Back to previous page

Girrakool picnic area

Brisbane Water National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Wed 8 July 2026, 11.50am

Applies from Tue 8 Apr 2025, 12.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 8 Jul 2026, 11.50am.

Closed areas: Partial closure Piles Creek Loop Walking Track

Part of Piles Creek Loop Walking Track will be closed while rockfall investigations and mitigation works are undertaken.

The closed area is between the suspension bridge and Bundilla Lookout on the western side of Piles Creek.

Areas that will remain open are:

  • Piles Creek Loop Walking Track on the eastern side of Piles Creek 
  • Access to the Great North Walk from Girrakool Picnic Area 
  • Bundilla Lookout 

Barriers and signage are in place around the closed area.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.

 

Nearby alerts

Applies from Sun 6 Sep 2026, 9.00am. Last reviewed: Sun 6 Sep 2026, 12.41pm

Hazard reduction burns: Maculata HR

There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 06/09/2026. The fire is called Maculata HR. 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.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 3 Sep 2026, 2.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 6 Sep 2026, 11.42am

Hazard reduction burns: Bobbin Head East HR

There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 03/09/2026. The fire is called Bobbin Head East HR. 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.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 1 Sep 2026, 12.35pm. Last reviewed: Sat 5 Sep 2026, 9.37pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for Bobbin Head East hazard reduction burn

Some parts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park remain closed following implementation of hazard reduction burning from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th September.

The burn is bounded by the Sphinx Trail to the south, the Bobbin Head Trail to the west, and Cowan Creek to the north and east. A number of tracks within the burn area will be closed to visitors until they have been declared safe, including:

  • Bobbin Head Trail
  • Jacombs Trail
  • Sphinx Trail, Sphinx Track and Sphinx Memorial
  • Memorial Road
  • Warrimoo Trail and Track
  • Darri Track between Timbarra Trail and Warrimoo Trail

Please note that the Bobbin Head Precinct, including Empire Marina, Bobbin Head Visitor Centre and Bobbin Inn Cafe remains open throughout this period.

Penalties apply for non-compliance with closures.

This burn is called the Bobbin Head East Hazard Reduction. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the Rural Fire Service website.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 3 Sep 2026, 1.41pm to Mon 21 Sep 2026, 1.51pm. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Sep 2026, 2.04pm

Closed areas: Areas closed for hazard reduction burning

Some parts of this Park are closed for hazard reduction burning from Sunday 6 September to Wednesday 9 September 2026. The closed areas are:

- Whitemans Lane

- Whitemans Ridge Road

- Maculata Road

- Little Jilliby Ridge Road

- Little Jilliby Road

- Daniels Point Road and includes informal tracks that intersect with theses areas. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. This burn is called Maculata HR. For more information, contact Munmorah NPWS office on 49729000 or visit the Rural Fire Service website

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Aug 2026, 6.00am to Mon 7 Sep 2026, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Aug 2026, 11.32am

Closed areas: Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place and carpark closed for road works

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place and carpark are closed from 0600 Monday 31 August to 2000 Sunday 6 September for road works.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 2 Sep 2026, 7.00am to Fri 11 Sep 2026, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 28 Aug 2026, 2.25pm

Other planned events: Wedgewood trail works

There will be surface maintenance works on the Wedgewood trail from Wednesday 2 September 2026 until Friday 11 September 2026, weather permitting. Please follow all signage and instruction from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 31 Jul 2026, 10.25pm to Mon 1 Feb 2027, 2.26am. Last reviewed: Thu 27 Aug 2026, 7.45am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2026 and 31 January 2027 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Do not touch baits or ejector devices. 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 these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

  • Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  • NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 3 Sep 2026, 8.00am to Mon 5 Oct 2026, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 27 Aug 2026, 7.43am

Other planned events: 1080 pest management in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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 occur between Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September 2026 in West Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Do not 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). In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

  • Forestville: 02 9451 3479 (business hours)
  • NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 4 Sep 2026, 8.57am to Tue 20 Oct 2026, 9.03am. Last reviewed: Sun 23 Aug 2026, 9.06am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program from 12 September 2026 to 20 September 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program will take place in Watagans, Popran and Brisbane Water National Parks.

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 Central Coast NPWS area office for more information on 02 4320 4200.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 9 Jun 2026, 3.38pm to Fri 1 Jan 2027, 3.40pm. Last reviewed: Thu 20 Aug 2026, 8.15am

Safety alerts: America Bay walking track - condition alert

The America Bay walking track is currently in poor condition. Visitors should expect uneven surfaces and slip, trip and fall hazards along sections of the track.

If your are walking the track, exercise caution, wear suitable footwear and take extra care on steep, uneven or slippery sections.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is undertaking an assessment of the track and considering future maintenance and improvement works.

NPWS appreciates the cooperation of park visitors and encourages all visitors to assess track conditions and their own capabilities before commencing any walk.

For more information contact the NPWS Forestville office on 02 9451 3479.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 8 Mar 2023, 9.09am. Last reviewed: Tue 18 Aug 2026, 8.41am

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. 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 15 Aug 2026, 9.00am to Sun 20 Sep 2026, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Sep 2026, 11.47am

Other planned events: Muogamarra Nature Reserve open season 2026

Muogamarra Nature Reserve is only open to the public for 6 weeks every year, around spring time for pre-booked tours only. The dates for the 2026 Open Season are from Saturday 15 August to Sunday 20 September.

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access is restricted at other times to approved educational and research activities only.

For more information about the reserve, call the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 1 Sep 2026, 1.53pm to Fri 23 Oct 2026, 1.55pm. Last reviewed: Tue 25 Aug 2026, 11.36am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program from 5th September 2026 to 25th September 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.

The program will take place in Bouddi National Park.

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 (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 NPWS Central Coast area office for more information on (02) 43 204 200.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 16 Feb 2026, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 25 Aug 2026, 11.36am

Other planned events: Notice of fire trail maintenance works - Pearl Beach to Patonga Fire Trail

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service are undertaking fire trail maintenance works on the Pearl Beach to Patonga Fire Trail.

Maintenance will repair damaged surfaces, drainage assets and essential trail infrastructure, as well as maintain vegetation clearances.

The trail will remain open throughout the works, though short delays may occur. Please follow all safety signage and directions from roadwork personnel.

For more information, contact the Central Coast Area Office on 02 4320 4200.

/**/

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 12 Aug 2026, 10.40am. Last reviewed: Wed 12 Aug 2026, 10.47am

Safety alerts: Group camping only permitted at Mt Wondabyne remote bush camp

Group camping (more than four people) is only permitted at the Mt Wondabyne remote bush camp within Brisbane Water National Park.

Group camping is not permitted elsewhere in the park due to impacts from pollution, informal campsite creation and damage to native vegetation.

Please note: Mt Wondabyne remote bush camp is not a bookable campsite and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 May 2026, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 11 Aug 2026, 10.04am

Closed areas: Unauthorised Muppet Track closed

NPWS has closed the unauthorised Muppet Track in Terrey Hills, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, to protect an Asset of Intergenerational Significance (AIS) site. 

This area contains endangered Grevillea caleyi plants and Duffys Forest Endangered Ecological Community. The track was illegally constructed by recreational users through sensitive bushland.

A small section of the track will remain open to enable access between Terrey Hills and St Ives until a formal alternative can be established.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 3 Jul 2026, 8.58am to Mon 2 Nov 2026, 8.59am. Last reviewed: Tue 4 Aug 2026, 1.39pm

Other planned events: Conservation works on Devines Hill

Conservation works are underway on the Devines Hill section of the Old Great North Road, near Hangman's Rock. The Devines Hill section is from Settlers Road to Shepherds Gully Road.

 

Plant machinery will be operating from Monday to Friday. Do not approach machinery while under operation. The trail may be uneven and narrow during this time. Walk carefully and follow the directions of signs and NPWS staff and contractors.

 

For more information, contact the Wollemi - Yengo Area Office - (02) 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 7 Aug 2026, 2.31pm to Sun 4 Oct 2026, 2.31pm. Last reviewed: Mon 3 Aug 2026, 11.51am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Dharug National Park (NP), Koolewong Flora Reserve (FR), Manobalai Nature Reserve (NR), Parr State Conservation Area (SCA), Wollemi FR, Wollemi SCA, and Yengo NP from Monday 24th August – Sunday 6th September 2026.

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 NPWS Area Office Bulga for more information on 02 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 29 Jul 2026, 3.39pm to Sat 31 Jul 2027, 3.39pm. Last reviewed: Mon 27 Jul 2026, 3.55pm

Closed areas: Kalkari Lookout Closed

To ensure visitor safety, Kalkari Lookout has been closed due to safety concerns. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is planning a new lookout that will provide a safer and more accessible experience for all visitors.

Kalkari Discovery Centre and the Kalkari Discovery Trail will remain open.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 1 Jan 2025, 8.49pm to Thu 31 Dec 2026, 8.50pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Sep 2026, 11.47am

Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure

Berowra walking track is partially closed from Apple Tree Bay to the Mount Kuring-gai access track until further notice. There continues to be a threat of rockfalls and foreshore slumps due to slope instability caused by previous weather events. NPWS is updating detailed assessments to undertake essential repair works.

Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mount Kuring-gai remains open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 8 Apr 2025, 12.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 8 Jul 2026, 11.50am

Closed areas: Partial closure Piles Creek Loop Walking Track

Part of Piles Creek Loop Walking Track will be closed while rockfall investigations and mitigation works are undertaken.

The closed area is between the suspension bridge and Bundilla Lookout on the western side of Piles Creek.

Areas that will remain open are:

  • Piles Creek Loop Walking Track on the eastern side of Piles Creek 
  • Access to the Great North Walk from Girrakool Picnic Area 
  • Bundilla Lookout 

Barriers and signage are in place around the closed area.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.

 

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 25 Aug 2025, 10.33am. Last reviewed: Thu 18 Jun 2026, 11.30am

Closed areas: Upper Gledhill Falls access unsafe

There is no safe location to park a vehicle on the side of McCarrs Creek Road to reach Upper Gledhills Falls. For your own safety, climbing and abseiling are prohibited here. Please visit Duckholes picnic area instead.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 24 Sep 2025, 2.26pm. Last reviewed: Tue 30 Jun 2026, 9.08am

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Feb 2025, 8.03am to Sun 31 Jan 2027, 8.05am. Last reviewed: Mon 24 Aug 2026, 9.41am

Closed parks: Spectacle Island Nature Reserve closed

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access to Spectacle Island Nature Reserve is restricted to approved research and cultural activities only. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 14 Feb 2025, 8.09am to Sun 31 Jan 2027, 8.05am. Last reviewed: Mon 24 Aug 2026, 9.41am

Closed parks: Long Island Nature Reserve closed

Due to the sensitive nature of the reserve, access to Long Island Nature Reserve is restricted to approved research and cultural activities only. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 21 May 2024, 11.41am. Last reviewed: Tue 25 Aug 2026, 11.37am

Closed areas: Warrah Trig Road closed to vehicles

Warrah Trig Road is closed to vehicles due to an increase in illegal activities throughout the area.

The road will remain closed until investigations are completed and further recommendations are made.

The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

 

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

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 13 Apr 2022, 10.37am. Last reviewed: Tue 18 Aug 2026, 8.39am

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.

Affects 1 park 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/girrakool-picnic-area/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm at other times.

    Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept cards, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.

    Other fees:

    You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.

    Buy annual pass
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

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon