Applies from Mon 19 Jan 2026, 2.18pm to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 2.18pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 2.29pm

Other planned events: Yambo Forest and Lemon Tree trail closures

There will be no vehicle access through Jilliby State Conservation Area via Yambo Forest and Lemon Tree roads from Tue 27 January to end February 2026. These trails are being upgraded to meet current RFS fire trail standards which will improve fire protection for the community. Vehicles may still use Watagan Forest Rd for access. 

For more information, call the Munmorah NPWS office 02 4972 9000 or email the team on assets.hcb@dcceew.nsw.gov.au. 

Applies from Thu 15 Jan 2026, 8.39am to Fri 23 Jan 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 15 Jan 2026, 9.09am

Closed areas: Aubs Ridge Road Sugarloaf SCA

Aubs Ridge Road in Sugarloaf State Conservation Area will be closed for maintenance from Wednesday 14th January 2026 until Friday 23rd January 2026

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

Applies from Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.06am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 12.01pm

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Central Coast

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 Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.18am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 9.51am

Fire bans: Werakata National Park and State Conservation Area

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 Mon 22 Dec 2025, 11.14am to Fri 30 Jan 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 9.50am

Fire bans: National Park Reserves in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs

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 Mon 15 Dec 2025, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.39am

Other planned events: Planned road repair works for Bangalow Road

Planned road repair works will recommence on 27th January 2026 until late March 2026. Heavy plant and machinery will be operating along Bangalow Road. 

Areas that will be closed during these works include:

• Bangalow Campground and Day use area
• Gap Creek Campground and Day use area
• Gap Creek Falls Walking Track

During this time, pedestrian and vehicle access is not permitted.

There will be no available campground bookings during this time. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For further information, please contact the NPWS Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000.

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.12am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.16am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Wollemi-Yengo Reserves

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)

However the following campgrounds are exempt:

Dharug National Park

• Mill Creek Campground

Mount Royal National Park

• Youngville Campground

Yengo National Park

• Blue Gums Campground
• Mountain Arm Campground
• Yengo House
• Finchley Campground
• Mogo Campground

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 1 Oct 2025, 11.50am. Last reviewed: Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8.39am

Closed areas: Monkey Face Road planned maintenance

Planned maintenance and repairs is scheduled along Monkey Face Road. The areas below that are accessible via Monkey Face Road will be closed during the following dates: 

• Monkey Face Lookout closed 10 October 2025 - late February 2026
• Gap Creek Lookout closed 12 January 2026 - late February 2026

Heavy plant and machinery will be operating during this time. Pedestrian and vehicle access is not permitted. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the NPWS Central Coast Area Office on (02) 4972 9000.

Applies from Wed 24 Sep 2025, 2.26pm. Last reviewed: Sun 28 Dec 2025, 11.04am

Safety alerts: Road Maintenance

Fire trail maintenance works are undertaken periodically, at various locations throughout Jilliby State Conservation Area. Partial and intermittent closures should be expected. Please follow the directions of any construction staff onsite and safety signage.

Take care and drive to conditions.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 49729000

Applies from Fri 19 Jul 2024, 10.21am to Tue 30 Jun 2026, 10.21am. Last reviewed: Sat 1 Nov 2025, 10.44am

Closed areas: Gap Creek Forest Walk partially closed due to rockfall risk

Gap Creek Forest Walk is part closed due to the risk of landslip and rockfall.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast office on 02 4972 9000

Applies from Fri 25 Jul 2025, 5.26pm. Last reviewed: Fri 25 Jul 2025, 5.28pm

Closed areas: Closed areas: Werakata State Conservation Area partial closure for ground shooting for feral animal control

Small areas within Werakata State Conservation Area may be intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am between Monday 21 July 2025 to Friday 11 September 2026 for ground shooting for feral animal control.

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

Applies from Sun 11 May 2025, 5.51pm to Fri 27 Feb 2026, 5.51pm. Last reviewed: Tue 17 Jun 2025, 8.52am

Safety alerts: Major roadworks in Sugarloaf State Conservation Area

Major roadworks are ongoing in Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Partial and intermittent road closures should be expected.

Visitors are asked to avoid the area (if possible). Otherwise, please be aware of trucks and machinery working on roads within Sugarloaf SCA and to drive to the conditions.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Lower Hunter Area Office on 02 4946 4100.

Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Sat 15 Nov 2025, 9.54am

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. 

Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Sat 15 Nov 2025, 9.55am

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.

Applies from Tue 7 Oct 2014, 1.53pm to Thu 7 Oct 2027, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 20 Oct 2025, 10.03am

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.