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Monkey Face lookout

Watagans National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Tue 3 October 2023, 4.05pm

Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 12.01pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 12.02pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.05pm.

Closed areas: Monkey Face Lookout Closed

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.

Applies from Wed 4 Oct 2023, 12.01am to Wed 4 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 3.37pm.

Fire bans: Total Fire Ban

A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.55pm to Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 2.05pm.

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban

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:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

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.

Applies from Wed 26 Feb 2020, 10.38am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 11.48am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.30pm.

Safety alerts: Watagan Road/Heaton Road closed due to landslips

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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 12.24pm. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 7.04am

Fires - Advice: ALLANDALE ST, KEARSLEY

There is a fire in this park called ALLANDALE ST, KEARSLEY. 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.

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Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.00pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 4.01pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.07pm

Closed areas: The Narrow Place Lookout closed due to elevated fire risk.

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

Closed areas: Turner Walking Track and Circuit Walking Track closed due to elevated fire danger

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

Closed areas: Boarding House Dam Picnic Area closed due to elevated fire danger

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, 4.55pm to Tue 10 Oct 2023, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 4.05pm

Closed areas: Gap Creek and Bangalow Camping Areas Closed due to elevated fire danger

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 Wed 4 Oct 2023, 12.01am to Wed 4 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 3.37pm

Fire bans: Total Fire Ban

A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Affects 18 parks 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

Closed areas: Sugarloaf North trail and Blue Gum trail closed

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:

  • Sugarloaf North trail
  • Blue Gum trail
  • Beach

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

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Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.55pm to Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 2.05pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban

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:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

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 Thu 28 Sep 2023, 9.42am to Fri 22 Dec 2023, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 28 Sep 2023, 10.03am

Safety alerts: Hunter Wetlands National Park Closure Deer Control Shoot Operation

Parts of Hunter Wetlands (Tomago Precinct) National Park will be closed within a date range of 1700 (5pm) Thursday 12th October 2023 to 0700am Friday 22 December 2023 for deer control shoot operations preventing localised economic impacts and protecting Threatened Ecological Communities within the park.

 

When active the shoot operation area will be signposted advising visitors “do not enter” at any time during the night time operation.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

For more information, call the local park office on 02 4946 4100 or email npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au

 

 

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Applies from Thu 21 Sep 2023, 8.58am to Thu 5 Oct 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Sep 2023, 9.09am

Closed areas: Fire trail vegetation trimming works - Catherine Hill Bay area

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:

  • Church 
  • Catho Powerline 
  • Sandpit
  • and the lookout

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.

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Applies from Fri 15 Sep 2023, 4.11pm to Fri 27 Oct 2023, 4.12pm. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Sep 2023, 4.14pm

Closed areas: Willai, Waterline & Kearsley Powerline Trail Closures

Due to roadworks Wallai Trail, Waterline Trail & Kearsley Powerline Trail within Werakata National Park will be closed for 3 weeks, weather permitting.

Do not enter and follow all safety directions from Contractors and or National Park Staff

For further information please contact the NPWS Lower Hunter Office on 02 4946 410

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Applies from Wed 13 Sep 2023, 12.14pm to Fri 22 Dec 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 13 Sep 2023, 12.28pm

Safety alerts: Werakata National Park closure for deer control shoot operation

Parts of Werakata National Park will be closed within a date range of 17:00pm Wednesday 13th September 2023 to 17:00pm Friday 22 December 2023 for deer control shoot operations preventing localised economic impacts and protecting Threatened Ecological Communities within the park.

 

When active the shoot operation areas will be delignated by signage advising visitors “do not enter” at any time during the night time operation.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

For more information, call the local park office on 02 4946 4100 or email npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au

 

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Applies from Wed 7 Dec 2022, 5.39pm to Mon 27 Jan 2025, 5.40pm. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Sep 2023, 2.41pm

Closed areas: Area closed - Pink Caves

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 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.32pm

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. 

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

Closed areas: Lemon Tree Road - Partial closure for roadworks

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.

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Applies from Wed 26 Feb 2020, 10.38am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 11.48am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 4.30pm

Safety alerts: Watagan Road/Heaton Road closed due to landslips

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

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.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 1 Aug 2023, 3.58pm to Tue 31 Oct 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 12.12pm

Closed areas: Wangi Circuit Link Walking Track is closed

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

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Applies from Thu 3 Aug 2023, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Jul 2023, 11.10am

Hazard reduction burns: Fishers Folly HR

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.

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Applies from Fri 4 Jan 2019, 1.28pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 1.38pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 9.40am

Closed areas: Morisset Picnic Area Closed

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:

  • The  Morisset Hospital site
  • Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area foreshore
  • Morisset picnic area.

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 park and 1 location 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

Closed areas: Great North Walk - partial closure

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).

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Applies from Thu 9 Mar 2023, 3.25pm. Last reviewed: Mon 28 Aug 2023, 12.14pm

Closed areas: Dead Mangrove Creek Bridge

Dead Mangrove Creek Bridge, off Cobbans Track on Ash Island is closed from Thursday 9 March 2023 until further notice due to the bridge needing maintenance

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

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Applies from Wed 3 Aug 2022, 10.43am. Last reviewed: Fri 1 Sep 2023, 8.55am

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.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 7 Oct 2014, 1.53pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 9.59am. Last reviewed: Fri 1 Sep 2023, 8.40am

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 Mon 7 Nov 2022, 3.08pm. Last reviewed: Mon 17 Jul 2023, 8.54am

Closed areas: Timber Beach Walking Track closed due to flood damage

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

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Applies from Thu 6 Oct 2022, 1.29pm. Last reviewed: Sat 16 Sep 2023, 8.46am

Closed areas: Moonee Beach access trail closure

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

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.

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/lookouts/monkey-face-lookout/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Watagans National Park in the North Coast region
  • Watagans National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather, roads closures or high fire danger.

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