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Vale of Avoca lookout

Lower Grose Valley area in Blue Mountains National Park

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Thu 3 Dec 2020, 8.16am to Wed 16 Dec 2020, 8.17am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Dec 2020, 8.24am

Closed areas: Abercrombie River National Park -CLOSED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE AND FALLEN TREES

Abercrombie River National Park is closed due to storm damage from high wind activity causing tree falls across access trails.

Applies from Thu 1 Oct 2020, 12.00am to Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Dec 2020, 5.04pm

Fire bans: Goulburn River National Park part 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)

Campfires are permitted in steel fireplaces in Spring Gully and Big River campgrounds.

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 Thu 1 Oct 2020, 9.20am to Wed 31 Mar 2021, 9.21am. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Dec 2020, 5.04pm

Fire bans: Wollemi National Park part park fire ban

A part 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)

Campfires are permitted in the following campgrounds unless a Total Fire Ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service:

  • Colo Meroo
  • Coorongooba
  • Dunn's Swamp Ganguddy
  • Newnes
  • Wheeny Creek

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the NSW Rural Fire Service or 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 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Oct 2020, 12.00am to Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Dec 2020, 5.03pm

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 25 Dec 2019, 8.07pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Dec 2020, 1.54pm

Closed areas: Blue Mountains National Park - closed areas

NPWS is working to reopen walking tracks, campgrounds and accommodation where possible. However, some locations need to remain closed to ensure compliance with the current rules on public gatherings or for other reasons such as fire/flood damage.

All campgrounds and campsites require a booking to be made before you visit. Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check our COVID-19 update for more information.

 

The following areas of Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to bushfire, track works and/or flood damage:

Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls

  • National Pass from Valley of Waters to Slacks Stairs, due to rockfall risk.
  • Golden Stairs and Federal Pass between Scenic World and Golden Stairs, due to a new landslide and clearing works underway.
  • Part of Amphitheatre track from the base of Bridal Veil falls to Fern Bower, due to rockfall risk.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk between Leura Cascades round walk and Leura Cascades picnic area, and between Gordon Falls lookout and Olympian lookout, due to landslides. Detours in place. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk between Kiah lookout and Amphitheatre track - Tuesday to Friday until Friday 18 December 2020 due to track maintenance. There is no access between Katoomba and Leura Cascades within the national park. This section is open Saturday to Monday. Walkers accessing Leura Cascades from the east must return by same route.
  • Part of Charles Darwin walk north of Weeping Rock circuit. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Ingar campground can only be accessed via Andersons or Bedford Creek trails on foot, not via Ingar Road. 
  • Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary walking tracks, due to fire damage and rockfall works..
  • Kanangra to Katoomba closed south of Coxs River, Katoomba to Mittagong closed south of Coxs River.
  • McMahons Road and lookout closed for roadworks from Friday 13 November 2020.

Bullaburrra to Linden

  • Queen Victoria Creek crossing not suitable for vehicles.

Blackheath, Medlow Bath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line

  • Walking tracks into and around Grose Valley including Perrys (below Docker lookout), Cliff Top (between Barrow lookout and Evans lookout), Bridal Veil Falls, Rodriguez Pass, and Short Ridge (aka Lockleys Pylon, closed below Pylon), due to fire damage.
  • Perrys Lookdown, and Acacia Flat campgrounds are closed.
  • Other walking tracks around Blackheath, including Walls Cave, Popes Glen and Pulpit Rock, due to fire and flood damage.

Southern Blue Mountains National Park

  • The Range fire trail to Wombeyan Caves Road is open (although Wombeyan Caves remain closed).

Rock climbing areas

  • Pulpit Rock and all areas that require access along closed and damaged walking tracks

 

THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE OPEN:

Katoomba

  • Access to the Three Sisters and Giant Stairs from Echo Point
  • Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls walking tracks, where not affected by other closures.
  • Mount Hay Road, Fortress Ridge, Lockleys Pylon, Mount Hay summit and Butterbox Point
  • Nellies Glen and Devils Hole
  • Six Foot track is open to walkers.
  • Kedumba Valley Road to Kedumba campground
  • Murphy's Glen campground
  • Glenraphael Drive, Narrow Neck cycle route, fire trail and Tarros Ladder are open

Blackheath, Medlow Bath and Bells Line of Road

  • Blue Mountains Heritage Centre (social distancing required)
  • Evans lookout, Grand Canyon
  • Govetts Leap, Fairfax track, Govetts Loop track, Cliff Top track between Govetts Leap and Barrow lookout
  • Braeside fire trail and walking track
  • Anvil Rock, Wind Eroded Cave - vehicle access and walking tracks
  • Perrys Lookdown lookout and Docker Lookout are open to walkers. The campground and valley access tracks remain closed.  
  • Burramoko Ridge fire trail and Hanging Rock/Baltzer lookouts
  • Point Pilcher lookout
  • Victoria Falls to Pierces Pass via Burra Korain Flat campsite, and Asgard Swamp
  • Pierces Pass (Hungerfords), Grose Valley track upstream of Pierces Pass
  • Mount Banks (cycle route and summit walk)
  • Walls lookout and Rigby Hill tracks
  • Dunphys/Green Gully campsite
  • Breakfast Creek, Medlow Gap, Wild Dog Mountains (north of Coxs River)

Southern Blue Mountains National Park

  • Yerranderie

 

If you arrive at your local national park or other public space and it is too crowded to practice social distancing, it's your responsibility to leave the area. 

NSW National Parks will be clearing fallen trees, removing tree hazards and undertaking minor repairs on damaged infrastructure over the next few months. Some tracks and sites may remain closed for longer periods where major infrastructure needs replacing.

To check which areas are closed, click the 'Show list' button on the Blue Mountains National Park page alert.

For further information call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 18 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 2 Dec 2020, 12.45pm to Fri 4 Dec 2020, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Dec 2020, 12.50pm

Closed parks: Cattai National Park - closed due to storm damage

Cattai National Park is closed due to storm damage.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 2 Dec 2020, 7.00am to Fri 11 Dec 2020, 12.32pm. Last reviewed: Tue 1 Dec 2020, 1.30pm

Closed areas: Victoria Falls Road, Mount Victoria

Victoria Falls Road is closed from Wednesday 2 December to Friday 11 December 2020 to allow safe completion of important road maintenance. This closure affects vehicles, cyclists and walkers. This closure maybe extended subject to weather conditions. Penalties apply for non-compliance please contact the Blue Mountains Visitor Centre on 02 4787 8877 for further information.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 21 Aug 2020, 3.43pm to Wed 31 Mar 2021, 3.44pm. Last reviewed: Tue 1 Dec 2020, 11.08am

Closed areas: Cattai National Park campground closed

Cattai National Park campground is closed due to flood damage works. Cattai National Park picnic area is open for day use and picnics but not camping.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 29 Jul 2020, 12.48pm. Last reviewed: Tue 1 Dec 2020, 10.22am

Closed areas: Golden Stairs to Scenic World closed

Golden Stairs to Scenic World is closed due to a major landslide. Construction works have commenced and will be ongoing until Friday 18 December 2020. This involves rock removal, scaling and site remediation. Site assessments have determined that further rock falls are possible. Entering this area could be life threatening.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4787 8877.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 25 Oct 2020, 1.31pm. Last reviewed: Mon 30 Nov 2020, 11.15am

Closed areas: Track closures - Winmalee area

The following fire trails are closed from Monday 26 October to Sunday 13 December 2020 to allow safe completion of important fire trail maintenance works prior to summer:

  • Blue Gum Swamp fire trail
  • Shaws Ridge fire trail

The entire Whitecross Road/Blue Gum Swamp Winmalee Precinct of Blue Mountains National Park will be closed from Monday 30 November to Sunday 13 December 2020 for fire trail maintenance works involving use of heavy earthmoving equipment.

This closure may be extended, depending on weather conditions. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information contact the local office on 02 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 28 Nov 2020, 9.59am to Mon 7 Dec 2020, 10.01am. Last reviewed: Mon 30 Nov 2020, 11.13am

Closed areas: Yellow Rock lookout closure

The Yellow Rock lookout precinct in Yellowmundie Regional Park will be closed from Thursday 3 December until Monday 7 December 2020 for trail upgrade to full bitumen seal. Access to the park is not permitted during this period.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 19 Feb 2020, 12.01pm. Last reviewed: Wed 25 Nov 2020, 1.03pm

Closed areas: Closed areas and hazardous conditions

Due to recent fires and floods there may be dangerous hazards in this park. These include falling trees and branches, flooded creeks and crossings, and debris on tracks.

If accessing remote areas of national parks, please visit the Think before you TREK page.

From 1 June, all reopened campgrounds and campsites require a booking to be made before you visit.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 19 Nov 2020, 10.59am to Mon 14 Dec 2020, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 24 Nov 2020, 11.53am

Closed areas: Road closure - Faulconbridge Ridge fire trail

Faulconbridge Ridge fire trail is closed from Monday 23 November to Sunday 13 December 2020 to allow safe completion of important fire trail maintenance works before summer.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting routine fire trail maintenance in the Winmalee area. This closure may be extended further subject to weather conditions. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information contact the local office on 02 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 2 Nov 2020, 8.39am. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Nov 2020, 4.16pm

Closed areas: Mount Portal and Tunnel View lookouts closed for track maintenance

Mount Portal and Tunnel View lookouts are closed for track maintenance. The road leading to Tunnel View and Mount Portal lookouts will be closed from Monday 2 November 2020.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 12 Aug 2020, 9.57am to Thu 17 Dec 2020, 9.58am. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Oct 2020, 2.27pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for track repairs

Some roads in this park are closed while fire and flood damage repairs are taking place. The closed roads are:

  • California trail
  • Martindale trail

Gates have been locked and signs are in place on closed roads. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 26 Mar 2020, 2.47pm. Last reviewed: Thu 22 Oct 2020, 3.02pm

Closed areas: Campgrounds closed

NPWS is working to reopen all campgrounds and accommodations where possible. However, some locations need to remain closed to ensure compliance with the current rules on public gatherings, or for other reasons such as fire or flood damage.

From 1 June 2020, all reopened campgrounds and campsites will require a booking to be made before you visit.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check our COVID-19 update for more information.

Affects 2 parks and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 19 Oct 2020, 2.21pm to Wed 16 Dec 2020, 2.22pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Oct 2020, 11.16am

Closed areas: Pest management program

A pest management program involving shooting will be happening from Monday 19 October to Wednesday 16 December 2020, from sunset to sunrise. Signs will be posted on main entry gates. The park will be closed from sunset to sunrise.

Affects 2 parks and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 25 Sep 2020, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Sun 18 Oct 2020, 6.23pm

Safety alerts: Coorongooba campground - river access

Access to the Coorongooba campground is via a causeway through the Capertee River. This causeway is subject to flooding. The Capertee River can rise unexpectedly with heavy rains falling upstream, making the causeway impassable. Please check the weather forecast before leaving home.

For more information please call the NPWS Mudgee area office on 02 6370 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 15 Jul 2020, 7.51am to Thu 31 Dec 2020, 7.52am. Last reviewed: Mon 17 Aug 2020, 2.37pm

Other planned events: 1080 wild dog and fox control program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a strategic baiting program for the control of wild dogs and foxes. The operation will involve the use of meat, manufactured products and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPE’s) containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison. The program will be continuous and ongoing from Monday 27 July to Thursday 31 December 2020 in the following parks, reserves and state conservation areas:

  • Abercrombie National Park and State Conservation Area
  • Gardens of Stone National Park
  • Wollemi National Park
  • Blue Mountains National Park
  • Turon National Park
  • Marrangaroo National Park
  • Mares Forest National Park
  • Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  • Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

These programs have been designed to meet NPWS priority conservation and state focused biosecurity issues. All baiting locations will be signposted.

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 further information, call the NPWS Kanangra area on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 22 Mar 2015, 2.11pm. Last reviewed: Fri 21 Aug 2020, 2.04pm

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed

Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed for maintenance. This includes the Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Jul 2020, 9.58am to Thu 31 Dec 2020, 9.58am. Last reviewed: Fri 24 Jul 2020, 11.57am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 baiting

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a baiting program using CPEs containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs.

The program is ongoing from Wednesday 1 July 2020 until Thursday 31 December 2020 in the following parks and reserves:

  • Abercrombie River National Park
  • Blue Mountains National Park (Including Bullnigang and Millnigang trails)

All baiting locations will be signposted. 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 further information call the NPWS Kanangra area office on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 3 Jun 2020, 5.34pm. Last reviewed: Fri 10 Jul 2020, 2.43pm

Other planned events: Six Foot Track - camping registration

If you're planning to stay at a campground managed by Crown Lands (e.g. on Six Foot Track) from 1 June 2020, you now need to fill out the Crown reserves camping registration form.

To register fill in the online form and submit.

This link can be emailed or sent by text message. The form can be submitted on a smartphone or computer.

This is requiered to comply with the Public Health Order and COVID-19 Safety Plans.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 10 Mar 2017, 4.14pm. Last reviewed: Thu 18 May 2017, 2.40pm

Closed areas: Wheeny Creek campground - Boobook camp area closed

Boobook campground and picnic area within Wheeny Creek campground and picnic area is closed for management purposes. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Richmond area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location 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/vale-of-avoca-lookout/local-alerts

Park info

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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.

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