Back to previous page

Byarong Park picnic area

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Wed 24 April 2024, 8.33am

Applies from Mon 26 Feb 2024, 9.00am to Fri 21 Jun 2024, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 8.33am.

Closed areas: Areas of the Illawarra Escarpment SCA closed for Ground Shooting Operations

Areas of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area are closed between 6:00pm Monday 26th February and 09:00am Friday 21st June, 2024 for a pest animal ground shooting operation. These areas may include:

  • Rhododendron Gardens
  • Maddens Plains
  • Kembla Ridge Track
  • Kembla Ring Track
  • Staffords Management Trail
  • O'Briens Management Trail
  • Mt Keira Girl Guides
  • Mt Keira Scouts

 

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 6pm - 9am.

 

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 park office.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 22 Apr 2024, 5.00pm to Fri 26 Apr 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 3.57pm

Closed areas: Nellies Glen Road closed for road repairs

Nellies Glen Road in Budderoo National Park is closed from 5pm Monday 22nd April to 5pm Friday 26th April 2024 due to road repairs. Access to Nellies Glen picnic area, Warris Chair walking track and Missingham Steps walking track will be affected.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For any further information, please contact the NPWS Highlands office on 02 4887 8244.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 9 Apr 2022, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Mon 22 Apr 2024, 12.48pm

Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed

Many walking tracks, roads and fire trails within Blue Mountains National Park remain closed following sustained wet weather causing subsidence hazards, major landslides or infrastructure upgrades. 

The following areas are closed:

Katoomba and Leura

  • Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  • Fern Bower, Part of Amphitheatre and Leura Forest Tracks are closed due to multiple landslides and damage.
  • Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary Loop and Federal Pass west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
  • Access to Mount Solitary from Kedumba Valley will remain temporarily closed until saftey works are complete. 
  • Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  • Sections of Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top Walk) and Round Walk are closed between Prince Henry picnic area and Scenic World from Tuesday 9 April to end of June 2024 for track maintenance. Follow detour on Cliff Drive. Access to Furber Steps is from Prince Henry picnic area (Katoomba Falls Kiosk). Detours in place.
  • Bridal Veil View lookout and track (Leura) are closed from Wednesday 10 April for maintenance.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top Walk) is closed between Gordon Falls picnic area and Elysian Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top Walk) is closed between Fern Bower track and Echo Tree and Flat Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Please use Cliff Drive as short detour. 
  • Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.   
  • The Six Foot track is affected by multiple road closures.

Wentworth Falls and Woodford   

  • Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Vera Falls, Hippocrene Falls or Wentworth Falls from Valley of the Waters.
  • Charles Darwin walk (part of the Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to major landslide. 
  • Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to multiple landslides.
  • Kedumba Valley Road will be closed until Wednesday 8 May 2024 for road repairs. It is open to pedestrians over weekends. Kedumba campground is closed until 8 May 2024, including weekends.

Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road

  • Dunphys campground is closed due to traffic restrictions on Megalong Road. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for road updates,
  • Williams Track (Govetts descent) and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  • Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).

Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing

  • Some adventure recreation areas and routes are specifically closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.  

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

Applies from Mon 15 Apr 2024, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 8.32am

Closed areas: Mt Kembla Ring Track is closed due to track damage

Mt Kembla Ring Track is closed due to predicted high rainfall and the potential landslip & rockfall risk. The track will reopen after the geotechnical stability of the site has been assessed and it is safe to use.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 2 Dec 2023, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Apr 2024, 3.51pm

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 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 12 Apr 2024, 11.52am. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Apr 2024, 12.04pm

Closed areas: Partial Closure to Lyrebird Loop

Minnamurra Rainforest Lyrebird Loop Walk has a partial closure due to flood damage. This closure affects the start of the Lyrebird Loop Walk, which restricts wheelchair access.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For any further information, please contact the NPWS Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 42 360 469

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 11 Apr 2024, 2.52pm to Fri 24 May 2024, 10.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 3.46pm

Closed areas: Park closures apply for aerial pest control program 13 May - 24 May 2024

The following areas will be closed for an aerial pest control operation, running weekdays from Monday 13 May - Friday 24 May 2024 inclusive.

  • Nattai NP
  • Nattai State Conservation Area
  • Burragorang SCA – (including Burragorang Lookout)
  • Joadja Nature Reserve
  • Jellore Flora Reserve
  • Wollondilly River Nature Reserve
  • Bangadilly NP
  • Guula Ngurra National Park
  • Upper Nepean SCA including Stage 2 lands (nth of the Tourist Road)
  • Barrallier WaterNSW freehold lands

 

Please note that these parks will be open for weekends during this period.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office (02) 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 11 Apr 2024, 1.58pm to Sat 4 May 2024, 10.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 3.45pm

Safety alerts: Thirlmere Lakes National Park - damage to roads from recent heavy rain

The roads in Thirlmere Lakes National Park have been damaged by recent heavy rains. Park visitors are advised to take extra care when driving on roads in the park.

In particular, Pumphouse Road has sustained surface damage, so visitors are advised to enter the park through Slades Road where possible.

Due to the rise in lake levels, sections of the walking track are likely to be underwater and may not be passable.

 

Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walk through flood waters. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures.

For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

Applies from Mon 18 Mar 2024, 2.54pm to Mon 30 Sep 2024, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 23 Apr 2024, 8.44am

Closed areas: Sections of park closed for ground pest control program

A ground pest control program will be undertaken in Upper Nepean State Conservation Area between 6pm and 6am every day, between 29 April and 30 Sep 2024. The Upper Nepean State Conservation Area is entirely within the Sydney Catchment Authority Special Area (Water Catchment). In order to protect the area, the Upper Nepean State Conservation Area is closed to public access. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai Area Office at (02) 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 24 Oct 2023, 10.56am to Sun 30 Jun 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 27 Mar 2024, 12.44pm

Closed areas: The Coast track partial closure

Walking the full length of The Coast track from Otford to Bundeena or Bundeena to Otford is not currently possible. This is due to several track closures along its length. These closures are necessary due to erosion and rockfall risk, and to allow ongoing track upgrade works.

Please note the following closures:

  • Palm Jungle Loop track between Burning Palms and Werrong lookout is closed from Tuesday 16 January to Sunday 30 June 2024 for track upgrades.
  • The Garie to Little Garie section of The Coast track is closed due to hazardous rockfalls and erosion.
  • North Era campground is closed until further notice
  • Garie Road, Garie Beach and the Garie precinct is closed until further notice. This is due to damage and subsidence to the road surface. Walkers approaching from the north (e.g. from Wattamolla or Bundeena) should exit the track via Curra Moors track.

Bushwalker access is available for the following sections of The Coast track:

  • South bound access - Bundeena to Curra Moors track via Wattamolla and return only. No access to Garie Beach.
  • North bound access - Available via North Era and return only. Access is via Garawarra Farm Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track during track upgrades.
  • Figure 8 Pools access - Available via Garawarra Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track via Garawarra Farm only.  

For further information please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 26 Feb 2024, 9.00am to Fri 21 Jun 2024, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 8.33am

Closed areas: Areas of the Illawarra Escarpment SCA closed for Ground Shooting Operations

Areas of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area are closed between 6:00pm Monday 26th February and 09:00am Friday 21st June, 2024 for a pest animal ground shooting operation. These areas may include:

  • Rhododendron Gardens
  • Maddens Plains
  • Kembla Ridge Track
  • Kembla Ring Track
  • Staffords Management Trail
  • O'Briens Management Trail
  • Mt Keira Girl Guides
  • Mt Keira Scouts

 

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 6pm - 9am.

 

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 park office.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 4 Mar 2024, 10.28am. Last reviewed: Sun 7 Apr 2024, 9.21am

Closed areas: Werrong Beach track

Werrong Beach track in Royal National Park is closed until further notice due to landslides. Signs will be in place around the closed area.

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 1 Mar 2024, 3.12pm. Last reviewed: Tue 2 Apr 2024, 8.19am

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 Tue 28 Mar 2023, 3.22pm. Last reviewed: Wed 31 Jan 2024, 10.44am

Closed areas: Lake Toolooma Fire Trail Closed due to sink hole

Lake Toolooma Fire Trail is closed to Pedestrians and Vehicles, north of Tooloma Dam due to a large sink hole at Waterfall Gully.

Visitors are reminded not to continue walking past Tooloma Dam. 

The section of the track will reopen when it is safe to do so. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact NPWS on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 3 Jul 2023, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 31 Jan 2024, 10.39am

Closed areas: Mirang Campground Closed

Mirang Campground is now closed. The site has become a day-use ONLY picnic spot. No overnight stays permitted.

For further information, please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 10 Feb 2023, 9.21pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 7.32am

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 Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Apr 2024, 8.14am

Closed areas: North Era campground closed

North Era campground is closed until further notice due to operational activities. For more information please contact the local area office on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 21 Sep 2022, 1.08pm to Fri 14 Jun 2024, 5.09pm. Last reviewed: Fri 12 Apr 2024, 2.58pm

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 Friday 15 December 2023 to Friday 14 June 2024 to reduce the impacts on threatened species.

The operation will target foxes in the Carrington Falls, Budderoo Plateau, Knights Hill and Barren Grounds areas. Baits have been placed on NPWS estate, private property and Crown road reserves with permissions.

There are 1080 baiting signs at the entrance to baiting areas. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Some baits may be buried.

1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is lethal to pets (including domestic dogs and cats) and working dogs. In the event of accidental poisoning, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Domestic pets, including dogs and cats, are not permitted in national parks or reserves. Restrain working and assistance dogs to ensure they don’t enter the baiting areas.

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

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Dec 2020, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 7.33am

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: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 7.32am

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 Wed 2 Mar 2022, 12.47pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 7.33am

Closed areas: Sublime Point walking track closed

Sublime Point walking track is closed until further notice. The track is currently being repaired or upgraded. As soon as the track can be safely re-opened, NPWS alerts will be updated.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 Nov 2023, 12.03pm to Tue 30 Apr 2024, 12.03pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Apr 2024, 9.10am

Closed areas: Forest Path closed due to construction work

The Forest Walk is closed for track upgrade and repair work. The construction work will be occurring until April 2024.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Illawarra Highlands NPWS Wollongong Office ph 4224 4188 and npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 May 2022, 11.03am. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Apr 2024, 8.33am

Safety alerts: Curra Moors track in poor condition

Sections of Curra Moors loop track are in poor condition due to erosion. Please use caution and be aware of unstable edges.

Planning for repairs is in progress. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 10 Nov 2020, 2.24pm. Last reviewed: Mon 22 Apr 2024, 9.34am

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

Applies from Thu 2 Jul 2020, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Wed 3 Apr 2024, 9.23am

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. 

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jan 2023, 2.36pm. Last reviewed: Tue 2 Apr 2024, 8.19am

Closed areas: Partial Closure to Forest Walk

The Forest Walk is affected by the closure of Sublime Point walking track until further notice. There is no access between Sublime Point and Austinmer. Sublime Point walking track is currently being repaired or upgraded. As soon as the track can be safely reopened, NPWS alerts will be updated.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 12 Jul 2022, 4.30pm. Last reviewed: Wed 3 Apr 2024, 12.15pm

Closed areas: Garie Road closed due to damage

Garie Road is closed until further notice due to damage to the road surface.

This road may remain closed for some time to allow for extensive repairs. A reopening date is not currently known.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check Live Traffic NSW for updates before driving to Garie Beach.

Affects 1 park and 4 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