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Illoura picnic area

Lane Cove National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 2 October 2023, 4.10pm

Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 12.00am to Tue 3 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 4.10pm.

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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 6.33am. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 2.28pm

Fires - Advice: SIMON TRL, HORNSBY HEIGHTS

There is a fire in this park called SIMON TRL, HORNSBY HEIGHTS. 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 Tue 3 Oct 2023, 10.45am to Fri 1 Dec 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 10.49am

Closed areas: Clark Island closed for essential wharf maintenance

Clark Island, Sydney Harbour National Park - is closed for essential wharf maintenance from until 5pm Friday 1 December 2023. Please note:

  • No vessels are permitted to approach, berth or moor at the Clark Island wharf during this time.
  • Essential wharf repairs are being completed over 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 Tue 3 Oct 2023, 9.23am to Tue 3 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 9.33am

Closed areas: Tracks and trails closed in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Tuesday 3rd October

All tracks and trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are closed on Tuesday 3rd October 2023 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.


The Basin campground and picnic area will be accessible by water only.


Closed areas include:
• All tracks and trails

 

These areas will remain open:

• Akuna Bay
• Apple Tree Bay picnic area
• Apple Tree Bay boat ramp
• Barrenjoey Headland
• Bobbin Head picnic areas
• Bobbin Head Marina
• Duckholes picnic area
• Illawong Bay picnic area
• Kalkari Visitors Centre
• Resolute picnic area
• Salvation Creek picnic area
• The Sphinx picnic area
• The Basin campground and picnic area


Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Bobbin Head Visitors Centre on (02) 9472 8949.

 

Please review RFS information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger Ratings, and keep up to date using the Hazards Near Me app:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans

https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

Affects 1 park and 23 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 8.53am to Tue 3 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Tue 3 Oct 2023, 9.32am

Closed areas: All tracks and trails closed in Garigal National Park - Tuesday 3rd October

All tracks and trails in Garigal National Park are closed on Tuesday 3rd October 2023 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.

Davidson Picnic Area and Boat Ramp will remain open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.

 

Please review RFS information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger Ratings, and keep up to date using the Hazards Near Me app:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans

https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 2 Oct 2023, 8.01pm to Tue 3 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 8.07pm

Closed areas: Total Fire Ban - all tracks and trails closed

All tracks and trails in Lane Cove National Park, Berowra Valley National & Regional Parks, Marramarra National Park, Parramatta River Regional Park, Wallumatta Nature Reserve, Dalrymple Hay Nature Reserve and Dural Nature Reserve are closed on Tuesday3 October due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger Rating.

Campgrounds in Berowra Valley, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Marramarra National Parks are also closed. This includes Tunks Ridge, Brooklyn Dam, and Marramarra Creek, Orchard, Gentleman's Halt and Twin Beaches Campgrounds.

Picnic areas and boat ramps will remain open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Bobbin Head Visitors Centre on 02 9472 8949, the NPWS contact centre on 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Check the Rural Fire Service Fires Near Me website for up-to-date information and warnings.

Affects 6 parks and 9 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 3 Oct 2023, 12.00am to Tue 3 Oct 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 4.10pm

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.

Affects 12 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 9.18pm to Thu 31 Oct 2024, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 9.24pm

Other planned events: Paddle boat hire times

Paddle boat hire is available at the following times, weather dependent:

  • weekends
  • public holidays
  • summer school holidays 

For further information please contact the Bobbin Inn Visitor Centre on 02 9472 8949

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 29 Sep 2023, 5.00pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 8.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 9.15pm

Other planned events: Boat hire no longer available at Empire Marina

Boat hire is no longer available at the Empire Marina, Bobbin Head.

For further information please call the Empire Marina on 02 9457 9011 or visit their website.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.27pm

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 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Sep 2023, 1.09pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 2.24pm

Other planned events: Hornby Lighthouse repairs

Hornby Lighthouse at South Head is currently undergoing restoration and maintenance. Completion is scheduled for September 2024. South Head heritage trail remains open. However, views and access around the Hornby Lighthouse will be temporarily impacted during these works. 

For more information, visit this web page.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 9 Jun 2023, 12.10pm to Thu 30 Nov 2023, 12.10pm. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Sep 2023, 10.29am

Closed areas: Gibberagong walking track partially closed

Gibberagong walking track is partially closed until further notice from Grosvenor Street fire trail to the Rainforest track. The Gibberagong boardwalk is open. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.

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 5 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 31 Mar 2023, 8.37am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 Sep 2023, 8.21am

Other planned events: Bobbin Inn Cafe closed

Bobbin Inn Cafe in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is closed until further notice. The last day of trade was Monday 10 April 2023 (Easter Monday).

For further information please call the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 11 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 11.22pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 4.24am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Aug 2023, 2.29pm

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 Tuesday 1 August 2023 and Wednesday 31 January 2024 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 NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 or Lane Cove area office on 02 8448 0400 (during business hours). For after hours enquiries, contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 6 Apr 2023, 8.04am to Thu 29 Feb 2024, 8.07am. Last reviewed: Thu 24 Aug 2023, 8.34am

Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure

Berowra walking track is partially closed until further notice from Waratah Bay to Apple Tree Bay, including the Mount Ku-ring-gai access track. Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Waratah Bay is open for use. 

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.

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 6 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 10.10pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 3.12am. Last reviewed: Fri 30 Jun 2023, 11.36am

Other planned events: 1080 feral animal baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) 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 Tuesday 1 August 2023 and Wednesday 31 January 2024 in the following areas:

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

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 NPWS Middle Head office on 02 9960 6266 (business hours), North Head Sanctuary Manly (Harbour Trust Lands) on 02 8969 2128 (business hours) or the NPWS after-hours call centre on 1300 056 294.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 3 Feb 2023, 12.17pm to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.30pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jun 2023, 4.11pm

Closed areas: Shark Beach and the promenade at Nielsen Park closed

Shark Beach and the beach front at Nielsen Park are closed while the new concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. For more information on this project, please visit the project webpage or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 24 Jan 2023, 10.00am to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.29pm. Last reviewed: Thu 29 Jun 2023, 3.29pm

Closed areas: Gardeners Cottage closure

Gardeners Cottage will not be available for bookings until the replacement of the concrete seawall at Shark Beach, Nielsen Park has been completed. For more information on the seawall replacement please visit the project website or call the NPWS Vaucluse office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 31 Jul 2023, 11.55pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 3.57am. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Jun 2023, 12.01pm

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 2023 and 31 January 2024 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 Thu 11 May 2023, 11.49am to Thu 30 Nov 2023, 11.52am. Last reviewed: Mon 4 Sep 2023, 7.45am

Closed areas: Areas closed for West Head lookout upgrades

The following areas are closed from Monday 22 May to Thursday 30 November 2023 while West Head lookout upgrades are underway:

  • West Head lookout
  • The loop section of West Head Road
  • West Head Army track.

Vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians will have access to the Resolute picnic area and public toilets. Access is restricted past this point.

The following walking tracks remain open:

  • Red Hands track
  • Aboriginal Heritage track
  • Resolute track, including access to Resolute Beach and West Head Beach
  • Mackeral Beach track
  • Koolewong track.

The West Head lookout cannot be accessed from any of these tracks.

For more information, visit the project webpage.

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Thu 3 Aug 2023, 12.41pm

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect important plant and animal communities. For your safety and to help conserve the landscape, please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park.

Shelly Beach to Bluefish walking track is open.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 15 Dec 2022, 4.29pm. Last reviewed: Wed 19 Jul 2023, 11.12am

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 remember 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 Fri 24 Mar 2023, 9.31am. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.31pm

Closed areas: Section of Casuarina track closed for track maintenance

Part of Casuarina track is closed from Thursday 23 March 2023 until further notice due to maintenance on the footbridge.

The closed area is the section of Casuarina track between the end of Boree Road and the Carrol Creek track intersection.

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

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Wed 2 Aug 2023, 12.23pm

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • From 1 October to 31 March - from 5am to 8.30pm
  • From 1 April to 30 September - 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Jul 2023, 1.15pm

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 call the NPWS Sydney South area office on 02 9337 5511. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 5.31pm

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 where 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

Applies from Fri 1 Oct 2021, 9.47am to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.01pm. Last reviewed: Thu 31 Aug 2023, 10.18am

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 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 29 Oct 2019, 2.58pm to Thu 1 Feb 2024, 11.00am. Last reviewed: Tue 5 Sep 2023, 10.44am

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 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/illoura-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