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Byarong Park picnic area

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Thu 27 Nov 2025, 5.17pm. Last reviewed: Tue 16 Dec 2025, 3.10pm

Fires - Advice: Milsons Gully

There is a fire in this park called Milsons Gully. 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.

Applies from Thu 11 Dec 2025, 2.36pm to Fri 19 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 11 Dec 2025, 2.48pm

Other planned events: Beachcomber Avenue Carpark closed to vehicles

The carpark to the Royal National Park Coast Track at Beachcomber Avenue (Bundeena) will be closed from 3pm on Sunday, 14 December to 5pm Friday, 19 December due to maintenance works. Vehicle access to the carpark will not be permitted. Pedestrian access to walking trails will be maintained. For your safety, please follow all safety and directional signage, as well as directions from staff when visiting the area. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 26 Sep 2025, 8.00am to Sun 18 Jan 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 11 Dec 2025, 8.15am

Other planned events: Access to Kembla mountain bike trails during Harry Graham Drive upgrade

Harry Graham Drive will be open to traffic for the Christmas break from Saturday 20 December 2025.

 

The road will close for works to continue from Monday 19 January 2026.

 

After this time the road will be closed in both directions between Wollongong Motorcycle Club and Kembla Village until mid-late 2026 (weather permitting), to allow Wollongong City Council to carry out essential road maintenance and upgrades.

 

For more information read the City of Wollongong webpage.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 15 Dec 2025, 7.00am to Wed 17 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 8 Dec 2025, 11.46am

Closed areas: 10B and 10C Trails Closed

The 10B and 10C Trails in the vicinity of Northcliff Coal Mine, in Dharawal National Park is closed for the decommissioning of disused powerlines from 07:00am Monday 15 December 2025 to 17:00 Wednesday 17 December 2025. Aircraft will be operating in this area.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Aug 2025, 12.00am to Mon 31 Aug 2026, 10.39am. Last reviewed: Thu 27 Nov 2025, 8.14am

Closed areas: Sublime Point Walking Track closed

The Sublime Point Walking Track is closed for major upgrades from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 31 August 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 Wed 26 Nov 2025, 5.00am to Tue 23 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 25 Nov 2025, 2.03pm

Closed areas: Forest Walk closed

Parts of the Forest Walk within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area will be closed for essential track upgrades from Wednesday 26 November 2025 until further notice.

Signs will be in place around closed areas

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 1 Dec 2025, 3.09pm to Fri 19 Dec 2025, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 17 Nov 2025, 3.30pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for ground shooting for feral animal control

Areas of Budderoo National Park are closed between 5:00pm Monday 1st December and 09:00am Friday 19th December 2025 for a pest animal ground shooting operation. The closed areas are:

  • Douglas Creek Trail
  • Powerlines trail east of Carrington Falls
  • Knights Hill precinct

 

This program will target deer. It aims to reduce the significant impact they have on native plants and animals including threatened species.

 

Other pest animals, including pigs, goats, foxes and feral cats will be targeted if observed during the operation.

 

This operation will involve night time ground shooting only. The park closure is between 5pm - 9am Monday to Friday during this time.

 

Ground Shooting will not take place during school holidays or on weekends or public holidays.

 

Park closure warning signs will be placed at entrances to the shooting area. Do not enter the closed area during shooting periods.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information contact the Illawarra-Highlands area office on (02) 4887 8244.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.16am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 27 Oct 2025, 4.45pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Blue Mountains National Park

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:

  • Galon Cabins
  • Murphy's Campground
  • Dunphy's Campground
  • Burralow Creek Campground
  • Euroka 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 Thu 2 Oct 2025, 9.28am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 9.30am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 12.04pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Abercrombie River NP/SCA

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 1 Oct 2025, 9.00am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.24am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Hawkesbury-Nattai 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 in the following reserves:

Yellomundee Regional Park

  • Shaws Creek Aboriginal Place

 

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 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9.19am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.22am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Wollemi National Park

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:

  • Coorangooba
  • Dunns Swamp (Ganguddy)
  • Newnes campground
  • Wheeny Creek
  • Colo Meroo
  • Sheepskin Hut

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, 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, 9.05am to Tue 31 Mar 2026, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 9.11am

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban - Mudgee 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:

Capertee National Park

  • Capertee Campground
  • Honeyeater Homestead
  • Capertee Homestead
  • Capertee Cottage

Goulburn River National Park

  • Spring Gully campground
  • Big River 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 Fri 26 Sep 2025, 12.31pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Sep 2025, 12.39pm

Other planned events: Cawleys Bridge works

Please be advised that Transport for NSW will be undertaking bridge decking maintenance and upgrades to Cawleys Bridge between 29th September 2025 and February 2026.

Cawleys bridge connects Cawleys Road between Heathcote National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area.

Works will be intermittent during this time.

Vehicle and public access will remain largely unaffected, with select days, being restricted access. Please follow the signs and direction of staff and contractors onsite.

NPWS will post specific information as it becomes available.

Enquiries: Transport for NSW Project Information Line on 1800 684 490.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Thu 25 Sep 2025, 2.59pm

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 Tue 23 Sep 2025, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 23 Sep 2025, 4.58pm

Other incidents: Killalea Campground maintenance notice

Killalea Campground is currently undergoing upgrades to improve facilities for visitors. During this time, fewer campsites are available for booking. Normal bookings will resume once the upgrades are complete.

For more information, please contact Minnamurra Visitor Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 Jul 2020, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Dec 2025, 9.31am

Other incidents: Minnamurra Rainforest may close at short notice

Minnamurra Rainforest is a popular location and will close at short notice if needed. This is to ensure visitation levels do not exceed safe capacity or due to the carpark reaching capacity. 

NPWS encourages you to plan your visit outside of peak periods of 11am to 2pm. 

The Park can also close at short notice due to severe weather conditions.

For more information please phone the centre on 42 360 469

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 22 Aug 2025, 12.12pm. Last reviewed: Tue 2 Dec 2025, 3.33pm

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 31 August 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 Tue 12 Aug 2025, 7.00am to Fri 19 Dec 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 8 Dec 2025, 10.47am

Closed parks: Roads and Carparks upgrade at Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Thirlmere Lakes National Park will be closed to all visitors (pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and vehicles) from Tuesday 12 August 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025 including weekends. Areas affected will include:

  • Slades Rd
  • Pumphouse Rd
  • Dry Lake Trail
  • WE Middleton Memorial Dr
  • Powerline Trail
  • Walking track
  • Lake Couridjah picnic area & toilets
  • Werri Berri picnic area & toilets
  • Heritage Pump Station

Alternative locations to consider:

  • Caves Creek Picnic Area
  • Nepean Dam Picnic Area
  • Avon Dam Picnic Area
  • Burragorang Lookout Picnic Area
  • Bents Basin Campground

Full closure of Thirlmere Lakes National Park is required to allow for roads and car parks upgrade project within the precinct.

To arrange authorised access into the Park or Warragamba Catchment, please contact the local park office on 02 4720 6200.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Applies from Wed 21 Sep 2022, 1.08pm to Fri 17 Jul 2026, 5.09pm. Last reviewed: Mon 8 Dec 2025, 9.25am

Other planned events: 1080 fox ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting a continual and ongoing 1080 ground baiting program for the control of foxes from Thursday 17 July 2025 to Friday 16 January 2026

The program targets target foxes in the Carrington Falls, Budderoo Plateau, Knights Hill and Barren Grounds areas. Bait stations are located on NPWS estate and Crown road reserves with permissions. Both buried baits and Canid Pest Ejectors are used in this program.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, particularly the threatened species within these areas.

1080 baiting signs are at all entries to the baiting location. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. 

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls office on 02 4887 8244 or send an email.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations 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

Applies from Fri 10 Feb 2023, 9.21pm. Last reviewed: Mon 24 Nov 2025, 7.57am

Closed areas: Informal track to Clover Falls is is closed due to rockfall risk

Due to rockfall risk, the unsanctioned walking track from the end of Clover Hill Road at Macquarie Rivulet to Clover Hill Falls is closed.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Dec 2020, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Dec 2025, 9.01am

Closed areas: Macquarie Rivulet - Jump Rock track closed

Access to Macquarie Rivulet (also known as 'Jump Rock') is not permitted. The track is steep and eroded, and contains unstable surfaces, cliffs and drop offs.

There is a high risk of injury from falls from heights. Do not enter the closed areas of this park.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call 1300 072 757.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Jun 2019, 9.18am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Dec 2025, 9.01am

Closed areas: Restricted access to Macquarie Rivulet

There is no access to Macquarie Rivulet from Mount Murray, at the top of Macquarie Pass. If you access the rivulet from the top of the escarpment, you will be trespassing on private property. Access to Macquarie Rivulet is only permitted via Clover Hill Road.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Mar 2024, 3.12pm. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Dec 2025, 8.25am

Safety alerts: Beaches at Killalea Regional Park are unpatrolled

The beaches at Killalea Regional Park are unpatrolled.  There is no lifesaving service.  There may be strong currents, shallow water, unexpected large waves, rips and sudden drop offs.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 2 Dec 2023, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 29 Sep 2025, 9.34am

Closed areas: Access to the base of Gerringong Falls is prohibited

Access to the base of Gerringong Falls is prohibited.

The area around and down to the base of the Gerringong Falls has loose rocks, steep cliffs and unstable ground surface making it dangerous to access. The walk will remain permanently closed to the public to protect visitor safety.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the local Area at npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 10 Nov 2020, 2.24pm. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Dec 2025, 10.51am

Closed areas: Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe closed

Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe is closed until further notice. Light refreshments and hot beverages are available for purchase from Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.

For further information contact Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations 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/picnic-areas/byarong-park-picnic-area/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area in the South Coast region
  • Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. However, it is recommended that bushwalking only be undertaken during daylight hours because of the presence of cliff edges and other hazards.

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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