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Cascades picnic area

Macquarie Pass National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Thu 25 Feb 2021, 3.55pm to Wed 17 Mar 2021, 3.56pm. Last reviewed: Fri 26 Feb 2021, 3.16pm

Closed areas: W4I fire trail closed

W4I fire trail is closed for fire trail maintenance from Thursday 26 February to Monday 8 March 2021.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 19 Feb 2021, 5.05pm. Last reviewed: Mon 22 Feb 2021, 11.55am

Closed areas: Mount Bushwalker Road and walking track closed

Mount Bushwalker Road and walking track in Morton National Park are closed from Friday 19 February to Wednesday 30 June 2021. The closure is due to upgrade works on the road, carpark and track.

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

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 Apr 2020, 2.54pm to Tue 1 Jun 2021, 3.34pm. Last reviewed: Thu 18 Feb 2021, 2.02pm

Closed areas: Cave Creek picnic area and walking track closed

Cave Creek picnic area and walking track are closed until June 2021, while maintenance works are completed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information call 02 4588 2400.

Affects 2 parks and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 22 Feb 2021, 10.39am to Wed 30 Jun 2021, 10.40am. Last reviewed: Wed 17 Feb 2021, 10.36am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a baiting program using fresh meat, manufactured baits and CPEs containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes. The program will be ongoing and continuous from Monday 22 February to Wednesday 30 June 2021.

The baited parks, reserves and state conservation areas include:

  • Seven Mile Beach National Park
  • Comerong Island Nature Reserve
  • Jervis Bay National Park
  • Woollamia Nature Reserve
  • Conjola National Park
  • Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve
  • Meroo National Park
  • Murramarang National Park

There will be signs at all baiting locations.

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 in the vicinity must be restrained or muzzled and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information call the NPWS Nowra office on 02 4428 6300.

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Applies from Tue 10 Nov 2020, 2.24pm. Last reviewed: Wed 3 Feb 2021, 4.19pm

Closed areas: Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe closed

Minnamurra Rainforest Cafe is closed. Light refreshments are available for purchase from the Visitor Centre. The precinct, including all walks are open to visitors. No portable barbecues are permitted.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 7 Feb 2020, 12.27pm to Thu 14 Oct 2021, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Jan 2021, 4.30pm

Other planned events: 1080 bait disposal pit

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is disposing of used 1080 baits and baiting products in an approved disposal pit on NPWS estate within the Fitzroy Falls area.

Burial of used baits and products will occur from Wednesday 14 October 2020 to Wednesday 14 April 2021. All bait material in the pit will be buried under at least 500mm of soil, clear of waterways so as not to cause pollution of waterways, in accordance with Pesticide Control Order (1080 bait products) 2019.

There will be 1080 baiting signs at the entrance to the disposal pit site.

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. If you need your dogs to work in the baiting area outside of national park estate, we suggest muzzling them.

For more information, contact Melinda Norton at the NPWS Fitzroy Falls area office on 02 4887 8244 or send an email.

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Applies from Fri 7 Feb 2020, 12.03pm to Thu 14 Oct 2021, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Jan 2021, 4.27pm

Other planned events: 1080 fox ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting an ongoing 1080 ground baiting operation from Wednesday 14 October 2020 to Wednesday 14 April 2021 to reduce the impacts on threatened species.

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

There will be 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. If you need your dogs to work in the baiting area outside of national park estate, we suggest muzzling them.

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

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 29 Jun 2017, 12.48pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Jan 2021, 1.21pm

Closed areas: Access to base of Belmore Falls prohibited

All access to the base of Belmore Falls from Hindmarsh and Belmore Falls lookout and picnic area is permanently closed due to safety risks. Access is also closed from the causeway to the top of the falls. These access points are prohibited to visitors and penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls office on 02 4887 8244 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 1 Jan 2021, 3.14pm to Wed 30 Jun 2021, 3.16pm. Last reviewed: Sat 13 Feb 2021, 3.01pm

Closed areas: George Boyd Rainforest and lookout walks

George Boyd Rainforest and lookout walks are closed due to bushfire damage.

You can still visit George Boyd lookout and picnic areas by car. Do not enter the 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 Fri 1 Jan 2021, 4.24pm to Wed 30 Jun 2021, 4.25pm. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Feb 2021, 9.17am

Closed areas: 12 Mile Road closed west of George Boyd lookout

12 Mile Road is closed west of George Boyd lookout. Please do not enter the closed areas.

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

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Applies from Fri 1 Jan 2021, 3.35pm. Last reviewed: Fri 5 Feb 2021, 9.16am

Closed areas: Tianjara fire trail

Tianjara fire trail is closed. Please do not enter the closed area.

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

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Applies from Fri 7 Feb 2020, 11.15am to Thu 21 Oct 2021, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Jan 2021, 12.43pm

Other planned events: 1080 fox and wild dog control ground baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using ground baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. The program will be conducted between Wednesday 14 October 2020 and Wednesday 14 April 2021 in the Kangaroo Valley, Budgong and Illaroo areas.

All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Penalties apply for non-compliance. 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 please call the NPWS Highlands office on 024887 8244.

Affects 4 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Dec 2020, 11.55am. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Jan 2021, 11.36am

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 contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 4 Dec 2020, 2.57pm. Last reviewed: Tue 5 Jan 2021, 9.59am

Closed areas: Campground closures and changed conditions

The following campsites are closed:

  • Pauls Point
  • Sundeck
  • Sawyers
  • Tigersnake
  • Beehive upper and lower
  • Burrawang
  • Hideaway

Due to recent heavy rains campgrounds between Caringal and Wirritin may be be affected by flood debris and steep sand walls to access the sites. Please use caution and move onto another campground if there are issues.

There have been many changes to campgrounds along the river, including reduced campground capacity. Some sites also have extensive regrowth following fires.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Oct 2020, 12.00am to Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Jan 2021, 2.16pm

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: Mon 4 Jan 2021, 12.19pm

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.

Applies from Thu 1 Oct 2020, 12.00am to Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Jan 2021, 2.14pm

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 Mon 20 Jan 2020, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 9 Dec 2020, 2.26pm

Closed areas: Most of Morton National Park closed

Most of Morton National Park remains closed due to bushfire damage and to protect the safety of our visitors.

However, the following areas are now open:

  • North of the Shoalhaven River, including Kangaroo Valley, the following walks and lookouts are accessible:
    • Bonnie View and Beauchamps lookouts
    • Erith coalmine loop walk
    • Lovers walking track
    • Mount Carnorvon walking track
    • East and West Rim tracks
    • Manning lookout
    • Kangaroo River walking track
    • Three views walking track
  • South of the Shoalhaven River to Braidwood Road, including the Ettrema Wilderness area. The following walks, trails and lookouts are accessible:
    • Ettrema Wilderness walks starting from Tolwong Road
    • Ettrema Wilderness walks starting from Sassafras
    • Ettrema Wilderness walks starting from Yalwal
    • Old Burrier fire trail
  • South of Braidwood Road, including the Budawang Wilderness Area. The following walking routes and lookouts are accessible:
    • Pigeon House Mountain, Didthul.
    • Mount Bushwalker (temporary opening, please re-check this alert before setting out for the park).
    • Rusden Head
    • Florence Head
    • Pointer Gap lookout. Toilet is non-operational.
    • Porters Creek Dam
    • The Castle. Toilet is non-operational at Cooyoyo campground. Please bury waste per Budawangs walking and camping strategy.
    • Wog Wog
    • Scenic Rim. Toilet is non-operational at Burrumbeet Brook campground. Please bury waste per Budawangs walking and camping strategy
    • Monolith Valley
    • Mount Tarn
    • Styles Creek
    • Redground

An overnight walk in Morton National Park wilderness areas requires a trip intention form at this time, as per our COVID-19 update.

Most of Morton National Park has been bushfire-affected. Caution should be taken as risks may still be present.

Do not enter the closed areas of this park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 12 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 16 Jul 2020, 12.23pm. Last reviewed: Sun 8 Nov 2020, 6.28pm

Closed areas: Cafe closed

The cafe at Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre is currently closed until mid 2021. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 2 Jul 2020, 4.56pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Nov 2020, 10.39am

Other incidents: Minnamurra Rainforest

Minnamurra Rainforest is a popular location and will close at short notice if needed to ensure visitation levels do not exceed safe capacity or due to the car park reaching capacity.  We encourage you to plan your visit outside the peak periods of 11am to 2pm. 

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Aug 2020, 12.09pm. Last reviewed: Fri 21 Aug 2020, 1.24pm

Safety alerts: Diversion on Mount Keira Ring track

The staircase on the western side of Mount Keira Road at the junction of Mount Keira Road and Queen Elizabeth Drive has been closed off for repairs. Please follow the relevant signage for a slight detour to the ring track at the crossing of Queen Elizabeth Drive.

If completing the loop in a clockwise direction: head north uphill of the closed staircase for roughly 50m until you come to an opening by the road. Take care crossing the road at this point and re-join the track at the usual entry point to the eastern side of the loop.

If completing the loop in an anticlockwise direction: when you get to Queen Elizabeth Drive crossing head north for roughly 50m from the point of entry to the western side of the loop. Re-join the track at this point.

For more information, please contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Jun 2019, 9.18am. Last reviewed: Tue 9 Jun 2020, 8.15am

Closed areas: Access to Macquarie Rivulet via top of Macquarie Pass not permitted

Access to Macquarie Rivulet from Mount Murray, at the top of Macquarie Pass is not permitted. If you access the rivulet from the top of the escarpment, you will be trespassing on private property and this action may result in police involvement.

The recommended access points for Macquarie Rivulet are via Clover Hill Road and from the Cascades/Rivulet carparks. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Illawarra area office on 02 4224 4188.

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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/cascades-picnic-area/local-alerts

Park info

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.

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