, 10.32am. Last reviewed: Fri 15 May 2026, 11.29am

Closed areas: Areas closed for track upgrade

Some parts of this park are closed from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 5 June 2026, while the Highcliff walking track and part of the Girrahween walking track are being upgraded. The closed areas are:

  • Highcliff Track
  • Girrahween track (Turrella Reserve end)

 

Note: These tracks form part of the Two Valley Trail.

 

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 14 May 2026, 9.27am to Fri 29 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 May 2026, 10.32am

Closed areas: Closed Area: Walumarra Track

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is currently undertaking repair work to the Bola Creek Crossing on the Walumarra track. During construction from 14 May 2026 access to the Walumarra track from Lady Carrington Drive will be closed. Access to Walumurra track from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive is limited with no thoroughfare to Lady Carrington Drive. The track will re-open on Weekends and public holidays. 

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Audley office on 02 9542 0632 (business hours) or the NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 14 May 2026, 7.00am to Wed 27 May 2026, 4.40pm. Last reviewed: Wed 13 May 2026, 4.49pm

Safety alerts: Track surface works - Royal Coast Track

Track surface works are currently underway on the Royal Coast Track between Wedding Cake Rock and Big Marley beach. Visitors may need to be stopped briefly to allow for machinery movements. Please take care and follow instructions from staff on site.

For more information, please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 9542 0648

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 May 2026, 8.29am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 8.30am. Last reviewed: Wed 13 May 2026, 8.38am

Closed areas: Boardwalk construction between Cricket Pitch and Cape Solander Drive

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is currently constructing a new elevated boardwalk that will connect the Cricket Pitch to Cape Solander Drive, the Yena Trail and the Visitor Centre Carpark.

Once complete, the elevated boardwalk will improve pedestrian access from the northern side of the park to the trails on the south.

During construction, access from the Visitor Centre Carpark to the Yena Trail will be available via the emergency access road at the western end of the Visitor Centre Carpark. Please follow the temporary signs installed on site.

 

Please always follow directions from NPWS staff and on-site contractors. For your own safety, please keep out of the construction area.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Oct 2021, 4.28pm. Last reviewed: Wed 13 May 2026, 8.26am

Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre closed

Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed and will remain closed until 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 Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 8 May 2026, 12.35pm

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.
  • NSWRA Special Event, Friday 19 June 2026, 11am to 5pm.
  • Champion of Champions Day, Saturday 20 June 2026.
  • City V Country Matches, Sunday 21 June 2026.
  • King Series Championships, Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 28 June 2026.
  • 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 Thu 7 May 2026, 7.00am to Fri 22 May 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 May 2026, 1.16pm

Closed areas: Toilets closed at Wattamolla - temporary toilets in place

The toilets at Wattamolla are closed for maintenance for approximately two weeks. Temporary toilets are in place in the nearby carpark, however the nearest disabled facilities will be at Bundeena.

For further information, please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 Feb 2026, 8.08am. Last reviewed: Wed 6 May 2026, 9.48am

Closed areas: Girrahween Picnic Area - Upcoming closure for upgrade works - 18 May to July 2026

The Girrahween Picnic Area in Wolli Creek Regional Park will be closed for upgrade works from Monday, 18 May to July 2026.

Pedestrian access to walking tracks and toilets will remain open. 

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 25 Apr 2026, 4.19pm. Last reviewed: Wed 13 May 2026, 2.03pm

Safety alerts: Elevated Shark Risk Due to Marine Carcass – Beach Closures in Effect

Beaches between Garie and Burning Palms are currently closed due to increased shark activity.

A large deceased whale has washed ashore within Royal National Park and is in a state of decomposition. This has resulted in heightened shark activity along the coastline, with large sharks sighted in the area. Visitors are strongly advised not to enter the water along the Royal National Park coastline between Garie and Burning Palms due to increased shark activity.

NPWS is actively monitoring the situation and closures will remain in place until the risk has reduced. For more information, please contact Royal National Park Visitor Centre 02 9542 0648, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 24 Apr 2026, 1.32pm to Wed 15 Jul 2026, 1.32pm. Last reviewed: Fri 24 Apr 2026, 1.35pm

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 June 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 22 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Sun 31 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 19 Apr 2026, 9.56pm

Other planned events: 1080 pest management

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur from Wednesday 29 April to Sunday 3 May 2026 in Royal National Park.

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs. Please don’t touch baits.

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 this reserve is aimed at improving the eco-health of the reserve by reducing predation of ground dwelling mammals and small birds, and specifically targeting fox control along the Hacking River to assist the successful re-introduction of platypus into Royal National Park.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Audley office on 02 9542 0632 (business hours) or the NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park and 39 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 20 Apr 2026, 7.00am to Fri 29 May 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 11 May 2026, 9.24am

Closed areas: Toilets closed for upgrade, Beachcomber Ave, Bundeena

The toilets at Beachcomber Ave, Bundeena (start of the Coast Track) will be closed for an upgrade from 20 April 2026. Portable toilets will be available nearby while the works are taking place, and construction is expected to take six weeks. Walkers will be able pass the worksite to access the Coast Track.

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location 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 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 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 Aug 2025, 12.20pm. Last reviewed: Tue 31 Mar 2026, 9.13am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation

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 will take place between 30 August 2025 and 31 March 2026 in Towra Point Nature Reserve.

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:

Sydney South Area 02 9337 5511 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

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

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/historic-buildings-places/macquarie-watchtower/local-alerts

Park info

  • in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • 7am–8.30pm November to March. 

    7am–7.30pm April to October.

    La Perouse park entry gate closed to vehicles between 7pm and 5am all year.

    Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • There are no park entry fees in La Perouse area but you'll need to pay to tour Bare Island. Park entry fees apply in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, only.

    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

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