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Halfway Point picnic area

Lane Cove National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 2 December 2024, 8.58am

Applies from Wed 20 Nov 2024, 12.06pm to Fri 13 Dec 2024, 4.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 8.58am.

Closed areas: Pest control operations

A pest control operations program using firearms is happening in Lane Cove National Park on the following dates:

  • From 10pm, Tuesday 10 December to 2am, Thursday 11 December 2024
  • From 10pm, Thursday 12 December to 2am, Friday 13 December 2024

This program is targeting wild rabbits.

The following areas will be closed:

  • All picnic areas and walking tracks along Max Allen Drive.
  • The Great North Walk between Lady Game Drive and Fiddens Wharf Oval.
  • All picnic areas along Riverside Drive (between Plassey Road and Fullers Bridge).
  • Riverside walking track between Lane Cove Road and Lane Cove River Weir.

Do not enter the park under any circumstances. Signs will be placed at all entrances during the closure period. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Applies from Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.05pm to Tue 4 Feb 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 19 Nov 2024, 3.23pm.

Closed areas: Toilet closures in Lane Cove National Park

Some toilets within this park will be closed during the week, opening only on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The closed toilets are at:

  • Carters Creek (Area 9)
  • Scribbly Gums (Area 17)
  • Haynes Flat (Area 32)

Please note: This does not apply to bookings. Where there are bookings, toilets will be opened.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.39pm

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities. Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 3.37pm

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 7 October 2024 to 6 April 2025 - from 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 7 April 2025 to 5 October 2025 -  from 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 2 Dec 2024, 2.13pm to Tue 10 Dec 2024, 2.14pm. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Dec 2024, 8.18am

Closed areas: Long trail maintenance works

There will be maintenance work carried out on the Long Trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from Friday 6 December until Tuesday 10 December 2024, weather permitting.

Please follow all signage and instruction from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 15 Nov 2024, 12.17pm to Mon 9 Dec 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 1.48pm

Closed areas: Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails closed for upgrade works

There will be vegetation and surface works on the Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from Friday 18 October 2024 until Monday 9 December 2024, weather permitting.

Please follow all signage and instruction from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 31 Oct 2024, 12.41pm to Mon 16 Dec 2024, 10.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Nov 2024, 11.57am

Closed areas: Barrenjoey access trail closed on weekdays

Barrenjoey access road is closed on weekdays from Monday 8 July 2024 to Friday 13 December 2024 due to construction works. Pedestrian access to Barrenjoey Lighthouse will be via Smugglers track.

The Smugglers track is a grade 3 walking track – mostly stairs. It is a steeper and more challenging walk to the top of the headland. Please consider your ability prior to ascent.

For further information please call the local area office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 20 Nov 2024, 12.06pm to Fri 13 Dec 2024, 4.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 8.58am

Closed areas: Pest control operations

A pest control operations program using firearms is happening in Lane Cove National Park on the following dates:

  • From 10pm, Tuesday 10 December to 2am, Thursday 11 December 2024
  • From 10pm, Thursday 12 December to 2am, Friday 13 December 2024

This program is targeting wild rabbits.

The following areas will be closed:

  • All picnic areas and walking tracks along Max Allen Drive.
  • The Great North Walk between Lady Game Drive and Fiddens Wharf Oval.
  • All picnic areas along Riverside Drive (between Plassey Road and Fullers Bridge).
  • Riverside walking track between Lane Cove Road and Lane Cove River Weir.

Do not enter the park under any circumstances. Signs will be placed at all entrances during the closure period. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 17 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 14 Oct 2024, 2.58pm to Fri 20 Dec 2024, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Nov 2024, 1.01pm

Closed areas: Towlers Bay fire trail closed for major works

Towlers Bay Trail is closed from Tuesday 15 October to Friday 20 December 2024 while major works are undertaken.

Access to Halls Wharf, Morning Bay remains open.

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

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 21 Oct 2024, 7.00am to Sat 14 Dec 2024, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Nov 2024, 7.30pm

Closed areas: Shark Island wharf closed for maintenance

Shark Island wharf is closed from 7am, Monday 21 October until 7am, Saturday 14 December 2024.

Please note:

  • No public access to Shark Island wharf, including kayak landings to the wharf, is permitted during this time.
  • No vessels are permitted to approach or use the wharf or to berth or moor at Shark Island during this time.
  • No bookings, events or commercial activities are permitted on Shark Island during this time.
  • Access to the wider island via beach kayak landings (excluding the wharf area) is permitted during this time.

Essential maintenance works will be occurring to the wharf during this period.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 16 Sep 2024, 12.16pm. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Nov 2024, 2.10pm

Closed areas: Shark Beach, Kiosk and promenade at Nielsen Park closed

Shark Beach at Nielsen Park is closed while the concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. The Nielsen Park Kiosk, Halbert Pavilion and former surf club are closed for renovation. For more information on these projects, please visit the project webpage or email or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 30 Sep 2024, 1.16pm to Mon 30 Dec 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 8.58am

Closed areas: Quarry trail and Great North Walk closure in Berowra Valley National Park

Due to upgrade works on Steele Bridge on the Quarry trail in Berowra Valley National Park, there will be changed access to the surrounding trail network from Tuesday 8 October until Mon 30 December 2024.

There will be no access across Berowra Creek on the Great North Walk (GNW) from the Quarry trail section in Hornsby, between Simon trail and Galston Gorge via Tunks Ridge campground.

Walkers using the GNW will be required to detour via Simon trail, Sydney Road or Ulolo Road, Galston Road, Montview Parade, McKay Road or McKay trail in Hornsby Heights.

Walkers planning to use Tunks Ridge campground can only access this area from the north, via Galston Road GNW entrance and Tunks Ridge trail.

Access between Tunks Ridge campground and Quarry Road, Dural via Quarry trail through the Rifle Range safety template is prohibited at all times.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.

Affects 2 parks and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Jul 2024, 10.21pm to Sat 1 Feb 2025, 2.26am. Last reviewed: Fri 6 Sep 2024, 11.03am

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 Thursday 1 August 2024 and Friday 31 January 2025 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:

  • Chowder Bay 
  • Dobroyd Head 
  • Bradleys Head 
  • Georges Head 
  • Middle and North Head (North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management, and Quarantine Station).

Please don’t touch baits or ejector devices. 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.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on:

Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

North Head Sanctuary, Manly (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Jul 2024, 10.11pm to Sat 1 Feb 2025, 2.12am. Last reviewed: Mon 14 Oct 2024, 7.05am

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

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 2024 and 31 January 2025 in Garigal National Park. Don’t 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 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Jul 2024, 10.58pm to Sat 1 Feb 2025, 2.04am. Last reviewed: Mon 14 Oct 2024, 7.06am

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

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 2024 and 31 January 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t 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 Sat 29 Jun 2024, 3.18pm to Tue 31 Dec 2024, 3.20pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 8.45am

Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure

Berowra walking track is partially closed until further notice from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.

The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.

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 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 15 Dec 2022, 4.29pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Dec 2024, 4.09pm

Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed

North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.

The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.

Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:

  • The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  • The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.

Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.

For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.07pm to Tue 4 Feb 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 5 Dec 2024, 8.45am

Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park

Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.

Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 2 parks and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.05pm to Tue 4 Feb 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 19 Nov 2024, 3.23pm

Closed areas: Toilet closures in Lane Cove National Park

Some toilets within this park will be closed during the week, opening only on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The closed toilets are at:

  • Carters Creek (Area 9)
  • Scribbly Gums (Area 17)
  • Haynes Flat (Area 32)

Please note: This does not apply to bookings. Where there are bookings, toilets will be opened.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 16 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Mar 2024, 10.10am

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Fort Denison is currently closed.

Conservation and upgrade works are currently underway. Key elements include the construction of a new accessible wharf and maintenance and upgrade to buildings and services. Fort Denison will be closed to visitors until these works have been completed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

  • 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday
  • 8am and 1pm on Saturday

For more information, visit the project webpage or email us. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 6 Nov 2023, 9.52am

Closed areas: North Head partial closure

Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:

  • Bluefish Point
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road

The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:

  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head

Do not enter the closed areas.

Open areas include:

  • Q Station
  • North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  • The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  • Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  • Collins Flat Beach
  • Fairfax track
  • Burragula and Yiningma lookouts

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 20 Sep 2024, 9.49am

Closed areas: Flat Rock track partial closure

The section of Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance to the Downpatrick Street entrance, is permanently closed as the old track passes through private property near Killarney Point.

Please note:

  • Walkers heading west should exit Flat Rock track at the eastern end of Killarney Drive and use Killarney Drive until you reach Downpatrick Street. Then walk down the street and re-enter Flat Rock track from the Downpatrick Street fire trail.
  • Walkers heading east should exit Flat Rock track at the Downpatrick Street fire trail and use Downpatrick Street, then Killarney Drive until you reach the end of Killarney Drive. Re-enter Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 1 location 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/halfway-point-picnic-area/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Lane Cove National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Lane Cove National Park is open 9am to 7pm during daylight savings (until 6pm at other times). The park may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. Day passes are available from on-park pay machines that accept coins and credit cards, and you can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Bus: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Prior payment may be required, please phone the Lane Cove National Park Office for more information.

    Group bookings:

    Under the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 30 or more people planning to visit the park. Contact the park office prior to your visit.

    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

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