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Byarong Park picnic area

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Fri 29 September 2023, 2.09pm

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 2.09pm.

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. 

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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sat 9 Apr 2022, 1.03pm. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 9.06am

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

  • Underfalls track (sidetrack off Furber Steps) closed for maintenance.
  • Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  • Honeymoon Point lookout is closed due to upgrade works.
  • Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  • Leura Cascades/Fern Bower circuit has a minor detour due to a landslide on Prince Henry Cliff walk. You must return via Leura Cascades track.  
  • Prince Henry Cliff 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 is closed between Olympian Rock lookout and Tarpeian Rock track, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Leura Cascades picnic area is closed to vehicles. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • Glenraphael Drive is closed due to major subsidence. Narrow Neck, Ruined Castle and Golden Stairs are accessible to pedestrians and cyclists from Narrow Neck lookout on Cliff Drive.
  • Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.   

Wentworth Falls and Woodford 

  • Wentworth Falls picnic area carpark is closed for upgrade works until mid December 2023 (weather-permitting).
  • 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 is temporarily closed due to flood damage. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  • National Pass and the Grand Stairway are closed at the top crossing from Monday 18 to Friday 22 September, from Monday 9 October to Friday 13 October and from Monday 16 October to Friday 20 October 2023 due to track repairs. There will be no access to the middle crossing. Please note that part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls) was closed in 2017 due to major landslide.
  • Wentworth Pass is closed due to landslide.
  • Ingar Road is closed where it traverses private property at the western end. You can walk in to Ingar campground via Andersons or Bedford Roads.

Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road

  • Govetts Creek access routes including Horse track and Rodriguez Pass (Bridal Veil Falls) are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. Entry is not permitted due to serious risk of injury or death. Entry is not permitted into the Grose Valley from Govetts Leap, Evans lookout, Grand Canyon track, or south of Acacia Flat.
  • Govetts Leap lookout car park will be closed for repair from Monday 9 October to Friday 13 October (weather permitting). The lookout, tracks and toilets will remain open. 
  • Perrys Lookdown campground is closed.
  • Perrys Lookdown access road and picnic area will be closed for upgrades from Monday 9 October until Wednesday 20 December 2023, and from Monday 5 February to Friday 23 February 2024. 
  • Anvil Rock access road and day use area will be closed for upgrades from Tuesday 3 October to Wednesday 20 December 2023 and from Monday 5 February to Friday 23 February 2024.
  • Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. There is no walking track access past Cripps lookout. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for further information.

Canyons and rock climbing

Climbing and canyoning areas in the Blue Mountains are open unless the access road is closed, or the site is listed in this alert.

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

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, 11.00pm to Thu 5 Oct 2023, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 2.50pm

Closed parks: Barren Grounds Nature Reserve Closed

Barren Grounds Nature Reserve will be closed Saturday 30th September 2023 to Thursday 5th October 2023 due to high to extreme weather conditions and fire danger. 

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 2.09pm

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. 

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 11 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Jun 2019, 9.18am. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Sep 2023, 11.40am

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 Thu 2 Jul 2020, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Sun 1 Oct 2023, 11.00am

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 Wed 13 Sep 2023, 3.24pm. Last reviewed: Wed 20 Sep 2023, 11.21am

Safety alerts: Werrong Beach access track damaged

The Werrong Beach access track has been severely eroded at the beach access point. There are steep and uneven surfaces.

The track is recommended only for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 29 May 2023, 4.34pm to Fri 29 Dec 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Sep 2023, 10.41am

Closed areas: Areas closed for deer control program

Some areas in Royal National Park are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise to enable a deer control operation to be carried out.

The affected areas include:

  • All picnic areas in the Audley Precinct
  • Asset protection zones adjacent to Maianbar, Bundeena and East Heathcote.
  • Wattamolla and Garie picnic areas
  • North Era campground and coastal areas between Garie Beach and Figure 8 Pools
  • Garrawarra Farm
  • Lady Carrington Drive
  • Bonnie Vale campground and picnic area.

These closures will be signposted at the entry points to the closed areas. If you have approved bookings to camp you can still access campsites during these times.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 31 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 31 Aug 2023, 8.16pm to Fri 13 Oct 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 4 Oct 2023, 11.40am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will take place from Thursday 14 September to Friday 13 October 2023 in Royal National Park. Don’t touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

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.

Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at improving the eco-health of the reserve by reducing predation of ground dwelling mammals and small birds.

For more information, call the local park office (Audley) on 02 9542 0632 (business hours) or the NPWS after-hours call centre on 1300 056 294 (outside business hours).

Affects 1 park and 39 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 25 Aug 2023, 2.48pm to Mon 30 Oct 2023, 2.48pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 Sep 2023, 1.38pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in the following from Monday 4th September 2023 to Sunday 17th September 2023:

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

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected and 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 more information, contact the NPWS Oberon area office on 02 6336 6200.

Applies from Thu 14 Sep 2023, 1.25pm to Mon 30 Oct 2023, 10.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 Sep 2023, 1.29pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing aerial baiting program in Bangadilly NP, Bargo SCA, Burragorang SCA, Guula Ngurra,NP, Joadja NR, Nattai NP and Upper Nepean SCA from Monday 4th September 2023 to Sunday 17th September 2023

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. 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.

Please contact the local Glenbrook NPWS area office for more information on 02 4720 6200.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 6 May 2022, 11.03am. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Sep 2023, 9.42am

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 local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 10 Aug 2023, 2.10pm to Wed 1 Nov 2023, 2.16pm. Last reviewed: Thu 28 Sep 2023, 7.16am

Closed areas: Partial Forest Walk Closure at Northern Extent

The Forest Walk will be closed at the northern extent from the area of Mt Mitchell Lookout down to the Wodi Wodi Track. This closure is in place until the 1st November, 2023. The walk is closed due to construction works as part of the Great Southern Walk.

Closure signs will be in place in affected areas.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Wollongong Office on 02 4224 4188.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 21 Sep 2022, 1.08pm to Thu 28 Dec 2023, 1.09pm. Last reviewed: Wed 6 Sep 2023, 9.52am

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 28 July to Thursday 28 December 2023 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 Melinda Norton at 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 24 Jul 2023, 12.00am to Sun 30 Jun 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Jul 2023, 11.57am

Closed areas: Palm Jungle track closure - Eastern section

Palm Jungle loop track between Burning Palms and Werrong lookout is closed for major upgrade works from Monday 24 July 2023 to Sunday 30 June 2024.

This affects the eastern section of the loop track. You can still access Royal Coast track via Ridge trail.

The affected areas include:

  • Royal Coast track
  • Figure 8 Pools
  • Palm Jungle loop track

For more information, call the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Jul 2023, 3.13pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Sep 2023, 9.37am

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 0632.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Dec 2020, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Sep 2023, 9.39am

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 Wed 2 Mar 2022, 12.47pm. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Sep 2023, 9.37am

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 Fri 10 Feb 2023, 9.21pm. Last reviewed: Tue 5 Sep 2023, 9.27am

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

Due to a recent rockfall the unsanctioned walking track from the end of Clover Hill Road at Macquarie Rivulet to Clover Hill Falls is closed until geotechnical assessment has been conducted..

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jan 2023, 2.36pm. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 7.29am

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 4 Oct 2023, 11.40am

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